Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Authentic Chinese Dining Experience in Cambridge, MA
Established in 1954, Hong Kong Express Restaurant has been a cornerstone of Harvard Square's dining scene for over six decades. Founded by Jimmy (Sen) Lee and Mary (Buoy) Lee, this family-owned establishment has evolved from a single dining room to a three-floor destination featuring a full-service restaurant, lounge, and event space. Our culinary team specializes in authentic Chinese cuisine with creative combinations of fresh produce, highlighted by signature dishes like our Scorpion Bowl cocktaila secret family recipe.With a commitment to exceptional service, we offer lunch and dinner combinations, catering services for special events, and a diverse menu featuring traditional favorites and innovative creations. Our kitchen remains closed on Mondays while maintaining regular hours Tuesday through Sunday, with extended evening service on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. As a locally rooted business, we pride ourselves on preserving culinary traditions while adapting to modern tastes and dietary preferences.
Services
Chinese Cuisine
Catering Services
Signature Cocktails
Event Venue
Lunch Combos
Dinner Specials
Takeout Delivery
Historic Dining
Details
- Year established: 1954
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1954 with generations of culinary expertise
- Extensive menu featuring 66+ years of perfected Chinese recipes
- Three-floor venue with dedicated event catering capabilities
- Signature Scorpion Bowl cocktail with secret family ingredients
- Harvard Square's longest-operating Chinese restaurant
What people say
Amazing food
Authentic Chinese
Great cocktails
Historic ambiance
Family recipes
Services
Chinese Cuisine
Our kitchen crafts traditional Chinese dishes with modern twists using fresh ingredients. Menu highlights include Kung Pao variations, Yu Shiang specialties, and seafood preparations like Steamed Fish with Ginger. Vegetarian options and Americanized favorites like Sweet & Sour Chicken ensure broad appeal while maintaining authentic flavors.
Catering Services
We provide full-service catering for events with appetizer platters, rice dishes, and entrees serving 8-12+ guests. Menu options include General Gau Chicken, Vegetable Delight, and Lobster Sauce entrees. Custom packages available for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations at our three-floor venue.
Signature Cocktails
Our bar features classic and innovative cocktails including the secret-recipe Scorpion Bowl for groups. Craft beer selections, wine, and specialty drinks like the Red Bull Scorpion Bowl and Zombie cocktails complement meals. Full bar service available until 2 AM on weekends.
Lunch Combos
We offer 25+ lunch combinations with rice and appetizer choices including LC1-LC25 options. Diners can select from General Gau Chicken, Kung Pao Shrimp, and Vegetable Delight combinations priced $11.50-$16.25. Served daily until 3 PM with customizable protein selections.
Historic Venue
Our three-floor establishment includes a main dining room, second-floor lounge, and third-floor dance space. Originally built in 1954, the venue combines historic charm with modern amenities for private events accommodating 50-150 guests in Harvard Square's cultural district.
People
Evelyn Lee
Co-Owner
Evelyn Lee co-owns Hong Kong Express Restaurant with her brother Paul, continuing the family legacy started by their parents in 1954. With decades of hospitality experience, she oversees daily operations and maintains culinary traditions.
Paul Lee
Co-Owner
Paul Lee co-owns the Harvard Square location, managing business operations while preserving the restaurant's authentic Chinese heritage. He works with sister Evelyn to maintain quality standards across all menu offerings and services.
Questions
What makes Hong Kong Express Restaurant unique?
We're Harvard Square's longest-operating Chinese restaurant, established in 1954 with a family-owned legacy and secret-recipe cocktails like the Scorpion Bowl.
Do you offer catering services?
Yes, we provide full-service catering with appetizer platters, rice dishes, and entrees serving 8-12+ guests for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations.
What are your operating hours?
We're open Tuesday-Sunday 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Thursdays until 10 PM, Fridays/Saturdays until 11 PM) with our kitchen closed on Mondays.
Do you deliver food?
Yes, we offer delivery within Cambridge area with a $4.00 minimum charge, operating Sunday-Tuesday 12-8 PM and Friday-Saturday 12-10:30 PM.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards with a $3.00 minimum per person, but do not accept personal checks for dining or catering services.
