Kowloon Restaurant Menu: What to Order & What to Skip?

Kowloon Restaurant isn’t just a place to grab a bite; it’s a landmark. For decades, this Polynesian-themed spot has been a favorite for locals and visitors alike, known for its over-the-top decor and sprawling space.

But what about the food? That’s what we’re here to explore. This article dives deep into the Kowloon Restaurant menu, examining everything from its vast selection and pricing to the overall dining experience and what makes it so appealing.

The Kowloon Restaurant menu is a true melting pot, featuring a mix of Chinese, Thai, and Japanese dishes. From classic Cantonese fare to spicy Thai curries and fresh sushi, there’s something for everyone.

Our goal is to give you a complete picture of what to expect when you dine at Kowloon Restaurant. We’ll break down the menu, share insights from other diners, and help you decide if this iconic establishment is worth a visit. So, grab your chopsticks and let’s explore the Kowloon Restaurant menu!

A Deep Dive into the Kowloon Restaurant Menu: Cuisine and Variety

The Kowloon Restaurant’s menu is a sprawling testament to Asian-American cuisine, featuring a wide array of dishes that blend Chinese, Thai, and Japanese influences. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect to find.

Chinese Cuisine: A Staple Offering

Chinese food forms the heart of the Kowloon experience. You’ll find all the classics here, from heaping plates of Pork Fried Rice to fluffy Egg Foo Young. The menu boasts a dizzying variety of noodle and rice dishes, each customizable with your choice of protein and sauce. Whether you’re craving the savory comfort of lo mein or the spicy kick of Szechuan noodles, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

No Chinese meal is complete without appetizers, and Kowloon doesn’t disappoint. Start your culinary journey with crispy Pork Egg Rolls ($10.50) or light and refreshing Vegetable Spring Rolls ($9.50). These appetizers are prepared with care, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will whet your appetite for the main course.

Exploring Thai and Japanese Influences

Beyond the familiar Chinese fare, Kowloon’s menu also ventures into the vibrant worlds of Thai and Japanese cuisine. Look for signature Thai dishes that showcase the bold flavors of Southeast Asia. From fragrant curries to tangy noodle soups, these dishes offer a delightful contrast to the more traditional Chinese offerings. Be sure to inquire about the level of spiciness, as some Thai dishes pack a considerable punch!

While not as extensive as the Chinese selection, Kowloon’s Japanese options provide a taste of the Land of the Rising Sun. You might find fresh sushi and sashimi, expertly prepared with high-quality ingredients. These delicate dishes offer a refreshing counterpoint to the richer flavors of the Chinese and Thai selections.

Specialty Dishes and Unique Offerings

What truly sets Kowloon apart is its collection of specialty dishes and unique offerings. Keep an eye out for dishes with a Polynesian twist, reflecting the restaurant’s iconic tiki bar atmosphere. These dishes often feature tropical fruits, sweet and savory sauces, and creative presentations.

Kowloon prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients in all of its dishes. The chefs carefully select locally sourced produce whenever possible, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor. From the crisp vegetables to the succulent meats, you can taste the difference that quality ingredients make.

Customer Experiences: A Spectrum of Reviews

Kowloon Restaurant has been a fixture on Route 1 in Saugus, Massachusetts for decades. It’s drawn generations of diners with its distinctive Polynesian-themed decor, its sprawling menu, and its promise of a fun night out. But what do today’s diners think of the Kowloon experience? A dive into recent reviews reveals a wide range of opinions.

Positive Feedback: Food, Atmosphere, and Service

Many customers rave about the Kowloon’s friendly service and unique atmosphere. Reviewers often praise the waitstaff for their attentiveness and willingness to accommodate special requests. The restaurant’s iconic tiki decor, complete with waterfalls, volcano, and oversized Buddha, is a consistent hit, creating a festive and memorable backdrop for a meal.

When it comes to the food, positive comments frequently highlight the quality and taste of classic dishes. The beef teriyaki, with its tender slices of marinated beef, is a perennial favorite. The crab rangoon, crispy wontons filled with a creamy crab mixture, also receives high marks. Many reviewers also mention enjoying the pu pu platter, a sampler of appetizers perfect for sharing.

For example, one reviewer wrote, “The service was excellent, and the food was delicious. I especially loved the beef teriyaki – it was cooked perfectly!” Another commented, “The atmosphere is so fun and unique. It’s like stepping into a tropical paradise!”

Negative Feedback: Inconsistencies and Wait Times

Despite the many positive reviews, some customers report less favorable experiences. A recurring theme in negative feedback is inconsistency in food quality. Some reviewers have complained about dishes arriving cold, overcooked, or with a chewy texture. Slow service and long wait times are also common points of criticism.

