Full Kee
Sunday, June 20, 2010 at 08:20AM Finding good Chinese in D.C. is difficult enough. Finding good, authentic Chinese food sounds more like a trick question than a typical district dining experience. Not to be confused with the Full KeY in Wheaton, Chinatown's Full KeE, on the corner of 5th and H Streets in Chinatown, serves up Chinese as authentic as it is good. The sign for this Chinatown fixture may not shine as brightly as those of its neighbors, and it won't be luring anyone in with its drab, generic decor. But it was filled with Chinese people - generally a good sign when seeking authenticity. When we walked in, we noticed that Mark was only one of two white people in the entire dining room. They shared a brief nod (like a secret handshake, or something) and we began to peruse the menu.
In spite of its hole-in-the-wall status, Full Kee was still relatively clean and bright - I tried not to hold this against the place (the best Chinese food I've ever had was in a dive in New York that scared the bejeezus out of me) - and the service was efficient and friendly. The menu is a little overwhelming - in addition to your typical Chinese food mainstays like hot & sour and wonton soups, varieties of fried rice and noodle dishes, and moo shu, it also offers up delicacies like cold jelly fish, duck's blood in ginger scallion, and deep fried pork intestines. Since I was trying to ease Mark into the experience, we decided to stay with more conventional (by American standards) dishes.
We started with an order of the steamed pork dumplings. The wrapper was a tad thick for my liking, but it was clear that the dough was house-made and fresh. And the filling was decent and meat-heavy. Slathering each dumpling with the chili sauce sitting at every table improved my impression of the appetizer quite a bit.
On the recommendation of just about everyone who's ever been to Full Kee, I ordered the Shrimp Dumplings Hong-Kong Style, & Noodles In Soup (below). I loved this, so very shrimp-y - the broth was infused with shrimp-flavor, which in turn, flavored the noodles, and the fantastic dumplings were filled with chunks of juicy shrimp (and pork). If, like Mark, you are not a shrimp fan, then this is really not the dish for you - he liked the texture of the noodles, but not the intense shrimp flavor, which had permeated everything in the soup. But, as I am a huge fan of shrimp, it was my absolute favorite. I'd make a return trip just for this dish.
As it was listed as one of the house specials, we got a half order of the Full Kee Salt Chicken. (below) The chicken (as our server attempted to warn us) came bone-in, which made eating it a little tricky, but the meat was very moist and tender, I'm assuming, due to the salt. Both Mark and I were expecting something a little more flavorful - it tasted like an extremely mild version of Peking duck - so the chicken didn't quite live up to expectations, but it was cooked very well and avoided the greasiness so typical of food in many Americanized Chinese restaurants.
Finally, we got an order of the Cantonese Pork Pan Fried Noodles (below). As Mark is not a big fan of mushrooms, I was able to swoop in and pick off all the wonderful mushrooms (maybe enokitake?) buried in this heap of goodness along with shreds of pork. And here is where our compatibility shines: Mark loved the difference in texture that the crisper noodles provided, whereas I preferred the noodles soaked in the tasty brown sauce. Mark also noted that he would have liked a "higher quality" cut of pork, and we had an extended discussion about how changing the "quality" of the meat might change the essence of the dish. As it was, I wouldn't have changed a thing about it.
We paid our $33 check and walked out of Full Kee stuffed, with doggie-bag in hand, which, if you read this blog at all, you know NEVER happens. I really, really enjoyed this meal - reminded me of the meals my mom would make when we were growing up - so many great flavors and textures, and so very hearty and filling. And despite his trepidation, Mark liked it enough that I think I can tempt him back with the promise of trying the roast pork (which I've heard is really great). This may not be the best place to eat if you're not used to truly authentic Chinese food. But if you're looking for the real thing, Full Kee is the closest I've found in the District.
Chinese, D.C. in Reviews: On The Town
Reader Comments (11)
I've never tried authentic Chinese food. I feel like I'm missing out. ;)
You should absolutely try it, if there are any such places in your area! Otherwise, come out to the District and I'll take you to Full Kee.
Oh, so very good! I love Full Kee! I need to get back there soon...the photos made my mouth water. Is it lunchtime yet?
I've only been here once, really late at night (friend had a hankering for the dumpling+noodle soup). Will have to go back again! Do you think they'd take out the 'shrooms from the pan fried noodle dish if you ask? I also don't like them (high-five, Mark) and I don't want to have to pick them out, but I LOVE pan-fried noodles.
WT-
I was JUST thinking that! I would love to have that soup for lunch today.
K-
I just don't understand how you don't like mushrooms, but I bet they would make them without, especially if you go when it's not too busy. I also love pan-fried noodles - we totally demolished them. Thinking about looking for a recipe so I can make them at home.
Some day I'll make it out to DC, Angela. Some day...;)
Miguel-
Let me know the minute you do. We'll go on a food spree.
My one trip to Full Kee (for lunch with colleagues) was a disappointment. This makes me think I should go back with C and get the back-door Asian menu.
WMF-
Yeah, I've actually heard that their "typical" menu isn't that great. I want to go back without Mark (maybe let me know if you and C go, I'll join you) and get some really authentic dishes (cold jelly fish, anyone?). Plus, I heard their roast pork is to die for.
How do I get a notification when you post a follow-up comment? I may have mentioned it before; I'm living in my alter ego's era when it comes to technology.
Hah! I don't know how, either - if I've commented on someone's blog, I try to remember to check back next time I'm there. I may be able to set that up (follow up notification), I just don't know how to do it.