All in the Family

Although Chinese takeout restaurants have become just as popular, if not more, than McDonald’s, good quality ones are a bit more difficult to find. However, if you are in the neighborhood of Islip Terrace, New York, you are in luck.

Although Siu’s Kitchen owner Zhengrong Chen has a mere four years under his belt, through hard work and determination, he has made it into just the type of place you are looking for in a clean, casual Chinese restaurant.

“We have devoted ourselves to the American catering industry and have given much convenience to the public,” says Chen.

The Scene

Located in a strip mall close to Sunrise Highway in Islip Terrace, there is a wonderful little takeout restaurant by the name of Siu’s Kitchen. Decorated with simple white walls, gentle white light and nut-brown tiles, the 1,200 square-foot space is clean and inviting. Although the restaurant is simply decorated, it does have a few small touches, such as bamboo plants, a string of small lanterns and a carved wood Chinese sign, which make it more cozy and relaxed. They have created an atmosphere that makes people feel that they can stop in any time, whether it be for lunch, dinner or just a quick snack.

The Food

Serving Americanized Chinese cuisine with light flavors, Siu’s Kitchen gives its customers just what they want, and is healthier than many others. Customers come from near and far to enjoy their delectable offerings.

“We have a customer who lives very far from us, who loves our homemade Chicken Dumplings and Seafood Dumplings so much,” said Chen. “Every time he comes in, he is going to buy all of our stock. Last year, before he went to Ohio for his sister’s birthday, he came here, bought all of our dumplings, put them in an iced bag, and drove more than 10 hours to carry them there.”

Along with their delicious Chicken and Seafood Dumplings, the signature dishes at Siu’s Kitchen include General Tso’s Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Boneless Ribs and Wonton Soup. The General Tso’s Chicken and Sesame Chicken are both sliced and pickled in a mixture of salt, white pepper and egg overnight, and are then cooked with light sauce, wine, vinegar, sugar and soy sauce.

“Unlike other restaurants, we cut the Boneless Ribs into thicker slices and pickle it in our sauce for one or two days, then we grill it with other sauce on the surface,” said Chen. “This gives it the unique flavor.”

According to Chen, the chefs at Siu’s Kitchen pay much attention to healthy and diet dishes. They try to keep up with current trends and customers’ special needs. They use less oil and light sauce for cooking, and some dishes are without oil or MSG per customers’ special requests.

The Service

The staff at Siu’s Kitchen works together to provide a comfortable and friendly atmosphere that all of their customers are thankful for. They really know how to make customers feel at ease and always make sure to provide the best service possible.

“We are all cooperative and hardworking,” said Chen. “Every staff [member] has been assigned a certain area to maintain, and to keep clean at any time. We have two major cleanings every day, one at the lunch break, and the other at the time we close.”

With careful deliberation in choosing his staff, Chen has brought together friendly people with good skills. And with three professional chefs, each of whom have over 10 years experience, the kitchen at Siu’s is well managed, as is the front of the house.

“We are a big family,” said Chen. “Only if you treat your employee as your family members can they be motivated and dedicated to the job. I get a lot of advice from our staff.”

By taking into account the advice given by his staff and by customers, along with his own attentive planning, Siu’s Kitchen just keeps on improving. In addition to a great staff and excellent customer service  at the restaurant, Siu’s Kitchen also helps out the local community by making donations to the Police Union, the church, the local community center and schools about 10 to 20 times each year.

Owner

Siu’s Kitchen was established in 1991 by Zhengrong Chen’s uncle. After 13 years of outstanding management of the restaurant, Chen took it over in 2004.

“From 2004 to present, my operation has proved to be very successful because I have been committed to the restaurant, to provide the best service I can to the public,” said Chen. “To run a restaurant is never easy; you can hardly find any leisure time. However, whenever I can find time, I stay with my family, or go to the park with my kids. I love my family and love their smiles!”

Chen tries very hard to maintain a balance of maintaining both his personal life and his restaurant business. It definitely helps that he has become friends with many of his customers. He even knows most of them by name.

“Our customers are all well-educated, and decent people,” said Chen. “They like our food, our service, our environment, our weekend party and our staff. Some customers even buy gifts for my kids.”

Although they work hard to keep their customers happy, and they do a good job of it, Siu’s Kitchen is suffering along with the rest of the industry when it comes to a distressed economy. And along with the rest of the restaurant industry, he is doing the best he can to get through it without making too many changes.

“As we are suffering an economic gloom, our costs are getting higher and higher,” said Chen. “However, our requirement for high quality never drops down. For example, we are still purchasing the best-quality broccoli and other raw materials from our supplier.”

This careful thought and consideration are what makes Chen a successful and respected restaurant owner. He says that his secrets to success are: 1) making sure the food they provide is of the best quality, especially the raw materials; 2) providing the best service and keeping a firm relationship with customers; and 3) teamwork.

“As a team, we have to respect ourselves, regard us as family members, be warm and patient to each other, and work hard for our common future,” said Chen.

As for the future plans of Sui’s Kitchen, Chen says that “As our customers are demanding, maybe we are going to expand the business in the near future.”

Siu’s Kitchen

3283 Sunrise Hwy

Islip Terrace, NY 11752

Phone: (631) 224-7023