Specific examples include complaints about the General Gau’s chicken being overly dry or the fried rice being bland. Some reviewers have also mentioned experiencing long delays in receiving their orders, particularly during busy periods. Large parties, while contributing to the restaurant’s lively atmosphere, have also been cited as a factor in slower service.

One reviewer noted, “The food was okay, but not as good as I remember. The chicken was a bit dry, and the service was really slow.” Another commented, “We waited over an hour for our food, and it wasn’t even that crowded. It seemed like the kitchen was overwhelmed.”

Addressing Inconsistencies: Potential Factors

Several factors could contribute to the inconsistencies in customer experiences. The restaurant’s sheer size and popularity mean that busy periods, particularly on weekends, can put a strain on the kitchen and waitstaff. Large parties, while a welcome source of revenue, can also impact the overall dining experience by increasing wait times and potentially affecting the quality of food preparation.

To mitigate potential negative experiences, consider making reservations, especially on weekends or for large groups. When ordering, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the dishes and request that sauces or other accompaniments be served on the side, allowing you to customize your meal to your liking. While the Kowloon experience can be unpredictable, with a little planning and patience, you can increase your chances of enjoying a memorable and delicious meal.

Pricing, Value, and Recommendations

Let’s break down the Kowloon experience from a budget perspective, and I’ll give you a few pointers on what to order and how to plan your visit.

Analyzing the Pricing Structure

Kowloon’s prices are what you might expect for a large-scale, long-established restaurant. Appetizers generally range from $10 to $20, while main courses hover in the $20 to $40 range, depending on the ingredients and preparation style. Specialty dishes, especially those featuring seafood, can climb a bit higher. The portion sizes are fairly generous, which might explain the slightly elevated prices.

Compared to other similar Chinese-American restaurants in the area, Kowloon’s pricing is probably a little above average. You’re paying not just for the food, but for the history and the experience.

Value Proposition: Is it Worth the Cost?

The question, then, is whether the Kowloon experience justifies the cost. The food quality is generally good, although some dishes are more consistently praised than others. Service can be a little uneven, depending on how busy they are. The atmosphere is definitely unique, a sort of retro-kitsch that’s either charming or overwhelming, depending on your taste.

Kowloon does offer some lunch specials, which are a great way to sample their food at a lower price point. Keep an eye out for promotions, especially around holidays.

Recommendations for Potential Diners

If you’re planning a visit, here are a few suggestions:

  • Try the Pu Pu Platter: It’s a Kowloon classic and a great way to sample a variety of appetizers.
  • Consider the Lobster Cantonese: It’s a signature dish that consistently gets rave reviews.
  • Make a reservation: Especially on weekends, Kowloon can get very crowded. Reserving a table is highly recommended.
  • Think about lunch: The lunch menu offers many of the same dishes as the dinner menu, but at a lower price.

Ambiance and Atmosphere: The Kowloon Experience

The Kowloon wasn’t just about the food; it was about the whole experience, starting with the moment you stepped inside. The Polynesian-themed decor was a feast for the eyes, a wildly imaginative escape from the ordinary.

Think towering tiki statues, their carved faces lit with a mysterious glow. Strings of colorful lights twinkled overhead, casting playful shadows that danced across the room. The entire design, from the bamboo accents to the vibrant murals, transported you to a tropical paradise, even if just for a couple of hours.

This carefully crafted atmosphere was a huge part of what made dining at Kowloon so memorable. It wasn’t just dinner; it was an adventure. The unique setting sparked conversations and created a sense of fun and excitement that you couldn’t find anywhere else.

The restaurant also offered a variety of dining areas to suit different occasions. You could grab a casual bite and a Scorpion Bowl at the bar, settle into a cozy dining room for a family dinner, or celebrate a special occasion in one of the larger, more festive spaces. Kowloon had a spot for everyone, making it a beloved destination for all sorts of gatherings.

Summary

The Kowloon Restaurant menu is nothing if not diverse. From classic Cantonese dishes to Polynesian specialties and American comfort food, there’s something for everyone – or maybe nothing for anyone, depending on who you ask. Customer experiences seem to vary wildly, but the atmosphere is undeniably unique, a sprawling, somewhat surreal blend of cultures and eras.

For decades, Kowloon has been a culinary landmark, a place where generations of families have celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and everything in between. It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a local institution, a testament to the power of nostalgia and the enduring appeal of a good old-fashioned dining experience – even if it’s not always “good” in the strictest sense of the word.

So, is Kowloon Restaurant worth a visit? That depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re seeking culinary perfection, you might be disappointed. But if you’re after a memorable experience, a taste of history, and a healthy dose of kitsch, then Kowloon might just be the place for you. Just go in with an open mind – and maybe a sense of humor.