Hot Wok Express （jiǔ Hào Shí Táng）

I hadn't visited in a decade, but it was just as fantastic as I remembered. This was the first place I ever had Chinese food, and I have a memorable story from that visit. They serve the best General Tso's chicken I've ever had, no contest. Just great food all around. Thank you, everyone!

This restaurant is a fantastic spot with very affordable meals. I ordered two plates of roasted rice and two chickens, along with six crab rangoons, and it only cost me $21. The food was amazing—I had to consciously put my fork down! I'm already looking forward to getting hungry again so I can enjoy the leftovers. The staff are incredibly friendly, and the place is clean. I will definitely return whenever I get the chance.

Now, after the renovations, it has truly transformed! Welcome to the Hot Wok Resurrection!! Today, they proudly displayed their menu on the wall, and they now serve my favorite coconut shrimp every day—not just on Fridays! There's a wider variety of options too, including chicken mango and more. Plus, they offer free bottles of water to go, and the modern cash register accepts American Express. The staff is friendly—four smiling faces attending to customers instead of just one or two overworked individuals. Forget any negative stories you’ve heard about this place. The food is fantastic, and the prices are incredibly reasonable. I genuinely hope this place not only thrives but returns to its former glory. Thank you for the great work, team! P.S. I would love to see garlic sauce aubergines on the menu too...

Wow these reviews are very interesting. It seems to me with this restaurant, either you love it or you hate it. I love it! I started eating here while I was in college at the U of I about 15 years ago. In fact, this restaurant got me through college, with its low cost no frills meals that fill out and are made easily in two meals. My favorite combination plate to back in college was a 2-item combo with curry chicken and egg foo yung. If I remember correctly, in these days I would get two eggnobs with the curry chicken over the rice. I would always ask for extra curry sauce on rice, and they would always give it to me. A few days ago I came here while I came to the city for a visit, and I still found them very good, though more expensive (hey, everything is more expensive nowadays). Another change is that they no longer serve egg foo yung. That was a little disappointing for me, but I still wanted to eat here, so I got held atjing chicken. The curry chicken is just as good as I remember. The portion size was as big as I remembered, and just as good! I am glad that I had the opportunity to go down the remembrance track and eat here again for a great, cheap and high-quality lunch.

Lovely and clean space. It was remodeled by a new owner this summer. Now it’s a clean and warm space for everyone to stay and dine in. Takeout is still available though, but I highly recommend that you stay and enjoy their free hot tea. Food is good and it worths the price. Personally I really love their beef brisket and teriyaki chicken. They also have handmade passion fruit and lemon tea of 1 Liter just for 4 dollar. Hope this place stays forever.