Hok Heng

I live right next to Hok Heng, have been there a thousand time more than I care to admit, and have experienced many unbelieveable things there. Hok Heng opens around 2pm and closes around 330 AM depending on how many locals are still on the corner coming in to buy lucy’s (loose cigarettes). The food here is pretty good if you can ignore what this place looks like (a total dump). The husband and wife that run Hok do not speak enlgish, but they are usually very nice a communication through hand gestures is the sure way to get you the pizza rolls and candy you came for. Aside from the drunk locals inside trying to sell you weed, the drunk locals outside trying to sell you weed, and the occasional stray dog, Hok Heng provides half decent food for a decent price.
PRO TIP: Hok sells ice cream. About 5 flavors to choose from for $ 1.25 and it comes in a rice container.

After living in Templetown for 6 years, I have to say Hok Heng has taken a little place in my heart. For as many Chinese/​American little restaurants and bodegas, Hok Heng is the real authentic deal. Don’t be fooled. Hok Heng has the traditional broken in front door that just kind of hangs by a screw. They do not serve alcohol, but it is not uncommon for another patron to swinging out of a bagged 211 can. Inside is a romantically lit shop. Even though I highly recommend the Vegetarian Lo-​Mein and the Broccoli and Garlic Sauce, I would have to say the Pizza Rolls take the cake and are by far the best I have ever had. I generally order 6 – 9 of them. They serve them all with Duck Sauce. Mmm. Wolf those delicious bad boys down and hope that the cheese isn’t too much. Say hi to Pam Sao, the owner for a 10% off.

Meh. I’ve experienced better.
Sure, the food is phenomenal and you can buy loose cigarettes here. I would recommend the Hok Heng Very Special For You Platter that includes perfectly cooked rat-​steak, a soggy paper bag literally overflowing with white rice, two generic sodas and fifteen «egg rolls.» It’s delicious! And economical!
But, sometimes the other customers are mean to me. One time a rather large man with no shirt on called me multiple homophobic slurs and slapped my Blackberry smart phone to the ground. I was about to check in on Foursquare! I hadn’t even finished my bag rice yet! There is not much seating, but if you lean against the wall you can listen to many young children mock the owners’ distinctive Oriental accents. Very funny for long time!
I would recommend this restaurant to young lovers, PCP enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys getting robbed/​food poisoning. Sometimes it’s fun to live dangerously like when you eat raw oysters or when you invite a lady of the night into your Honda Civic car house. I will not judge you. And neither will the friendly staff at Hok Heng.