"There’s a massive fish tank behind the bar at Nin Hao. According to our server, whenever someone joins the team at this Fujianese restaurant, they get their own fish in the tank. For a restaurant on the ground floor of a rather lifeless new building in Prospect Heights, Nin Hao has a great deal of character. The servers also design the soundtrack—which features “Shots” by LMFAO, there are occasionally dog treats at the front door, and each pair of chopsticks balances upon a mini mahjong tile. Some of it is random—a large mural on the back wall ranges from green surgical masks, to hands cupping a bunch of newborns, and two owls riding a dragon. But random is better than boring. photo credit: Kate Previte photo credit: Kate Previte photo credit: Kate Previte photo credit: Kate Previte photo credit: Kate Previte The long menu is quirky too, punctuated by little asides like “these noodles tell a marriage tale: hot when made, cold when he’s late.” The rice and noodles section is called “Not Your Keto Day.” Despite the goofiness, the food is seriously delicious—from the fried starters and cold mountain jelly appetizer to the last bite of cumin lamb chop. Come with friends and order as much as you can. There’s plenty of space for groups, and the high ceilings make Nin Hao feel even bigger. Start with a cocktail of bourbon and cumin, or a bottle of orange wine from Virginia, then finish your meal with the red bean mochi. As the menu states, it’s “hand-made by Celeste.” Who that is, we don’t know, but we hope she has a fish in the tank. Food Rundown Crispy Shrimp These shell-on, sticky caramelized shrimp are honey walnut shrimp-adjacent, just better. According to the menu, they're a favorite of the interior design firm, so you can thank them for their good taste. And also for that fish tank. photo credit: Kate Previte Seafood Pancake Another great starter. Crispy on the outside, soft and squishy on the inside, with creamy oysters tucked into every crevice. Easy to share, delicious to eat. Mountain Jelly Salad Balance out your fried starters with this very mildly spicy celtuce salad, which has a soft leathery texture and a crisp bite. photo credit: Kate Previte Fujianese Wonton in Chicken Bone Broth A simple chicken broth with tiny, tender wontons bobbing around inside. Gentler than anything else on the menu, but still packed with flavor. photo credit: Kate Previte Typhoon Shelter Bombay Duck As the menu warns, bombay duck is “actually not duck, ask us about it!” It’s a feather-light fried fish with a heap of dried chilis, and it’s the spiciest thing on the menu. photo credit: Kate Previte Sauteed Egg Tomato with Curry Shrimp Always order this. Shell-on shrimp and soft wedges of tomato bathe in a curry sauce laced with egg. It’s a soft and gentle dish that bursts with flavor. Order a side of white rice to soak up all the leftover sauce. Sizzling Pan Cumin Lamb Chop This dish is responsible for all the smoke coming from the kitchen. The classic taste of cumin lamb works well on chops, and the smoky flavor adds a lot too. photo credit: Kate Previte Beef Ban Ban Rice Noodle We usually love any combination of beef and noodles, but this dish falls a little flat and tasteless. Focus on the mains. Seasonal Green Usually pea shoots, usually great (if not slightly under-salted). Get these to balance out all the other big flavors on your table." - Willa Moore
