When you're hankering for traditional Chinese-American style carry-out, you're not expecting "authenticity" or "gourmet" or anything "fusion." No, what you're looking for is fast, no hassle, inexpensive, decent portion sizes, consistency across visits, and flavor. I've been surprised at how mediocre most Chinese-American carry-out -- or, frankly, the sit-down as well -- in DC is, but Hong Kong Carry-out hits all expectations. They don't deliver, but you can order via delivery services. But Hong Kong Carryout is so freaking fast I just usually order pick-up over the phone. When you order over the phone they end the call with "Okay, ready in 10 minutes." It takes me just about 10 minutes to drive from home to their location, and my order is almost always ready by the time I get there. I've tried a lot of dishes on the menu and the combos (smaller portion, but comes with a pile of fried rice and an egg roll) are a good deal. My regular order varies between the kung pao chicken, hunan beef, General Tso's chicken, szechuan beef, or lo mein. The egg rolls are the best I've found in DC, but the soups are just okay. The sleeper menu item is the Cold Noodle with Sesame Sauce. Again, if you're going here expecting something "epic," don't. If you're going here because you love traditional Chinese-American take-out joints and you appreciate fast, inexpensive, reliable, consistently above average dishes, you'll be satisfied.

As DC is a place that really lacks cheaper food options, I am glad that Hong Kong Carryout is here. This place carries all the staples of cheap Chinese food you'd like from fried rice to spring rolls to chicken, and not at too high of a price point. I got the walnut shrimp and the crab rangoons. The crab rangoons were perfect, they were everything I wanted. Fried and creamy goodness. After I took a bite of my first one, I was annoyed that I didn't get the larger option. 5/5. I also got the honey walnut shrimp. Listen for 15.25, I was a bit skeptical of the quality of it. And while it wasn't my favorite, there were some good notes about it. The fried rice that came with it was amazing. It was nostalgic in a way and better quality than other takeout places I had. The batter on the walnut shrimp though was lacking. It was a bit bland and I wish there had been more sweetness throughout the sauce itself (and more of the sauce), but I did like that it didn't make me feel disgustingly heavy (as some shrimp batters can) and I could taste the shrimp throughout. I am still on the journey to find my regular Chinese takeout place but I am glad to know that when I want a cheap and quick bite, I can come here.

So here's the thing-- DC is full of carryouts (and for non-local fast food Chinese take out spots). You have so many options to pick from and they all have similar menus (like down to the color of the menu and font). BUT when it comes to taste, it's a whole new ball game. And This place taste good and is one of the cleanest carryouts I've been too (not mandatory but a good bonus). My review is specifically for my go-to meal here-- fried chicken wings and French fries with mumbo sauce. I've been eating this carryout staple my whole life and this place is amazing. The chicken is always hot and don't forget to ask them to fry it hard for an extra crispy bite. I really like their mumbo sauce but I know everyone has their preferences here. I'll say that it reminds me of the mambo sauce, in terms of the color (not too red), thickness (not too soupy), and taste (not overly sweet ). If you are looking for some bomb friend chicken wings and fries then go here (and BRING CASH ONLY). And I've personally never actually had their actual Chinese food but I would assume it's decent.

While chefs and restaurateurs despise Yelp, if there's one place no one can argue is reviewing carryout. It's the food of people and no matter how refined palate, your cravings cave you into going at least once a year. It's the type of food that unites people. That said, the average person could and should review carryout spots. If you browse Yelp, you'll notice most carryout places have fewer than 3 stars and many first hand accounts of food poisoning. So, when you stumble upon a 4-star carryout, you MUST go. That's how I came across Hong Kong Carryout. I used to live around the corner and it never ever caught my eye until Yelp pointed me there. After having dinner there, I see why it's rated so highly. It delivers you an experience, which us millennials love. It's a tiny house next to a bodega in Hill East off of the popular East Capitol Street. Despite the outside looking dirty, the inside is surprisingly bare and clean. There is a random picture of a city skyline inside and then the takeout window with a friendly guy behind it. Order a special or any item off their extensive menu and watch the older men make it through the window. There's a bench to sit on while you wait for your food. My friend ordered the chicken and broccoli per the cashier's recommendation, but the flavor fell flat. What did NOT disappoint was the sesame chicken. It's perfectly cooked and is full of flavor. Bot dishes came with rice and the large was more than enough for dinner AND lunch the next day- both just over $11. They have a fridge full of unhealthy drinks and the only water they have is bottled water you have to pay for (isn't that illegal to refuse free water to a customer?). Note: It's cash only, but there's an ATM just outside. It's been a full 36 hours and neither my friend and I are sick. That's winning in the carryout world.