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Kim Wah Chinese BBQ
Rating Details »
- Hours:
Mon-Fri. 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Mon-Fri. 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good for:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
10 reviews for Kim Wah Chinese BBQ
As I've mentioned in my review of Phoenix Chinese Cafe, authentic Chinese food is difficult to come across in San Antonio, both because of the lack of a major Chinese population, and because there isn't much of a demand for anything but the generic Americanized dishes that so many of us gobble up. I thought that Phoenix was perhaps the only authentic restaurant in town, until I learned of Kim Wah. Like Phoenix, the name is a bit misleading, the former is nothing like a cafe, and the latter, upon investigation, did not offer many barbecue dishes. What both DO offer, however, is a variety of authentic Chinese foods by way of their secret menus. Kim Wah has two menus - one for whitey, and another for people that look like they know what they're talking about. They provide either upon request, and both are in English, so I implore everyone to order from the Chinese menu.
The table shared their meals - I had the Hai Nan style flat noodle, while a friend ordered the Singapore style Rice noodle. While both were good, they seemed to be of similar construction, sharing a sauce and the same cuts of pork. The Singapore had shrimp, though, and obviously the types of noodle were different. Another meal shared was the authentic Kung Pao chicken, and I guarantee it's not what most people have in mind when they think of the dish. The sauce which was used for the dish was good, but considerably thick.
One of the reasons I eat is to explore other cultures, and eating at the majority of Chinese restaurants is like me going to Taco Bell to experience authentic Mexican food. Places like Kim Wah appeal to those who want to experience what Chinese people eat, not what Chinese people are making to satisfy American palettes.
I've always been weary of the Chinese restaurants here in San Antonio and never had the guts to try to eat at any of the nearby Chinese restaurants here. Let me tell ya, I am Chinese/Taiwanese and lived in Taiwan over the summer so I can assure you that Kim Wah serves very authentic Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine. The people here are very nice too. The menu is divided into 2 sections: American Chinese food and authentic Chinese food [the pages with Chinese characters]. I went with a group of 8 other friends, and I told them to only order from the authentic Chinese food menu. Among 3 of my friends, we shared seven dishes which was more than enough. One of my friends who is also Chinese/Taiwanese (but born and raised in Asia) agreed that Kim Wah serves very delicious and authentic Chinese cuisine.
I strongly recommend:
-congee with preserved egg ~ Congee, or porridge, has something I've eaten my entire life for breakfast--my mom frequently cooks this so I can say that this was pretty satisfying. Sharing one bowl among 4 people is good enough.
-black pepper beef ~ Mmm the beef was so tender.
-sauteed hollow veggies with garlic ~ This is a hugely popular veggie in Taiwan and sooo yummy
-Kim Wah tofu
They also have bubble tea for $2.50 each, $2.95 if it's a slushie. I didn't order one, but the rest of my friends did and seemed to really like it. The prices here are moderate, actually cheaper than other Chinese restaurants in SoCal. I would definitely come here again. The food is not very greasy, and it seems like they don't use MSG in their food. I normally get stomach aches from eating Chinese food, but I had no side effects from eating at Kim Wah!
Good chinese food in San Antonio is a scarce commodity, but this place delivers. As first timers, we had to try the Peking duck, which comes with soup and buns. However, they only had 1/2 a duck and no soup, but it was delicious nonetheless. The duck was crispy and moist, and the steamed buns were light and fluffy.
I also tried the Kim Wah tofu, which was equally delicious, although I added a little bit of the homemade chili oil to give it some kick.
I definitely recommend Kim Wah if you are in the mood for good authentic chinese.
delicious duck, extensive choice of real chinese food. I wish there are more restaurant like this in San Antonio.
