Just for Fun: Restaurant Review of Corner 28 in Flushing, Queens
When one studies Chinese or anything China, the question inevitable arises from others: what’s the best Chinese restaurant? Like all things China, it’s complicated and like the Chinese Communist Party, Chinese food is not
monolithic. Today in “Just for Fun,” we review Corner 28 in Flushing, Queens.
Corner 28 is not easy to find and that’s a good thing. This gem of a Cantonese restaurant lists an address on Main Street but in reality, the entrance is around the corner on 40th Rd.; you will have to walk around the flower vendor to enter and then up to the second floor. But once in, the effort is worth it.
The menu offers a wide variety of Hong Kong delights, from congee and noodle soups, to various dim sum standards. This is a great place to go for dim sum if you are looking to avoid the crowds and carts of the traditional dim sum places. All of the dishes use fresh ingredients with lots of flavor, but the best dish was by far the steamed shrimp
dumplings. It’s hard to find steamed shrimp dumplings with the proper ratio of wrapping to shrimp; most times the dumpling wrapping overpowers the shrimp and leaves a stickiness in the mouth. But at Corner 28, the chef has evidently perfected the proper balance between shrimp to wrapping by providing a huge serving of meat that has been marinated in a sweet and light sauce. With the first bite, the flavors of the shrimp cannot be denied.
Also of note was the Thousand Year Egg congee. While rice gruel often does not appeal to non-Chinese, this is unfortunate, especially when it is the Hong Kong version – congee. Congee offers a meal in and of itself and Corner 28 serves a strong one. With the congee are thick and soft breadsticks, known in Mandarin as youtiao (oil sticks). These are some of the best youtiao out there.
Prices are also extremely reasonable. With dim sum dishes averaging around $2.50, Corner 28 will not break the bank.
Housed in a relaxing and modern atmosphere, above the hubbub of Flushing, Corner 28 not only offers fresh and yummy Cantonese food, but also provides a great break before getting back on the subway.
Rating:
Corner 28
718-886-6628
40-28 Main Street, Flushing NY
(entrance around the corner on 40th Road)
Take the 7 train to the last stop, Main Street, Flushing