It has been our comforting observation that almost anywhere we travel, we can get an inexpensive, tasty Chinese meal in a cozy and tasteful restaurant. Hang-Chow was not an exception.
We stepped out the door of the Hotel Sud on a quiet Saturday night and hung a right on Rue du Marche. Past a few closed shops was the bright neon vertical sign of Hang-Chow. A slightly faded menu hung on the door and a bright light beckoned beyond an etched glass partition. After entering a tiny foyer, we passed into an intimate dinning area. Black lacquered chairs snuggled up to blue and white clothed tables sprinkled with starchy pink napkins and loads of glassware. Mirrored-framed oriental scenes graced the cool green walls. Hang-Chow was warm haven on a damp cold evening.
As we entered, a spirited young waitress sprang at our elbow and offered the first table on the left. Across the aisle were 3 lines of tables for four to six and another table behind us for four and that was all. Back in the corner next to the kitchen was the quaint bar with a mini version of almost anything you could want. Slightly to the left of the serving area was another table. This one was round and cluttered with books, crayons and pencils where the family children calmly studied their lessons. Our waitress mumbled instructions and praise as she swept pass.
After a local brew to peruse the menu we settle on a Cantonese chicken dish with loads of bright crisp vegetables and we added masses of hot tea to wash it down. Our giant platter with order for two was placed in the center of the table on a small warmer so we could eat at leisure. Giant egg rolls and marinated chicken on a stick accompanied the entrée. A selection of condiments was supplied on the table such as mustard sauce, soy sauce, etc. White rice, in a blue and white ceramic casserole, accompanied everything and was a nice addition to the tangy sesame sauce on the veggie chicken. Our menu included numerous vegetable combinations each done with chicken, pork or beef and mild or spicy. Entrees ranged from 8 to 13 Euros and special dinner combinations were 18 to 25 Euros per person.
Our waitress and busboy spoke a smattering of English, but seemed more comfortable in French or German. However they were warm, friendly, and efficient while service was quick with everything piping hot. We were the only customers when we arrived but as we lingered the small restaurant started to buzz and we realized there were people from Minnesota seated behind us. Hang-Chow is just a small slice of the welcome we experienced in Bastogne. It has the warm comfortable feeling of a small family business with an intimate relationship with their patrons. Hang-Chow accepts all your credit cards.