Sun Wah BBQ – Restaurant Review | Condé Nast Traveler
"Tell us about your first impressions when you arrived. Before you even walk into Sun Wah, crisp-skinned poultry beckons from hooks behind the front window display. A massive, open floor plan with room for well over a hundred diners declares its status as a Chicago institution for Hong Kong-style Chinese barbecue. What was the crowd like? In-the-know locals with an appetite for large-plate dining, and hefty groups of weekend brunchers looking for something sturdier than mimosas. What should we be drinking? Tea time, anyone? Aside from bottles of Tsingtao, soft drinks—hot and cold—are primarily what’s served here. You can also order basic cocktails. Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss. This isn’t just any Chinese barbecue; rather, it’s James Beard Award-winning Chinese barbecue. The menu is immense, with more than 150 items. Pick and choose as you please, but don’t leave without sampling the Beijing (Peking) duck. It has remained the signature dish here for more than 30 years. And how did the front-of-house folks treat you? They’re not here to rattle off specials. They want to get you in and out, with unapologetic efficiency. You might feel the pressure when they arrive to your table, pen and pad in hand—just be prepared to fire off your order with confidence and clarity. What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here? Gather friends and family around the lazy Susan for duck, dumplings, and fried rice. Spin it around and let the good times roll." - Brad Japhe
