Elmhurst, Queens, has solidified its reputation as a vibrant hub for authentic Chinese cuisine, and now, it boasts an exciting new addition to its food scene: HK Food Court. This bustling Asian food hall, taking over the space of a former , is rapidly becoming a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking diverse and flavorful Asian dishes.
Located strategically at the corner of 82nd Street and 45th Avenue, HK Food Court offers a sprawling culinary landscape with space for 26 vendors. Currently, nearly all stalls are operational, creating a lively atmosphere for diners who can enjoy their meals in the spacious seating area accommodating around 200 people.
The vendor lineup at HK Food Court is a true reflection of Elmhurst’s rich cultural tapestry. Diners can embark on a gastronomic journey across Asia, with offerings ranging from Tibetan and Thai delicacies to Japanese, Vietnamese, and Taiwanese specialties. Regional Chinese cuisines are also well-represented, including Henan, Fuzhou, Northwest Halal, and Sichuan flavors. For those with specific cravings, the food court features an impressive array of eight noodle shops, a dedicated dumpling stand, a fresh fish stall, tempting dessert options, and three bubble tea stands to quench your thirst. This diversity mirrors the neighborhood’s demographics, where nearly half the population is of Asian descent, predominantly Chinese and Southeast Asian, according to the NYC Department of Planning.
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For Emma Aisha Ma, the owner of XinJiang House, representing the flavors of the northwest Uyghur region of China, HK Food Court presents a unique opportunity. “This is all halal food,” she explains, highlighting the importance of catering to the significant Muslim population in the area seeking halal options. XinJiang House has quickly gained popularity with dishes like spicy chicken with hand-pulled noodles, tender spicy lamb feet steamed for hours, and flavorful lamb pilaf with carrots, onions, and raisins.
As a relatively new establishment, HK Food Court is still evolving and adapting. Evidence of this dynamism can be seen in vendors adjusting their offerings based on customer preferences. For instance, Khao Ka Moo, initially known for its Thai stewed pork, fried pork, and Hainanese poached chicken, has expanded its menu to include crowd-pleasing fried chicken over rice. Similarly, Tibetan vendor Khawachen, also associated with Lhasa Fast Food and Lhasa Fresh Food, demonstrated agility by removing carrot momos from their menu due to lack of demand.
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The emergence of HK Food Court in Elmhurst also reflects the changing demographics and evolving atmosphere of the neighborhood. Some residents note a more relaxed vibe compared to the bustling Flushing area, attracting more Chinese residents to Elmhurst. On a typical Sunday evening, the popularity of HK Food Court is undeniable, with long queues forming at numerous stalls, including the renowned Lan Zhou Ramen for its hand-pulled noodles, Liang Pi Wang for cold noodles, and Chili Boiled Fish for its fiery and flavorful fish filets in chili oil.
A Detailed Look at the Diverse Vendors at HK Food Court:
Here’s a comprehensive rundown of the vendors you can explore at HK Food Court, presented in a clockwise order as you walk through:
- Al2Paca TMD: A wide selection of refreshing bubble tea and fruit drinks.
- Shikoku Teriyaki Express: Freshly prepared teriyaki dishes cooked to order.
- Khanom Thai: Authentic Thai desserts crafted in-house by owner Poky McCarthy, including mango sticky rice and butterfly pea jelly, alongside savory Thai dishes sourced from local partners.
- Just Noodles: Co-owner Kevalin Thammasut highlights the Tom Yum noodle soup ($9.95) as a standout dish at this popular Thai noodle stall.
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- Hang: Taiwanese classics abound here, including stinky tofu, savory beef noodles, and delicious pork belly buns.
- Khao Ka Moo: Thai cuisine favorites such as stewed pork, Hainanese poached chicken, and fried chicken over rice.
- XinJiang House: Authentic Chinese halal food, featuring spicy chicken with noodles, flavorful spicy lamb feet, and aromatic lamb pilaf.
- I Luv Pho: Serving up comforting and classic Vietnamese pho noodle soup.
- Nood by Mamadee: Co-owner Jidacar Sudchit, bringing experience from Masa restaurant, presents a fusion of Japanese and Thai noodle dishes named in honor of her mother.
- Liang Pi Wang: Signature cold flour noodles (liang pi – $6) and savory egg crepes ($4) are popular choices, as recommended by owner Andy Li.
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- Lan Zhou Ramen: Enjoy a variety of noodle soups ranging from oxtail to seafood ($5.50-$9) and a tempting selection of barbecued skewers ($5 each).
- Mr Liu Hunan Wide Ramen: Owner Vincent Liu recommends the Western spicy chicken ($9.99) and lamb noodle soup ($8) as bestsellers, with a new addition of duck vermicelli soup ($9.50).
- Lao Ma Spicy: Create your own customized spicy dry pot from an extensive selection of 50 ingredients.
- TBaar: Another great option for bubble tea and refreshing fruit drinks.
- Mama’s Kitchen: Cantonese and Shanghainese specialties including yellow croaker fish noodle soup, curry chicken, and Shanghai rice cake with shredded pork.
- Yuan Muwu: Explore Fuzhou snacks like garlic shrimp ($5.75), beef skewers ($4), peanut butter noodles ($3), garlic grilled oysters (market price), and customizable noodle coups ($8.50).
- City of Prosperity and Kin Khao Thai Street Food: Coming soon to HK Food Court.
- Chicken Noodles and Fen: Owner Tim Sun specializes in a rich and creamy 10-hour cooked chicken paitan broth, served with a choice of thin paitan noodles or softer fen rice noodles ($8.99-$10.99).
- New Prosperous Japanese Restaurant: Offering a variety of Japanese dishes.
- Famous Food: Handmade dumplings are the star here, with diverse fillings like pork and chives or spinach and egg ($7-$9 for 15 pieces, or $9 for 12 pieces).
- Hey Chick: Taiwanese fast food snacks under $6, including crispy chicken, fried squid tentacles, and chicken burgers.
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- Kung Fu Tea: A popular bubble tea chain with a wide range of drinks.
- Fujino Uchi Japanese Ramen: Japanese ramen and affordable snacks like tempura and fried pork chop (ramen $8.50-$9.99, snacks under $6).
- Khawachen: Tibetan cuisine including Thenthuk noodle soup ($8) and momos ($6 for 8 pieces) with various fillings.
- Chili Boiled Fish: Fresh seafood from live tanks, featuring spicy crayfish, steamed crab, and signature fish filets in hot chili oil ($17-$35).
HK Food Court welcomes diners from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Sunday. It’s worth noting that some vendors operate on a cash-only basis.
Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to New York City, HK Food Court in Elmhurst is a culinary destination that promises an exciting and diverse Asian food experience. From flavorful noodles and savory dumplings to exotic regional specialties, HK Food Court offers a taste of Asia in the heart of Queens.
