Mr. Wong Chinese Restaurant is located at 91 Rylander Blvd., Scarborough, in Toronto's easternmost end, near Port Union Rd. and Hwy. 401. Mr. Wong has a brighter interior, laid out as and very much in the style of Japanese restaurants so much though that I think it was previously one, and the interior area was once a sushi bar. It also is a sit-down buffet using iPad menus, rare for a Chinese restaurant but much like a Japanese AYCE, and sushi is also present, in self serve at the front. Ginger is dyed pink. Pop is canned $1.75 no ACYD, tea $1.50.
I noticed that the restaurant had a “Scarborough Buffet” panda sign, and the interior has the same chairs as the Scarborough Buffet at Markham and Sheppard had, so suspected this location is a reincarnation of it. Confirmed with one of the wait staff that this is correct and that the same family is running it... this made me happy that they are still working in their own business.
Mishy said the sweet and sour chicken was amazing, and the beef teriyaki and grilled mushrooms. Chicken balls did not have excessive breading and the sauce was good and not overly sweet. Beef skewers were delicious and not too tough. Honey garlic chicken wing was good, though that sauce is never my favourite. Spring rolls Mishy indicated were too salty, but I didn't notice that, and the lemon sauce was good. Wonton soup was quite good although a little soy helped the broth. Hot and sour soup was very good and not burnt which is important and easily overlooked.
We both loved the general Tao chicken as the sauce was excellent, rich and gravy-like and not too sweet. Mishy thought that chili chicken tasted sightly off, but we agreed it was probably just the seasoning; I didn't think it was bad at all. Mr. Wong has General Beef, which is General Tao beef instead of chicken, and it was delicious and we both loved it; very nice variation. Black pepper beef was excellent though quite spicy. Sesame beef was not bad though the sauce was slightly burned. Curry beef was quite good and nicely spiced. Sweet and sour chicken was delicious.
Asparagus was quite good and in a nice light soy based sauce. Chop suey was very fresh although a little soy sauce was required to help that helped too. (Perhaps with an older clientele as we noticed they are going easier on the salt?) Cheese pizza(!) took a long time to arrive but Mishy indicated it was worth the wait.
Sushi salmon nigiri, cucumber roll, cream cheese roll, tofu nigiri from the self-serve display all were very good and very fresh.
For dessert, green tea cake was delicious and we both loved it, and the coffee cake was even better. Vanilla and chocolate ice creams were both fresh and good. Tapioca pudding was the real thing, with actual taro root in it. Sesame balls and cream puffs were fresh and enjoyable. Lunch on weekend $20.99 and for the offerings especially these days this is very good. There were only slight shortcomings, and many very good items, and for this price we would happily return.
Rating: 8.5 – 9 / 10
