HKW Hong Kong West Restaurant

I have eaten here about 10 times now over the past two years. Definitely the best in Victoria. And Ive been to most of them.

Due to Covid there was no restaurant seating and only takeout, but my friend wanted to try this restaurant. I arrived five minutes before he did to find the place open, but completely empty. I went to the back of the restaurant where the order desk was, and waited about two minutes for someone to appear, finally calling Hello loudly. I tried a second time, also fruitlessly, and then literally yelled the word. A young lady finally appeared, with no apology for her absence. Pickup? was her first word. Take out, was mine. She stood there cluelessly. It would help if I had a menu, I said, and she handed me one. To see how limited and simplistic the menu is, just Google the restaurant and there is a photo of it. Most of the main dishes were in the 16-20 dollar range. My friend arrived and we chose Imperial Chicken , Special Fried Rice , and Szechuan Prawns . I asked for less filler, no green peppers, and extra prawns, saying I would be happy to pay for them. She went in the back to ask and returned to say No, the order comes just as it is. Fine. Extra spicy, please, I asked. I also asked for some spring rolls, but We not have, was the answer, despite its presence on the menu. How long will it take? I asked. 50 minutes, she said. 50??? (At this point we should have been wise enough simply to leave, but we were hungry, and nothing else was nearby, convenient, or open. We killed time until the order was ready, and took it back to my friend 's place. The prawn dish was horrendous, with literally two-thirds of it being nothing but inedible hot peppers. Their idea of extra spicy was jocular. Clearly the reason for the long wait for the meal was because the prawns were frozen and had to be thawed before they were cooked, and then overcooked. I thought I was chewing gummies. The chicken was so UN-Imperial we thought the ruler should abdicate. All the chicken pieces were small and chewy; we wondered if indeed it was chicken, or perhaps some mystery meat. The special fried rice contained hardly any vegetables, but did hold flat grey slabs of beef near as tough as rawhide. I do know a dog which would have appreciated them. Even the rice was sticky and rubbery. Total price? $47.36 for three lousy dishes. Needless to say we added no tip. If you know some people you don 't like by all means direct them to this place.

Recently ordered take out after hearing many recommendations from Chinese friends. Was wowed. Shared about 4 different dishes. Amazing spices and flavour. The green beans were phenomenal! Looking forward to eating here again soon.

Mostly Sichuan style food the spicier dishes can be ordered mild medium or hot. Tomy taste the medium is more a Canadian medium but the hot is definitely getting there.

This is a bare bones mom and pop Chinese restaurant specializing in spicy Sichuan food. Particularly delicious are the spicy beans and black chicken. Avoid dishes labelled as Sichuan as they overdo the chili peppers. The restaurant is often filled with Chinese students which tells you something about the authenticity and quality of the food. Reservations accepted, licensed and parking in the rear. Service friendly. Strongly recommended.