What might look like a little hole in the wall is actually a treasure for foodies. Ho Sum Bistro takes traditional Chinese food to a new level.
First, we tried the Shanghai Spring Rolls. Two come in one order so this is a good option to share with others as they are cut into four pieces. And yes, they are tasty. Two different dipping sauces accompany the Spring Rolls. One is sweet and one is spicy. They are both delicious, however my personal choice is the sweet one.
Next, we tried the Ho Lo Mein. This is a traditional Lo Mein noodle dish, however it is tossed with a Chinese brown sauce to give it a special flavor.
The Vegetable Ho Lo Mein is filled with carrots, broccoli, and other veggies mixed in with the noodles.
The Chicken Ho Lo Mein contains plenty of chicken however it lacks in the vegetable department.
This was a tough choice as everything on the menu sounded so good. The salads that went by our table looked very tasty, and the other dishes also looked like winners. Unfortunately, we were only there for a day so we had to select one entree each.
The Ho Lo Mein is available in two sizes, and the small one is perfect for a meal (especially with the Spring Rolls as an appetizer). However, for larger appetites, the large option is a good choice.
Several dishes are also available in two sizes, which is a plus for those who want to try a couple selections or just want a small meal.
There is a Lunch Special on Monday through Saturday, from 11am to 4pm. The special is a choice of either salad with fried rice, salad with soup, or soup with fried rice.
On Sundays the locals as well as tourists indulge in the Sunday Brunch (11am-4pm), with bottomless champaign. Besides the champagne, the brunch is all you can eat of a choice of soup or salad, and two Dim Sum options from Pot Stickers, Ho Sum Dumplings, Shanghai Spring Rolls, Crispy Chicken Won Tons, Quenelles, and Poached Wrapped Won Tons.
The restaurant is small. The main area downstairs has about 6 tables and a counter. The upstairs also has a counter with an overview of the downstairs and the street, with a few tables as well. Plus, there is a very small outside patio area.
The restaurant touts itself as “Asian Cuisine with a Healthful California Twist.” It might not look like anything on the outside, and inside as stated, it is small, but the food is definitely some of the best Chinese food we tasted in the area.
While there are many options for dining in this area of Newport Beach, it is worth checking out the Ho Sum Bistro, if you enjoy Asian cuisine.
Ho Sum Bistro is located at 3112 Newport Blvd. in Newport Beach, California.
About the Reviewer
Francine Brokaw writes about products, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites.