The Best Little Cafe - Chantilly

Few may understand why this nondescript section in the wall inside the Lotte Plaza Market that is away from the main food court on the other side of the market should deserve 5 stars. Ready? Ok here goes: authentic Chinese hanging BBQ behind a window as if you 're at a Chinatown (e.g. roast pork, Peking duck, char sui, roast quail, smoked chicken), chicken feet, large block fried tofu, fried shrimp, bitter melon, pork stuffed mantou buns, Chinese Sticky Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf (Lo Mai Gai), egg custard, stewed spiced tripe, and other truly TRULY wonderful entrees and all freshly made, not trucked in. The lunch special is loaded with 3 pick entrees and soup. There is no General Tzo 's or mutant like thick glazed 'goo moo gai whatever ' dishes here. Is there another single place where all these Cantonese epicurean goodness in one place around Chantilly ? Answer is no around here. Maybe a restaurant has 1 or 2 but not all this. Plus, I am a big fan of paying for the food and not snarky waiters. The husband and wife team running this place are hands down awesome (BUT if you give them lip, they respond in kind as they should). They even taught me how to cook with some of their left over items especially the roast duck heads. Now I buy 2 5 duck heads every time I go. To my dear reader, you come here for Canton authenticity and sustenance. If you are looking for food that is complimented with a waitress or conversation, I hear there are several American chains that build in these non food costs into your meal. A place like this which churns out original flavors that reminds one of being in Chinatown, this place is truly a diamond in the rough. Yes..... They actually have those yummy succulent roast quail

The roast duck and rice for lunch was excellent. I also enjoyed the delicious egg custard tart. I will definitely be returning for lunch and possibly dinner takeout in the future.

Every time I go shopping at Lotte, I make sure to visit this small Asian restaurant (carryout only). Stuart, the friendly owner, always makes my visit enjoyable, as well as the nice lady who works there. I can't quite remember their relationship. I usually order the Roast Duck, although the last few times I've gotten it, the ducks have been a bit on the skinny side. Nevertheless, I always finish it in one sitting, sharing some with my 13lb dog. The Roast Duck costs around $35 each, but it's worth it for the delicious taste! Weekends are the best time to visit, as they offer a variety of dim sum and cooked meals, including tasty soup. The soup is especially good. On weekdays, their menu is more limited. I suspect the dim sum may be frozen like at other places. My go-to order is their supersized sesame balls, which are my favorite. Their Roast Pig and BBQ Pork are also delicious, but I prefer the Roast Pig, and so does my dog. Surprisingly, my picky dog really enjoys the Roast Duck and Roast Pig.

I wish there were more food options available. I'm not sure why this place is called a cafe because I don't think they serve coffee. It's a small Chinese takeout spot located inside Lotte Plaza in Chantilly. I usually order their roast duck and pork buns, both of which are delicious. The service is friendly.