22 April 2009

#59: China King's Restaurant

Date Visited: 3 April 2009

Meal: Dinner

Diners: 2 - Me & Wendy

Experience: China King is another long-established Leesburg fixture (just a couple doors down from The Leesburg Restaurant). The official, full name of the place is actually "China King's Restaurant" (that's what is on the menu), but the outside sign just says "China King", as the photo shows. The inside is rather small and not fancy. An initial glance at the menu reveals all the usual Chinese restaurant staples, with a few Chef's specials too. But this is where the surprise is - the menu may appear ordinary, but the food is fantastic!

We started off with soups - I had the Hot & Sour, and Wendy had Wonton. The Hot & Sour was good and hot, and had a strong beef taste to it, very nice. Next, we had the Shrimp Tempura appetizer. It was not exactly Japanese-style tempura; the batter was very thick, but it was delicious!

For my entree, I had the "Kung Pau Two Kind", which is described as "Chicken and Shrimp with peanuts, onion, and red peppers." This dish was so good, I can hardly say enough good things about it! The shrimp in particular was very melt-in-your-mouth tender and yummy. The overall dish had just the right amount of spiciness, fresh vegetables, and good balance. Wendy had the "Crispy Prawn with Walnuts", described as "Slightly spicy hot! Lightly battered shrimp flavored with a tangy sauce and walnut topping." Not being a big fan of things even slightly spicy, she ordered it "mild". The sauce was sweet, but not too sweet, and the prawns were nice and thick in a crispy batter.

Overall, we were very impressed with the quality and taste of all the food we tried here. Despite the humble look of the place, China King is a top Leesburg restaurant that we will continue to support.

Apparently China King is a pretty common name for Chinese restaurants; for example, there is a China King Restaurant in Herndon. But there is a note on the menu that says "China King's is not affiliated with other establishments of similar name."

Currently, there is a contest going on called "The Sixth Annual Top 100 Chinese Restaurants in USA". There is a poster up in the window of China King that publicizes it and encourages you to vote for them. I honestly think they belong on that list! Register and vote now!

Location: 5 South King St., Leesburg, 20175

Web site: http://chinakingtogo.com/

Total bill: $41.88 + $10.00 tip = $51.88

5 comments:

Tara said...

I hope you'll be visiting the new Cajun place soon...I am anxiously awaiting your review. We went during the festival for beignets and coffee, which were very good, but haven't been for lunch or dinner yet. I love cajun food, and I am kinda scared to go there because I don't want to be let down.

Do you happen to know of any good places to eat near the Brambleton movie theater? Thanks!

J.A.W. said...

Tara:

I just noticed the new Cajun place myself last Sunday at the Flower & Garden Show. I do like Cajun food too, and we'll be visiting soon, so look for the review here.

I'm not really familiar with the Brambleton area at all, so can't help you there.

Thanks for your encouragement!

Anonymous said...

China King's is easily the best chinese restaurant in Leesburg. The on site owners are extraordinarily friendly, and the Hunan Shrimp will blow you away. Simply fantastic.
PS Where can you find good fried chicken in Leesburg? Thanks..

Anonymous said...

China King is the most revolting restaurante I've eaten at in Leesburg. My date found a worm in her dinner, after she had nearly finished her meal. The restaurant is unclean, and obviously, so is the kitchen! Gross! We will never go back again, and strongly recommend that the health board close this dump!

Thomas said...

My family has eaten at China King's for years and I highly doubt the comment stated above is true. The restaurant may be small but the food and service is amazing!! Everyone is very friendly and their General Tso is the best around! I recommend this restaurant to anyone who loves great Chinese cuisine.