Cafe Evergreen

This should be more like a 4.5 star review. As someone who is Cantonese and grew up eating this cuisine, I can say with confidence that this restaurant delivers one of the most authentic Cantonese dining experiences here in the UES. While there are no traditional dim sum carts rolling through the dining room, the made-to-order approach actually works in their favor. Each dish arrives fresh from the kitchen, beautifully presented and piping hot. The har gow have delicate, translucent wrappers with juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp inside. The siu mai are tender and flavorful, and the char siu bao are light and fluffy with a balanced sweet-savory barbecue pork filling. The cheung fun are silky smooth, and the dumplings — whether steamed or pan-fried — have just the right texture, with fresh, well-seasoned fillings that aren’t greasy or overly salty. Dinner is equally impressive. The fried rice has a clean, balanced flavor, and definitely not overly greasy. The noodles are springy and satisfying, layered with depth without feeling heavy. And the Peking duck is a highlight: the skin is crisp and lacquered, the meat tender and juicy. Beyond the food, the restaurant itself stands out. It’s very clean, spacious, and thoughtfully decorated, creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. The dining room feels bright and open rather than dark and crowded, which makes it perfect for both family gatherings and relaxed dinners. What I appreciate most is that the flavors stay true to Cantonese tradition. The dishes aren’t overly Americanized or excessively salty, which enables you to taste the true flavors of the fresh ingredients. Highly recommend!