Finally found a chinses restaurant worth mentioning in san antonio, back home we don't have a million buffets like in San antonio. This place was awesome the food tasted great they even served tea! The Peking duck platter is $28 but worth it comes with a roasted duck the little pao GAO sorry I'm probably wrong calling it that and the hoison son sauce is delicious!! Chinese food in San francisco has a certain taste and I've found it in this pace. Not to mention is priced well so u can't go wrong with a cheap meal. I brought maryann b tothis place when she came to Texas to visit me and my kids. It's a great place for family too :)
Man my bestfriend and I were so happy that there's Peking duck mmmm it's hard to find a decent Chinese restaurant in San antonio, Texas hahaha my visit there was great and a culture shock more so... Service was great glad they understood that my godkid eats messy and just laughed and played with him.. Food was cheap and very generous... Taste is pretty good for it's price... Man Peking duck mmmmm it was like the cherry on top of a dessert that made my trip to Texas awesome... Really hard to find an Asian/ Filipino grocery of restaurant but we scooooored by yelping
The four stars are more relative to San Antonio, as I have found slim pickings of Chinese food around town, but it's still a pretty good, authentic chinese restaurant. I especially like their sizzling tofu and pork plate and the duck egg congee. The portions are generous for the price, and it's never overly busy so seating is never a problem.
wow not bad of a place at all for again lack of chinese places in san antonio... would totally go there for a quick fix though!
-ordered fried intestines (sauce was just hoisin sauce so that was a lil weak) and sometimes too crispy but overall still good
-intestines with sour vegetables... more vegetables than intestines... super sour
-fish maw seafood soup... fish maw a lil on the dry side
-salted pepper squid... again a lil over fried but eh better than nothing!
-special kim wah tofu... mmmm with brown sauce and ground pork, shrimp, mushrooms... wish they had crabmeat suace instead
- rice cooked just rite!
after a whole weekend of eating american food i always end up here on sunday before i depart back to ny...
this time added crispy salted shrimp to our order... super crispy never got soggy wished it was a lil more on the saltier side...
love it!
If you are anxious to get away from the Chinese Buffets that seem to everywhere and experience real Chinese food then Kim Wah's is your place.
Recommended by my Taiwanese neighbor, this place serves authentic Beijing/Peking Duck along with other Beijing style dishes. The restaurant offers two menus, one for more American Chinese-style dishes and the other offers more authentic dishes. Go for items off of the authentic menu. The stuff is as good as the food I have enjoyed in China and Taiwan.
Asian owned with Asian cooks (Singaporean and Malaysian Chinese, I believe) the restaurant is simple, clean and welcoming. Don't go for the decor, go for the duck! The Salt and Pepper Ribs (really pork chops - the name is interchangeable in Chinese I think) are delicious. I also really enjoy the Eggplant in Spicy Sauce and the fish with green onions and ginger. They often have specials on a white board and they have always been good.
Menu available on the website. Zagat rated.
Away from the hustle and bustle of typical Americanized Chinese food, Kim Wah presents an array of authentic Chinese food. I have been a few times here with a couple of friends and its not too bad but, needs some much needed improvement. The last visit was just my gf and I like always....heart.....Anyways, we were promptly seated and we ordered plate combination plate of duck and honey roasted pork, Chinese broccoli and beef stew hot pot. The combination plate was a let down for seven dollars. we got only four pieces of duck and some slices of the pork. Fortunately, the Chinese broccoli was not too bad at all. There was a lot of broccoli and enough hoison sauce to balance out the tartness of it. The beef hot pot was good but the beef did not really have a soft, rich texture. It also was lacking garnish and veggies. Could of used some parsley and iceberg lettuce or something. Our waiter was usually on the side eating with her family which was kind of weird. And also she seated us in between two tables of two heavy set women. It seemed liked they were watching us eat so I had to refrain from my hoarding technique of cramming all the food from the rice bowl into my mouth. In all, it was a pleasant experience but not worth the bill of 23 dollars. This is probably second on authentic Chinese restaurants. Of course, number one always goes to Phoneix Chinese Cafe!!!
