Sonny Lee's Hunan Taste — Restaurant in Reisterstown

Ah, Sunny Lee’s. It’s a name that hums in my heart, a small melody of satisfaction. For months, it has been our touchstone, a place where the steaming dishes arrive not just hot, but right, a perfect balance of sweet, salty and savory, a comfort that settles deep in the bones. And the portions! Generous, like a grandmother’s love, overflowing with noodles and vegetables and the tenderest slivers of meat. You never leave Sunny Lee’s hungry, not in your belly or your spirit.

It’s not just the food, though, is it? It's the feeling. You walk in, and it's like stepping into someone's home, not a restaurant. But, like everything in life, there are small thorns among the roses. The pink napkins… they are a puzzle to me. Such a loud, garish pink, clashing with the quiet elegance of the food. And those tall, metal chairs! They seem designed for discomfort, like a test of endurance. I always bump into them, those cold, unyielding high backs. Perhaps they are a subtle form of Chinese torture, a way to remind you that even the most pleasurable experiences come with a little bit of ku – bitterness. A reminder that life, like a good bowl of noodles, is a complex mix of flavors.

Still, these are minor quibbles, small pebbles on a smooth path. We keep coming back to Sunny Lee’s. It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a part of our story, a place where we gather, where we celebrate, where we feel at home. It’s Sunny Lee’s, after all. And we love it, pink napkins and evil chairs...

I love their crispy Peking duck as long as I have enough Plum Sauce to cover it, however I ordered something different this time.

I ordered the crispy salt and pepper shrimp. First I was confused that it had string beans in the dish. Second there was no evidence of salt nor pepper on the shrimp. I've had salt n pepper shrimp several times at other restaurants and it was nothing like this dish. Usually it flash fried shrimp covered in corse salt and plenty of pepper. This was just fried shrimp with no seasoning at all. I called the restaurant when I got home and discovered this and was told that is how they fix their salt n pepper shrimp.

The shrimp was covered in a batter. I asked them where was the salt and pepper and they said it was cooked in the batter. Needless to say I had to add plenty of my own salt and pepper in order for it to have an ounce of flavor.

Won't be ordering this dish again. Also, the lady who answered the phone was a little rude and short with me when I questioned the flavor. That...

Been a long time fan of Sonny Lee's since moving to Reisterstown in 2001. Unfortunately, the last three times we got carry out the food was subpar at best. We ordered the hot and sour soup which was still pretty good (except for the fried noodles, they tasted off). My complaint is the entrées - they have been greasy with weird tasting undertones. The food almost has a rancid taste - in my experience this happens when restaurants reuse old oil to cook in. Oil should be changed often so this doesn't happen. We ordered the shrimp and lobster sauce (much more bland tasting than in past) with the veggie fried rice (a burned rancd taste). The chicken with green beans had the same greasiness and off putting taste. I know there has been a new owner for the last couple of years but just started noticing the food changes in the last few months or so. Guess they have a new chef? Very disappointed not sure we will be going back...