Big Wong, Chinatown King of Dives
Written: Mar 27 '01 (Updated Mar 04 '02)
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Pros: Inexpensive; Barbeque meats considered by some to be the best
Cons: Small portions. Bit more expensive than Wing Wong restaurant.
The Bottom Line: Big Wong can be considered the king of the Chinatown cheap eats (along Mott St). Their bbq is considered some of the best in Chinatown.
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| soothsayer's Full Review: Big Wong |
Big Wong is what people think of when one thinks of cheap (inexpensive), and good Chinese food. Big Wong means "Great Prosperity", and it has done just that. You might say they prospered by packing them as there are not too many open seats here; the place is crowded most of the time due to its location and popularity with tourists and residents. When you wait for a table here, you may be seated with strangers. Hot tea is served in tinted glasses, scratched from years and years of service. Food served at Big Wong are Chinese, and American Chinese classics, stuff like Shredded Pork with Pickled Cabbage, and Beef with Broccoli.
What sets Big Wong apart from others is its barbeque meats, especially the pork, and duck. Many people in Chinatown are familiar with Big Wong's quality, and it has become somewhat of an unofficial standard. Of course, not all pork, and duck is done in exactly the same manner. Some restaurants prepare it leaner, or fatter, or juicier, etc.; but Big Wong's quality is pretty good.
For a taste of the barbeque, one can order the cold dishes. Basically consisting of barbeque meats over rice, a bargain at $3.25, but ultimately a disappointment because it does not contain enough meat to satisfy. For a better deal, consider the hot rice dishes, the congees, or wonton soup. Buy the barbeque meats only as takeout by the pound and half pound.
Big Wong is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is nothing distinguishable on the menu for breakfast except for rice crepes ($1.50), and congee is served all day (regular price). For breakfast, consider going to XO Kitchen as they have a special $2.00 breakfast menu (until 11am) of better quality food. My review on XO is located here at
http://www.epinions.com/trvl-review-47BF-DA6D07E-398A62E4-prod1
The alternative to Big Wong is Wing Wong. The story on Big Wong and Wing Wong goes as follows. Many years ago, sometime in the 90's, sorry, I'm a little fuzzy on dates, a great schism occurred at Big Wong. It involved a dispute between the big chefs and the owners over profit sharing. The dispute resulted in the chefs quitting and forming two restaurants both named Wing Wong meaning "Eternal Prosperity". The name hinted at a legitimate continuation of the Big Wong dynasty, because after all, a restaurant is only as good as their cooks. One Wing Wong was located at 102 Mott Street, between Canal and Hester. The other settled on Lafayete Street just below Canal.
When the Mott Street Wing Wong opened, it had no trouble finding success. First was its location near the center of traditional/tourist Chinatown. Two, the quality of the barbeque meats was same as before (because it was the chef who prepared the meats back at Big Wong); and three, many Big Wong loyalists switched over to Wing Wong because the big chefs where there.
In so far as décor, you probably wouldn't be able to tell Wing Wong from Big Wong. It has that non-descript "divey" look with the throngs of people inside chowing down. Wing Wong is less expensive than Big Wong, and the quality of the food is about the same, perhaps a little better in my opinion.
Recommended:
Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Consider Wing Wong at 102 Mott Street, on the other side of Canal. Same as Big Wong, but less expensive ($0.25-$0.75 cheaper).
Best Suited For: Friends
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