Forest Hills' Best Chinese Food

I've tried every Chinese restaurant that has opened in Forest Hills over the years. Most of the time, I've been disappointed. It's not surprising, really. We live in an age where traditional Chinese food in the U.S.-- the kind familiar to say, anyone who grew up in the 70's or 80's -- has fallen out of favor. It's exceedingly rare to find a traditional Chinese restaurant in New York City these days, aside, of course from, say, Chinatown and Flushing.

Luckily, however, Forest Hills does have one superb Chinese restaurant. And it also happens to be physically one of the more interesting restaurants to visit in the neighborhood because of its location - tucked away behind a building that you can only get to via a narrow alley, which also serves as an outdoor seating area.  

I am talking about Memories of Shanghai. Now, MOS is not a traditional American Chinese restaurant per se. But, in terms of great Chinese food, it is unsurpassed by far in Forest Hills. And, most of its dishes will appeal to people looking for Chinese food that is not too far removed from standard Western Chinese food tastes.

Heavy on the dim sum type offerings, my favorite is their steamed chicken dumplings. Deliciously minced with onions, these are sweet and delightful. I also liked their Spring Rolls and Hot & Sour soup (though, as usual, it could be more soury). Their vegetable potstickers are great as well, as are their shrimp dumplings and pan fried pork bun.

The truth is, you can't really go wrong with anything you order from this kinda hidden Forest Hills culinary treasure.

Memories of Shanghai is located at 68-60 Austin Street in Forest Hills and is open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (718)880-2938. And, yes, thankfully, they deliver to Forest Hills and Rego Park.