I’ve had dim sum in many places including Hong Kong. This place has dim sum which was exceptional. Not as inexpensive as I’m used to but the taste made up for it. I will definitely go back!
Robert Jones
Good food at a reasonable price. Large menu has something for everyone. I especially recommend the steamed dumplings.
Mchumel
Don't know why the place isn't rated higher. The location is just off the Cornell campus in what appears to be Ithaca's "Chinatown." The restaurant was spacious and had an inviting vibe. Our server was attentive and pleasant. It was hard to decide what to order from the extensive, somewhat "authentic" menu. I ordered the shrimp hot pot, my wife had the fried pork dumplings for our dinners. Both exceeded our expectations in terms of quality and quantity. Prices were quite reasonable for the amount of food we were served. We enjoyed what we couldn't eat the next day for lunch. Would go back there in a New York second next time we're in Ithaca.
Chevy Halfton
Never ever would I go to this place again. Went there about 6 months ago and owner got into an argument with the table next to us and was obviously the owners fault. He gave them the wrong order and when pointed out by the customer, became argumentative instead of fixing it. Next, our orders took approximately 90 minutes and was not very crowded that evening. Dumplings were just meh (comparing to downstate). Then told that our scallion pancakes would not be coming because they were out of ingredients, which we were fine with. Then 30 minutes later brought them out? Tasted pretty much like playdoh with zero scallions. Seems like they didn’t want to lose the money even though they were out of one of the key ingredients. Then forgot to bring out one of the dumplings order, but was charged for it. Owner was really inappropriate throughout the night.
Anna Mae Remaneses
This is the closest dimsum place that I could find in my area lol. But the actual dimsum are pretty good. Service is okay but it’s a looooong wait time for your food to come.
AJ K.
I've eaten here for years growing up in Ithaca, and even though they changed owners and the look of the restaurant they kept many of the dishes the same (thank god) - good and simple classic Chinese and Vietnamese dishes (the meat rolls are the best)
Ken B.
Closed, renovated, now reopening as Asian Chili Spot. Previous owners retired but the new menu seems to include most of the old dishes. Haven't tried it yet.
Zach Feig
Went here for Valentine's Day, The beef stew and the chili fish soup were both wonderful
AJ Hills
Had a really unacceptable experience here.Came here during the pandemic. Ordered $50+ worth of dimsum as my S.O. & I were hungry and treating ourselves to a nice meal. Waited *50+ mins* for our food to be prepared. When we finally returned home, we couldn't believe the quality of food that the restaurant dared serve... Every. Single. Item. tasted or smelled rotten (sour, texture noticeably off, etc.). The pork ribs, shu mai, shrimp rice rolls, turnip cake, etc. - were honestly so bad and *off* in taste & texture, that as hungry as we were, and as much $$ as it felt like we spent, we threw almost all of it away. (My S.O. tried to take a couple bites here n there because we were desperate and had no other food at home, and ended up getting diarrhea that night.) It seemed like it was old food the restaurant had leftover, and was supposed to responsibly throw away themselves, but instead decided to try their luck and serve to us. We are very UN-picky eaters, but know what dimsum *should* taste like, and this was by far the most cringe-y, poor quality (expired, sour, wrong texture) food we've ever had the displeasure of being served.If the restaurant would dare serve something of this quality even *once*, I'm scared to know the other standards they don't regularly uphold.
Jimmy Lee
This place is my local joint to go chinese food. Their chicken broccoli with fried rice is always banging. I love it spicy so they make my food spicy upon my request.
Ordered pork buns, shrimp dim sum, and scallion pancakes. Waited an hour for the dim sum and over almost 2 hours for the scallion pancakes (no exaggeration). And it was NOT busy. When the scallion pancakes arrived, they apparently ran out of scallions, so instead of telling us that, they just made them out flour, which tasted like playdoh fried in oil. Then gave us a bill which included two items we never ordered. Saw the head guy get into an argument with another table when the customer noted they got his order wrong. Absolutely miserable experience and will never go there again. Dim sum was extremely meh and over priced. Look elsewhere.
Bert R.
Had a few appetizers. Wasn't nearly as good as I've had at several other Chinese restaurants. Not bad, but not very good.
Andrea Strenner
It is with a heavy heart that I write this review to mourn the loss of the best dumplings in Ithaca. Years ago, Peking had perfect dumplings- they were the standard against which I measure all other dumplings, and few have come close. There must have been some relation between Peking and Hai Hong, because the dumplings Hai Hong served until recently were quite similar to the perfect Peking dumplings. But the dumplings at Hai Hong have changed, and while some people may still find them appetizing, they are no longer themselves. They have lost their spark. They are just another derivative dumpling in a sea of bland Ithacan offerings. The same boring dumpling can now be had from a dozen Asian restaurants in the area. And the world is sadder for it.
Cornell StudentNYC
Such a gem to find in Ctown! The food was A+ and I'm from downstate...so know Chinese food very well. I am so happy Hai Hong exists in Ithaca and its very convenient for anyone in Ctown. The service was also very pleasant and helpful. You can tell they take their business seriously.Dim Sum is classic and all dishes are delicious...but my favorite is the Egg Drop soup and Kang Pao Chicken. Chicken w. Broccoli also delish! I would highly recommend, only wish they were open later in the evening.
