Dong Hai Chinese - Garland

On May 27th, 2020, I indulged in a hefty takeout order from Dong Hai. I couldn’t resist getting lemongrass chicken, steamed ginger and green onion chicken, salt and pepper pork chops, fried cheese shrimp, garlic water spinach, and a rice cake omelette. Everything was fantastic, and I definitely overdid it—let's just say I could barely move afterward! I also had the pleasure of meeting the owner, who usually cooks but was helping at the front desk that evening. He was incredibly friendly. This restaurant truly is a hidden gem for authentic Cantonese Chinese cuisine. On April 18th, 2019, I found myself back at Dong Hai, once again craving their delicious Chinese dishes. My family and I have been regulars at Dong Hai for years, and I can confidently say it's one of the best Chinese/Vietnamese spots in the Dallas area. The food is consistently good, with just a few occasional misses, but nothing major. We typically opt for takeout, though we do eat at the restaurant from time to time. The prices are very reasonable. We love to try a variety of dishes, including the salt and pepper options, various vegetables, flat noodles, fried rice, seafood, tofu, and more. A standout for us is the tall gentleman who often serves as the cashier; he has graying hair and is always incredibly friendly. He's been with Dong Hai since the beginning and even understands my limited Vietnamese, which is a nice touch! Check out my pictures of Dong Hai in the Photos section.

1. **Egg Noodles with Wontons**: This dish is delicious! The noodles have a delightful crunch and chewiness, reminiscent of what I enjoyed in Cho Lon during my childhood. The wontons are filled with flavorful pork and shrimp. I highly recommend trying the dried version of this dish, which comes with the soup on the side. 2. **Fried Rice Flour Cakes with Eggs (Bột Chiên)**: This popular street food from Cho Lon has been presented in both Vietnamese and Cantonese styles for me, and I must say, the Cantonese version is superior. The rice cakes are pressed (a crucial step) and fried to perfection! Dipping them in spicy soy sauce with hot oil takes this dish to another level. 3. **Wok-Fried Pasta with Cube Steak (Nui Xào Bò)**: This dish is another beloved street food in Vietnam. The elbow pasta is the best choice for it due to its short shape. The Cantonese version features onions and cube steak, while the Vietnamese version includes tomatoes and ground beef. Using a wok to infuse every flavor into the elbow pasta is essential, and Dong Hai restaurant did an outstanding job of delivering that authentic taste. The owner is attentive, helpful, and friendly. If you're looking for genuine Cho Lon or Kowloon dishes, I highly recommend giving this place a try. It’s also a great way to support a local business like Dong Hai restaurant, and the prices are reasonable. Next time, I plan to try the crispy noodles stir fry (Mì Xào Dòn).

Great food and excellent service. We requested low sodium, and the dishes came out just right. The cheese shrimp is a standout specialty and was delicious. The cheese isn’t overwhelming, allowing the shrimp flavor to shine through with a subtle hint of cheese. The beef pan-fried noodles were fantastic, and the combination fried rice was tasty as well. I will definitely be back to try their Dungeness Crab Fried Rice.

First time back since Covid. I have to say this is the best Chinese Cantonese Restaurant in DFW. Their wonton egg noodle soup is crunchy and flavorful. From crawfish fried rice to crispy cheese prawn to rice cake omelette, everything is delicious. I can’t wait to come back again.

Yummy lunch!! The salted chicken, the egg pancake, the cheese shrimps were the best, highly recommend. The seafood vegetables was ok. Thank you for a wonderful meal!!!