Ho Wah

- 551 Gates Ave #43, Brooklyn, NY 11216

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers in the know, especially those residing in the vibrant neighborhood of Bed-Stuy, a truly great local Chinese restaurant is a necessity, not a luxury. Ho Wah, situated at 551 Gates Ave, fits this role perfectly, delivering the kind of authentic, reliable, and deeply satisfying Chinese-American comfort food that the city relies on. It’s a classic neighborhood spot that prioritizes flavor, freshness, and dedication to its craft, cementing its reputation as a go-to choice for both everyday meals and special occasions like "game nights."

Ho Wah's menu is an expansive testament to the diversity of Chinese cuisine, covering everything from comforting classics to unique, house-specialized fried items. Whether you are craving a light, steaming bowl of Wonton Soup, a hearty portion of House Special Fried Rice, or an authentic taste of Homemade Dim Sum, this establishment has a dish to satisfy. The commitment to providing generous portions of delicious food is a clear hallmark, ensuring patrons feel they are getting excellent value and an authentic taste of Brooklyn's Chinese food culture.

Beyond the standard fare, Ho Wah goes the extra mile by offering a substantial selection of fried items, from Fried Scallops and Fried Whiting Fish to various styles of specialty wings, like Lemon and Pepper or General Tso Wing. This fusion of traditional Chinese recipes with popular local tastes underscores its understanding of the New York palate. Described by customers as a place with "real soul," Ho Wah is more than just a restaurant; it’s a hardworking pillar of the community that consistently delivers quality and flavor for lunch and dinner.

Location and Accessibility

Ho Wah Chinese Restaurant is conveniently located at 551 Gates Ave #43, Brooklyn, NY 11216, USA, placing it directly in the heart of a bustling residential area. This strategic location makes it easily accessible for Brooklyn residents looking for reliable and quick dining options. As a local fixture, it’s a short trip from many residential blocks, making it an ideal choice for last-minute meal decisions or planned family dinners.

While the primary service model caters to convenience and efficiency, Ho Wah’s accessibility is defined by its robust delivery and takeout options, which are essential services in a fast-paced city like New York. This focus allows customers to enjoy their favorite dishes from the comfort of their homes or offices without sacrificing quality. Furthermore, the establishment accepts major Credit cards, streamlining the ordering process. A practical tip from a local customer highlights that the venue also has an ATM onsite for those who prefer to use cash, ensuring all payment preferences are accommodated.

Services Offered

Ho Wah has fine-tuned its services to meet the demands of the modern New York lifestyle, emphasizing speed, convenience, and quality:

• Delivery: Dedicated service ensuring fresh, hot Chinese food is brought directly to the customer’s door.

• Takeout: Convenient and fast pickup service for customers on the go.

• Lunch Service: A full menu available to cater to midday cravings and quick business lunches.

• Dinner Service: Serving as a primary option for evening meals, whether for individuals, couples, or groups.

• Extensive Menu Variety: Offers a wide array of options across categories like Chow Fun, Chop Suey, Lo Mein, Chef's Specialties, and more.

• Homemade Beverages: Provides refreshing options like Homemade Iced Tea, Homemade Lemonaid, and Homemade Fruit Punch.

• Combination Plates: Dedicated menu section for full, value-focused meals like General Tso's Chicken Combo or Shrimp With Lobster Sauce Combo.

Features / Highlights

Ho Wah’s strength lies in its expansive menu, quality preparation, and the dedicated team that runs the operation:

• Massive Menu Selection: Featuring over 120 main and side items, including various proteins (Chicken, Beef, Pork, Seafood), multiple noodle styles (Lo Mein, Chow Fun, Chow Mei Fun), and an impressive array of Fried Rice options.

• Unique Chinese Dim Sum Offerings: A standout feature with items like Shrimp Dumplings, Pork Buns, ShaoMai, and Steamed Custard Buns, demonstrating a deeper commitment to authentic Chinese preparation beyond typical takeout fare.

• Exceptional Appetizers: Customer favorites include the famous Scallion Pancake—praised for being "fried really nicely so the outside is crunchy but the inside is still chewy and soft"—and the traditional Roast Pork Egg Roll.

• Focus on Fried Specialties: A substantial "Ho Wah Restaurant" section featuring unique fried items like Half Fried Chicken, Fried Whiting Fish, Fried Rib Tips, and a variety of Fried Chicken Wings in different sauces (BBQ, Honey, Garlic Sauce, General Tso).

• Quality and Freshness: Consistently described by patrons as serving food that is "fresh and delicious," reflecting high standards for a casual, comfort food establishment.

• Hardworking and Sweet Service: The commitment of the staff, especially the woman who takes orders, is repeatedly highlighted, adding a layer of genuine "soul" and positive customer interaction to the service.

Contact Information

For local users in the New York area looking to place an order or inquire about the menu:

Address: 551 Gates Ave #43, Brooklyn, NY 11216, USA

Phone: (718) 399-0110

What is worth choosing

When a New York resident chooses Ho Wah, they are choosing reliability, variety, and true Chinese comfort. What is most worth choosing depends on the craving, but several categories stand out as must-tries. The combination of classic Chinese-American dishes and deep-fried specialties is the restaurant's defining strength.

For the traditionalist, the Beef Chow Mei Fun is a fan favorite, praised for being generously "packed." The timeless pairing of fresh and savory is perfectly captured in the Chicken with Broccoli and the Hot and Sour Soup, both of which are reported to be excellent and consistently satisfying. Furthermore, the Combination Plates offer a comprehensive and affordable full meal, with choices like General Tso's Chicken Combo and Pepper Steak ensuring a hearty and complete dining experience.

For an authentic snack or start to the meal, the Chinese Dim Sum section is a major draw—items like ShaoMai and Shrimp Dumplings offer a delicious taste of traditional Chinese fare. However, the true standout that embodies Ho Wah’s high quality is the Scallion Pancake. Its perfect balance of a crunchy exterior and soft, chewy interior makes it a celebrated and highly recommended item. For those seeking something heartier and unique, exploring the extensive fried specialty menu—like the Fried Whiting Fish or the variety of flavored wings—provides a delicious detour from the everyday Chinese takeout experience. In short, choose Ho Wah for a taste of authentic Chinese flavor delivered with the "real soul" of a dedicated Brooklyn neighborhood establishment.

Ho Wah

551 Gates Ave #43, Brooklyn, NY 11216, USA