Shuhua Wang
Bad food. Worst Chinese food I have ever had. Please do not eat here, eat at some fast food restaurant instead.
I’ve had dim sum in many places including Hong Kong. This place has dim sum which was exceptional. Not as inexpensive as I’m used to but the taste made up for it. I will definitely go back!
Good food at a reasonable price. Large menu has something for everyone. I especially recommend the steamed dumplings.
Don't know why the place isn't rated higher. The location is just off the Cornell campus in what appears to be Ithaca's "Chinatown." The restaurant was spacious and had an inviting vibe. Our server was attentive and pleasant. It was hard to decide what to order from the extensive, somewhat "authentic" menu. I ordered the shrimp hot pot, my wife had the fried pork dumplings for our dinners. Both exceeded our expectations in terms of quality and quantity. Prices were quite reasonable for the amount of food we were served. We enjoyed what we couldn't eat the next day for lunch. Would go back there in a New York second next time we're in Ithaca.
Never ever would I go to this place again. Went there about 6 months ago and owner got into an argument with the table next to us and was obviously the owners fault. He gave them the wrong order and when pointed out by the customer, became argumentative instead of fixing it. Next, our orders took approximately 90 minutes and was not very crowded that evening. Dumplings were just meh (comparing to downstate). Then told that our scallion pancakes would not be coming because they were out of ingredients, which we were fine with. Then 30 minutes later brought them out? Tasted pretty much like playdoh with zero scallions. Seems like they didn’t want to lose the money even though they were out of one of the key ingredients. Then forgot to bring out one of the dumplings order, but was charged for it. Owner was really inappropriate throughout the night.
This is the closest dimsum place that I could find in my area lol. But the actual dimsum are pretty good. Service is okay but it’s a looooong wait time for your food to come.
I've eaten here for years growing up in Ithaca, and even though they changed owners and the look of the restaurant they kept many of the dishes the same (thank god) - good and simple classic Chinese and Vietnamese dishes (the meat rolls are the best)
Closed, renovated, now reopening as Asian Chili Spot. Previous owners retired but the new menu seems to include most of the old dishes. Haven't tried it yet.
Went here for Valentine's Day, The beef stew and the chili fish soup were both wonderful
Had a really unacceptable experience here.Came here during the pandemic. Ordered $50+ worth of dimsum as my S.O. & I were hungry and treating ourselves to a nice meal. Waited *50+ mins* for our food to be prepared. When we finally returned home, we couldn't believe the quality of food that the restaurant dared serve... Every. Single. Item. tasted or smelled rotten (sour, texture noticeably off, etc.). The pork ribs, shu mai, shrimp rice rolls, turnip cake, etc. - were honestly so bad and *off* in taste & texture, that as hungry as we were, and as much $$ as it felt like we spent, we threw almost all of it away. (My S.O. tried to take a couple bites here n there because we were desperate and had no other food at home, and ended up getting diarrhea that night.) It seemed like it was old food the restaurant had leftover, and was supposed to responsibly throw away themselves, but instead decided to try their luck and serve to us. We are very UN-picky eaters, but know what dimsum *should* taste like, and this was by far the most cringe-y, poor quality (expired, sour, wrong texture) food we've ever had the displeasure of being served.If the restaurant would dare serve something of this quality even *once*, I'm scared to know the other standards they don't regularly uphold.
This place is my local joint to go chinese food. Their chicken broccoli with fried rice is always banging. I love it spicy so they make my food spicy upon my request.
Restaurantji Recommends
Ordered pork buns, shrimp dim sum, and scallion pancakes. Waited an hour for the dim sum and over almost 2 hours for the scallion pancakes (no exaggeration). And it was NOT busy. When the scallion pancakes arrived, they apparently ran out of scallions, so instead of telling us that, they just made them out flour, which tasted like playdoh fried in oil. Then gave us a bill which included two items we never ordered. Saw the head guy get into an argument with another table when the customer noted they got his order wrong. Absolutely miserable experience and will never go there again. Dim sum was extremely meh and over priced. Look elsewhere.
Had a few appetizers. Wasn't nearly as good as I've had at several other Chinese restaurants. Not bad, but not very good.
It is with a heavy heart that I write this review to mourn the loss of the best dumplings in Ithaca. Years ago, Peking had perfect dumplings- they were the standard against which I measure all other dumplings, and few have come close. There must have been some relation between Peking and Hai Hong, because the dumplings Hai Hong served until recently were quite similar to the perfect Peking dumplings. But the dumplings at Hai Hong have changed, and while some people may still find them appetizing, they are no longer themselves. They have lost their spark. They are just another derivative dumpling in a sea of bland Ithacan offerings. The same boring dumpling can now be had from a dozen Asian restaurants in the area. And the world is sadder for it.
Such a gem to find in Ctown! The food was A+ and I'm from downstate...so know Chinese food very well. I am so happy Hai Hong exists in Ithaca and its very convenient for anyone in Ctown. The service was also very pleasant and helpful. You can tell they take their business seriously.Dim Sum is classic and all dishes are delicious...but my favorite is the Egg Drop soup and Kang Pao Chicken. Chicken w. Broccoli also delish! I would highly recommend, only wish they were open later in the evening.
Bad food. Worst Chinese food I have ever had. Please do not eat here, eat at some fast food restaurant instead.