Hamtramck stays ‘golden’ with addition of new restaurant

By Ian Perrotta

As international as Hamtramck is, up until a few weeks ago it lacked one thing: a Chinese restaurant.

Not anymore. After a few-years-long hiatus, Golden Hill Chop Suey is back in business. The restaurant re-opened about a month ago and has been busy ever since.

Owned and operated by Kuen Kwong, a Chinese native who emigrated from the Guangdong region to the United States over 30 years ago, the business isn’t his first foray into the culinary arts. Before running the eatery’s previous incarnation, Kwong also had a business on Michigan Ave.

After the old Golden Hill shut down, Kwong says he tried to find another business to take its place but there wasn’t any interest due to the economy. Eventually he was able to reopen, much to both his and Hamtramck’s delight.

So far business has been steady. Many are attracted to the generous lunch specials, which are an incredible deal for an even better price. Monday through Friday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., for just $4.75 plus tax restaurant-goers can choose from 12 different meals that include rice and a soft drink. Sesame Chicken has already emerged as a town favorite.

As for Kwong’s favorite thing about the town, he says enjoys the diversity that walks through his doors. On any given day he receives business from people representative of all the town’s cultures, as well as the police and fire departments – both of which have become regulars.

“I love Hamtramck,” says Kwong. “The people are good and all different, but they enjoy the food. The Bangladeshis love it – they like it spicy!”

(Golden Hill Chop Suey is located at the intersection of Jos. Campau and Caniff and is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3-10 p.m. Sunday. Call (313) 871-8718 for more information.)