American Restaurant

American Restaurant Restaurant Review:

Named to attract American GIs who came through Hong Kong during the Vietnam War, this Northern Chinese eatery in Wan Chai has stood the test of time. Locals like to joke that the same chef has been slicing the signature roast Peking duck since opening night, but there is something refreshing about this reliable dining institution in a city where change is the name of the game. Though we've been coming here for twenty years, we have yet to sample every item on the 200-plus dish menu and do fall into the happy habit of ordering favorites every time. The famous Peking duck may be requested leaner if you like, but either way, the meat arrives tender under golden brown, crispy hot skin, alongside sweet hoisin sauce, crunchy leeks and cucumbers plus steaming pancakes. Try other hearty signatures such as the kung pao shrimp, cold chicken in wine sauce, the sizzling hot plates (napkins provided to protect you from the spray of sauce) or the beggar’s chicken (cooked in a clay shell that is cracked open with a mallet tableside). Pop a few sweet donut hole-like dough balls stuffed with red bean paste before ending the meal.