A Royal Flush of Authentic Fare

Decorated with red lanterns, gold accents and a gargantuan moon cake — yes, it’s real — Royal Garden Chinese Restaurant welcomes diners to explore the culinary delights of Hong Kong. For more than 30 years, owner Calvin Wong has invested in Royal Garden to create both an authentic environment and menu.

“A lot of other Chinese restaurants dilute their recipes and Americanize their food,” says Wong. “We’ve remained true to Hong Kong-style cooking. We have firstand second-generation Chinese residents and visitors come here and tell us they won’t eat anywhere else but the Royal Garden.”

Calvin’s brother, Johnny Wong, serves as co-owner and head chef. Together, they pride themselves on having a distinctive menu with exclusive items no other local Chinese restaurant offers. Dishes such as Baked Stuffed Conch Shell with Seafood ($6.95 each) — with its creamy curry flavors boasting cumin and turmeric paired perfectly with shrimp, scallops and conch meat — are inimitable.

“This is our signature dish,” explains Calvin. “Johnny was trained by a famous Hong Kong chef, so our food is one of a kind.”

Dive in to your gastronomic experience with Deep Fried Stuffed Shrimp Paste with Crab Claw ($6.95 each). Its crunchy yet juicy texture stems from a delicate cooking process, one that Johnny has refined. For your main course, savor Sizzling Fresh Oyster in Black Bean Sauce platter ($19.95). The fragrant black bean sauce fills the room and instantly makes your mouth water. Your taste buds will not be disappointed.

On special for this month: Purchase $40 or more and receive a half Fried Chicken with Garlic Sauce (or a whole chicken for six people or more) or a Live Maine Lobster. The fried chicken is smothered in a light, smoky soy sauce, chicken broth and garlic sauce. Calvin suggests getting the lobster “Royal Garden-style,” cooked with garlic, butter, shallots and chicken broth and served with noodles.

Royal Garden Chinese Restaurant

Ala Moana Hotel
410 Atkinson Drive, Third Floor
942-7788
Lunch: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Dinner: Daily, 5:30-10 p.m.