The food is the best Chinese food I've ever had at a restaurant in the Twin Cities. It is catered to asian tastes--you will not be tasting the sweet-n-sour you get from other reataturants (i.e. Pei Wei). Every dish has its own taste, you can share plates and everything will not end up tasting the same (i.e. The Village Wok). If you are used to and prefer the asian tastes (or simply every dish covered in grease) from big chain places, then you might think their food is bad. There are so many asian diners because HKN serves real asian food. The service is not terrific, but not at all bad--they take your order, bring you your order, give you the check, the end (it's not what many Americans are used to, but I think it unfair to say it is terrible). It's not a discrimination thing, I'd say a language barrier and partly cultural. I'm asian and I don't care for outstanding service (i.e. do you enjoy the food?/can I get you something? every 5 minutes), as long as it is not bad; good service is timely service with refills on drinks when you need it. The place is small (smaller than a regular fast-food dining area) and could probably get more service if it expanded, but it also creates an atmosphere regulars like. \r
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The portions are HUGE!!! For groups of 6-8, you really only need 5 different dishes and a bowl of rice to fill everyone up and have a doggie bag or two. The plates average $10 and individual meals around $7. The Jumbo Shrimp w/ Pecans is the best shrimp dish (not stir-fried) I've ever had. Unless you really care about great service beyond the necessity, HKN is the place to dine for great Chinese/Cantonese food that will fill up your belly and your taste buds.
Pros: Many different dishes to choose from. Parking in the back. Great value for $.
Cons: If you prefer dining with many non-Asians, then you'd be uncomfortable...not many real cons.
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