DON C.
Yelp
Totally surprised by the food & first order from here.
I am not sure about some of the bad reviews here, but my experience at this Full Kee DC location was great....And, the food...on point...& "Oh so good!"
The only thing that I'm mad at, is that I did not make it to this location sooner being that I live in DC!! Whenever I had a craving for good Asian fare or the perfect "roasted duck", I often travelled from DC and skipped this location many times....to pick up my food from the Full Kee - Falls Church, VA location or my favorite spot in that same area (Eden Gardens) which I won't mention here.
At any rate, back to this Full Kee in Chinatown, DC. This restaurant is definitely a no-frills restaurant that upon first glance, one may pass up on this place. Nothing fancy or posh about it...BUTTTT....do not judge the book by its cover!! You pass up on this place and you might just be missing out. This Downtown-Chinatown DC establishment, just like the Falls Church locations, serves up some great food and bargain fare. The portions from the dishes I ordered were generous and the flavors authentic.
The menu is mostly Cantonese (Hong-Kong Style) and American Asian eats...from loads of noodle dishes, stir-fried dishes, chow foons, congee, seafood dishes, a full-out menu in Cantonese which some may not be able to read (like me--but ask, folks are friendly here!)....to rich soups, typical American Chinese takeout eats ....and of course, my favorite....the roasted pork and duck dishes!! .
Last Sunday, this location not only delivered on some good eats last Sunday, but the flavors and the freshness of the food was evident. I ordered the:
* Half-Roasted Duck -- One word...."HELLALICIOUS!" Tender, Juicy to the bone, and Crispy Skin!!....just how I like it. This dish was so good and a thumbs up from me. Totally fresh, cut for the same bird, and made to order....definitely was not old, mixed pieces being repurposed from another dish, dry, or microwaved.
* Spicy Deep-Fried Pork Chop -- First time trying and will not be my last! Seasoned to the bone and full of flavor. Not sure why it was labeled spicy tho'. It was not spicy nor had any heat....but quite delicious.
* Sautéed Stir-Fried Mix Vegetables -- Fresh, crunchy vegetables stir-fried over high heat....wok cooked al dente (not overcooked) and in an interesting, flavorful sauce. This dish was perfect with the plain brown rice, which I requested over the white rice. I added red pepper flakes which I had at home and it made this dish a knockout. TIP: Definitely request it be made this way or ask for it spicy for that added flavor.
In all, delicious eats, great experience and service. The owner, Su, was especially nice and helpful. She assured me that everything was made and cooked to order.....and judging by the look and taste of everything alone.... it was! She was not kidding. I politely asked this question to her when I arrived because it was near closing and you know how some restaurants can be trifling....and try to pass off stale--old straps of food when it's time to shut down. Not the case here, at Full Kee! I called the order into the restaurant while driving there and my food was ready upon arrival, in less than 15 minutes....all this at half the time I would have spent driving from DC to the Falls Church, VA location.
Will definitely be back! This restaurant is a hidden gem, with a 40+ year staying power even during the pandemic....which speaks for itself.
I recommend you give it a try!