A Tranquil Sanctuary In the Big City: Kong Sihk Tong (a review from a local)
A Tranquil Sanctuary In the Big City: Kong Sihk Tong
(a review from a local)
Let me just start this off by saying this restaurant is one of the cleanest places I’ve seen in the city and if you are a local or have been in NYC for more than 2 months I’m sure you know what I mean. You can tell right off the bat that they take good care of the restaurant and prioritize and maintain the cleanliness of the store.There is no dust or debris anywhere and the air smelled nice and fresh.
The aesthetic of the restaurant itself is very minimalist and open, they use colors like pink, green and white in the decor that makes it really stand out in such a unique way. Just from walking in the door you see this beautiful mural they have on the wall that immerses you in the culture of Hong Kong, so not only are you getting enriching authentic food but also the experience of a Hong Kong restaurant without having to actually travel there, which I thought was a pretty cool experience.
Speaking of food which I’m sure is what you are waiting to hear about, they offer a variety of different authentic foods like smoothies, soups, salads, sandwiches and so much more. All these different food options really makes it such a perfect place if you want to have brunch, or dinner or even just a quick snack. I know for me I love to go out to dinner with friends after a long week and this was the perfect place to go since we all have different cravings, they truly offered something for everyone.
I won’t just leave you without any recommendations though because I know how overwhelming a large menu can be especially when you are hungry so my favorite dish would be the salted lava french toast paired with the classic Hong Kong style milk tea, it’s a mix of both sweet and savory. Pro tip, you can always ask to customize your food or drink items if you prefer something less sweet or want to take something out of your food you can always ask and they will deliver.
This leads me to the best part about this restaurant, the staff. Everyone knows that when staff members are kind it makes the experience better but their staff is not just kind to their customers, they prioritize their customers and are genuinely there to help and answer any questions you may have about the food or drinks. If you are like me and would like to know what different food tastes like before you can decide if you want it or not, then no need to worry because they do a wonderful job in explaining each dish, what's inside it, what it tastes like as well as what you can pair it with; they helped me a great deal in deciding what I wanted to get.
I truly can say I have found the best restaurant in New York City. From the decor, to the atmosphere to the food, each part of this restaurant truly makes you feel good and happy. It is such a great way to destress and hang out with friends, or even take yourself out for some alone time to feel the city vibes. There is something there for everyone so if you walk in being unsure I can guarantee you will walk out being satisfied. Happy eating!