Kong Sihk Tong

Located at 65 Bayard St in the heart of New York City's vibrant Chinatown, Kong Sihk Tong, also known as 江式糖水, offers local users a classic Hong Kong-style cafe experience within the Chinese Restaurant category. Based on recent customer reviews, Kong Sihk Tong is characterized by its extensive menu, budget-friendly prices, and efficient service. This establishment appears to be a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking a wide variety of Hong Kong-inspired dishes, from savory noodles and rice to sweet treats and breakfast items. It's worth noting for first-time visitors that Kong Sihk Tong operates as a cash-only establishment.

The ambiance at Kong Sihk Tong is described as casual, suggesting a relaxed and unpretentious setting where the focus is primarily on the food and the quick turnover of customers. One reviewer mentioned being seated right away around 11:30 am during the winter, indicating that while it can get busy, especially given its popularity, wait times might be manageable, as also suggested by another reviewer who waited approximately 10 minutes after being put on a waitlist. The fact that it's a well-regarded spot based on online recommendations implies a steady stream of customers, contributing to a bustling yet efficient atmosphere typical of many Hong Kong-style cafes.

Service at Kong Sihk Tong is noted for its speed. One reviewer explicitly mentioned that the service was fast, which is a common characteristic of Hong Kong cafes designed to serve a high volume of customers efficiently. The staff is likely accustomed to handling a large menu and ensuring that orders are processed and delivered to the tables quickly. While the reviews don't extensively comment on the personal interaction with the staff beyond the speed of service, the overall impression is one of efficiency and functionality, catering to those looking for a quick and satisfying meal.

A significant feature of Kong Sihk Tong is its remarkably large menu, offering a wide array of choices that can cater to various tastes and preferences. This extensive selection includes classic Hong Kong cafe staples such as noodles, rice dishes, French toast variations, and sweet soups (Tong Sui, which aligns with the restaurant's Chinese name, 江式糖水, suggesting a specialty in these sweet offerings). The availability of such a diverse menu encourages repeat visits, as customers are likely to find new dishes to try on each occasion. This vast selection is a key differentiator, allowing Kong Sihk Tong to appeal to a broad audience.

Based on the customer reviews, several dishes stand out. The "Beef Chow Fun in brown sauce" received high praise, with one reviewer describing it as "fantastic" and highlighting the presence of "great wok hei flavour," a desirable smoky aroma achieved through high-heat stir-frying. The "Golden lava French toast" is another highly recommended item, described as "so good, crunchy and combined with the warm custard - wow." Another reviewer also enjoyed it, noting its sweetness and suggesting it might be better as a dessert. The "Crispy noodles" were also mentioned as being "very good," indicating another successful dish on their menu.

However, not all dishes received universal acclaim. The "Curry fish balls" were considered "decent" but "similar to the other curry fish balls you can find in Chinatown," suggesting they might not be a standout specialty. The "Baked rice with pork chop" also received mixed feedback. While the pork chop itself was deemed "pretty good," the cream-based sauce was described as "pretty disappointing," with the reviewer noting they had "definitely had way better." Interestingly, the waitress mentioned it was one of their more popular dishes, and the reviewer expressed interest in trying it with a different sauce base (tomato or black pepper) on a future visit, indicating the potential for a more positive experience with this dish.

An important piece of information for potential customers is that Kong Sihk Tong operates on a "cash only" basis. This is mentioned explicitly in one of the reviews and should be taken into account when planning a visit to ensure a smooth transaction. This policy is not uncommon in some of the more traditional establishments in Chinatown.

Currently, the provided information does not include any specific promotional offers or discounts for Kong Sihk Tong. Local users interested in any potential specials or promotions may need to visit the restaurant or check local online listings for any advertised deals. Given its reputation for affordability ("prices were great"), the regular menu likely already offers good value for the portion sizes and quality provided.

For local users in Chinatown and the wider New York City area, Kong Sihk Tong (江式糖水) presents a classic Hong Kong cafe experience with a vast menu of affordable dishes and quick service. Located on Bayard Street, it's a convenient spot to explore a wide range of Hong Kong-style cuisine. Standout dishes like the beef chow fun and golden lava French toast come highly recommended, while other items like the curry fish balls were considered average. The baked rice with pork chop seems to be a popular choice with the potential for varied experiences depending on the sauce. Remember to bring cash, as Kong Sihk Tong is a cash-only establishment. With its extensive menu and reasonable prices, it's a place that encourages return visits to discover more of its offerings.

In conclusion, Kong Sihk Tong (江式糖水) in Chinatown, NYC, is a Chinese restaurant in the Hong Kong cafe tradition, known for its large menu, fast service, and great prices. While some dishes receive higher praise than others, the overall sentiment suggests a reliable spot for a wide variety of Hong Kong-style food. The beef chow fun and golden lava French toast are particularly recommended. Remember that this is a cash-only establishment. For those looking to explore the diverse flavors of Hong Kong cuisine in a casual setting without breaking the bank, Kong Sihk Tong is a worthy destination.