Happy Garden Bayside Restaurant

Recently tried out Happy Garden in Bayside for takeout, and every dish tasted delicious. The beef chow fun was a standout wide rice noodles stir-fried with tender beef, onions, scallions, and bean sprouts, coated in a soy-based sauce and infused with wok hei, that smoky flavor prized in Cantonese cooking. Chow fun has long roots in Cantonese street food culture, where rice noodles became a staple for being hearty, affordable, and versatile. The fish fillet and tofu casserole came with tender fish, silken tofu, green beans, and scallions in a rich brown sauce. Traditionally, this kind of casserole is served sizzling in a clay pot ,a cooking vessel that has been part of Chinese kitchens for centuries, known for holding heat and allowing flavors to meld. Even in a takeout container, the sauce soaked beautifully into the tofu and vegetables, making it hearty, savory, and deeply comforting. The boiled chicken with scallion and ginger was clean, tender, and aromatic. This dish reflects Cantonese and Hainanese traditions of poaching chicken to preserve its natural flavor. What makes it special is the dipping sauce of minced scallion, ginger, and hot oil, which enhances the delicacy of the meat without overpowering it. To end the meal, the complimentary red bean dessert soup (紅豆沙) was a lovely touch. This sweet soup has been enjoyed for centuries across Chinese households and banquets, prized for being nourishing yet light. Its smooth sweetness balanced out the savory dishes perfectly.

- Kimberly Lim Legaspi -

Came here to try this cozy restaurant for the first time. Didn't realize it was Cantonese Cuisine until we heard the waiter speak. It wasn't crowded initially, but was full by the time we left with alot of take out orders showing up all at once. Food came out quick, had a good portion size and pretty flavorful. You can see the steam come up from the sizzling steak. The only disappointment was the Tsing Tao beer which was warm, so we had to switch to a Heineken instead.

- Juan Lima -

I am so glad that this new Chinese restaurant opened in Bayside. This is my new go to place for traditional Chinese (Cantonese) cuisine without having to deal with the traffic and crowds of Flushing (a huge plus for anyone who’s had to drive in Flushing)! We called in advanced and ordered live Alaskan King Crab, which was made three ways (1) crispy golden king crab legs with fried garlic and chili, (2) steamed king crab legs over garlic egg noodle, (3) king crab fried rice. My favorite was the crispy crab legs but every preparation was so flavorful and brought out the freshness of the crab in a different way that there was something for everyone. The crab meat was also so succulent and came in large chunks as well so it was plenty for me and my family. We left stuffed and would definitely come back again!

- Char Y -