Hong Kong Palace (HKP) in Falls Church might not resemble a real-life palace, but those who plan to dine there should still prepare to eat like royalty. 
Hong Kong Palace (HKP) in Falls Church might not resemble a real-life palace, but those who plan to dine there should still prepare to eat like royalty.
Formerly Saigon Palace, HKP has made the switch from Vietnamese to a mix of Cantonese, Hunan and Szechuan cuisine.
After this visit, this writer is not complaining about the infusion of new flavors.
The restaurant is decked out in red, from the red chili pepper strands to the red slips of paper bearing traditional menu options written in Chinese characters.
The color red is said to be the Chinese symbol of luck and happiness, so who can blame HKP for trying to spread good fortune and positive feng shui? Definitely not this patron, who could use the good luck thrown her way.
The dining area might be small, but the wall mirror gives patrons the impression that the restaurant is bigger than it actually is. But what solidifies the larger-than-life feel is the Hong Kong cityscape, illuminated brightly to steal the show.
Although it might take awhile for the food to arrive, HKP has it covered. Guests can kill time by checking out their place settings and reading up on their Chinese Zodiac animals and determine the degree of their future success and happiness.
Rats, pigs and monkeys aside, get ready to kick off the meal with Eggrolls ($2.50), a staple of Chinese cuisine. These two plump rolls are stuffed with shredded cabbage, carrots and ground pork. Dress each bite with a dollop of sweet and sour duck sauce to give the roll that extra zest.
Larger groups can sample a little bit of everything with the Pu Pu Tray ($9.50), which is more appetizing than it sounds. The platter consists of Vegetable Spring Rolls, Bar-B-Q Spareribs, Fried Wontons, Shrimp Tempura and Beef Sticks.
HKP serves up a variety of proteins from seafood and beef to pork and poultry. The options are endless, but for those looking to spice things up, the Kung Pao Shrimp ($6.95 for lunch, $10.95 for dinner), Braised Beef Tenderloin with Bamboo Shoots ($12.95) and Chengdu Kung Pao Chicken ($5.95 for lunch, $9.95 for dinner) are all excellent picks.
A familiar choice: General Tso’s Chicken ($9.95) is served with a bowl of white rice. The chicken itself was crispy on the outside, yet tender within and the accompanying thick sauce was a nice balance between spicy and sweet—a yummy spread for the rice.
Diners also have the option of mixing things up with the Kung Pao Chicken and Shrimp ($10.95), Beef and Scallops ($12.95) or the Kung Pao Triple Delight ($12.95).
And if that’s too much kung pao meat, HKP offers unique vegetarian dishes like the Ma Po Tofu ($5.95 for lunch, $9.95 for dinner), Pan Fried Eggs with Bitter Melon ($8.95) and the Pan Fried Celery & Wooden Ear Mushroom ($8.95).
The traditional menu is also worth a glance, as it features tasty treasures like the Chengdu Tea-Smoked Duck ($13.95).
All in all, Hong Kong Palace has over 100 menu options to satisfy every palate, so whether it’s dine-in, carry out or delivery, expect a feast fit for anyone.
Hong Kong Palace
6208 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA
www.hkpalace.webs.com • 703-532-0940
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
