Khao Halal Chinese — Restaurant in Town of Hempstead

Was really excited to try this place based on some of the reviews. Perhaps today was an off day but the food did not live up to the expectations from the reviews.

Beef with Garlic Sauce - one review has mentioned it was mic drop which sold us to try; however the beef we got was so tough and chewy. Was definately a drop alright.

Shrimp with Garlic Sauce was ok at best. I know its an indo chinese blend but was not expecting shrimp curry full of oil, veggies and 6 shrimp.

General Tsao - now, when you think of this, you picture chicken battered, fried and mixed in a sweet, slightly spicy, tangy sauce and the chicken has a nice crunch. Got the opposite. Chicken not battered, seemed to have a grilled taste, definately not fried and drenched in a barbque like sauce.

Chicken Chili - not sure what to compare to but was like a grilled in an oily tomato sauce

Chicken Roll - some were fried to a point of over fried and placed in the bag straight from the fryer so it in an oily pool in the bag.

Chicken Fried Rice - this was just white rice, with mixed veg and some bland chicken. There was no soy sauce or anything mixed in the rice. Compared to other pictures - i think it was just a new chef or someone just tired and threw something together.

Hot and Sour soup - was the ok-est item. More like a tomato soup with mixed veggies dropped in.

Ahmad was great and really nice. Everything was ready when we got there. We drove 45 min to try the food. Again, hope it was just an off day in comparison to...

I was randomly in the area to buy a used car and decided to get some food at Khao.

Not only was the food excellent, but the owner (Ed) was extremely pleasant! He suggested I get the chili chicken, and boy was I in for a treat! (I wish I could provide photos but I ate all the food too quickly lol)

The dish was just the right amount of spice, sweetness and Unami all served on a bed of piping hot, freshly fried chicken. As someone who frequently eats Chinese food, Khao was a delightful twist on traditional east-Asian flavors.

Aside from the food, Ed (the owner and my cashier) was an extremely nice and diligent host. He is clearly actively trying to provide a quality experience and even solicited my feedback on what could be improved upon.

As a new business, I was very impressed with the quality of the food. Although not everything regarding the physical establishment was 5 stars, Ed is aware and actively making improvements.

If you’re in doubt, give Khao a try. You...

I was so excited when a halal Chinese is opening in Garden City since there aren’t too many similar options nearby. Sadly, the food was not what I was expecting...

White rice was basmati rice and not your typical sticky rice. Chicken wings were pretty good. I got the honey garlic flavor and the sauce was good and the chicken crispy. Chicken corn soup, got a large... not the size I was expecting. Size is more of a medium. The flavor was more of sweet and sour soup than corn soup. Chicken broccoli, was ok. It tasted like they added ketchup or tomato to it. Not your typical chicken broccoli flavor. Did appreciate the quantity of chicken.

Also note the following from my receipt : they do charge a fee for using your credit card. I will not be getting again. Would rather go to Tangra masala nearby or make the commute to Sagar Chinese...