Hot Food Express, a popular Asian-fusion restaurant in Lafayette, Louisiana, is renowned for its diverse menu featuring fried rice and seafood dishes. This review explores the restaurant’s ambiance, menu offerings, food quality, customer service, and overall dining experience. Let’s delve into what Hot Food Express has to offer.
A Vibrant Atmosphere and Extensive Menu
Hot Food Express welcomes guests with a relaxed, homey atmosphere. The brightly colored walls, adorned with CDs, magazines, and newspaper clippings showcasing the restaurant’s success, create a unique visual experience. A small television and a picture of Bob Marley add to the eclectic decor.
The menu boasts a wide variety of options, catering to diverse tastes. From classic Asian dishes like lo mein noodles and Zee’s fried rice to American favorites like chicken tenders, burgers, and po’boys, there’s something for everyone. Hot food plates include fried seafood, chicken, pork chops, and barbeque pork steak. The affordability of the menu, with most items priced between $9 and $14, adds to the appeal.
Crack Shrimp Fried Rice: A Closer Look
The Crack Shrimp Fried Rice, a signature dish featuring bang bang shrimp, chicken, and crack sauce, promises a flavorful experience. The visually appealing presentation features golden shrimp and chicken atop a bed of rice, complemented by scrambled eggs, mini shrimp, and a generous drizzle of crack sauce. Onions and scallions provide a finishing touch.
The initial aroma and taste are promising, with the shrimp and the crack sauce-coated rice taking center stage. However, upon further tasting, a lack of seasoning in the shrimp and chicken becomes apparent. The crack sauce, while flavorful, has a strong mayonnaise aftertaste that overpowers the other ingredients. The eggs, though present in abundance, lack discernible flavor. The onions and scallions, while visually appealing, occasionally overwhelm the palate.
Room for Improvement and Hidden Gems
Despite the shortcomings of the Crack Shrimp Fried Rice, the dish holds potential. With more seasoning in the shrimp and chicken, and a lighter hand with the crack sauce, it could become a true standout. The generous portion of seafood is a definite plus, exceeding typical seafood plate lunches.
A surprising highlight of the meal was the fried scallops. Priced at just $2.99 for six pieces, these crispy, golden-brown delights offer a tender texture and rich flavor, making them a must-try.
Excellent Customer Service
Hot Food Express excels in customer service. Despite a busy atmosphere, the cashier ensures a thorough understanding of the menu and confirms orders with care, demonstrating a commitment to customer satisfaction.
Location and Hours
Hot Food Express is located at 3013 Cameron St, Lafayette, LA 70506. They operate from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.
Final Thoughts
Hot Food Express offers a mixed dining experience. While some dishes, like the Crack Shrimp Fried Rice, may require adjustments to reach their full potential, others, like the fried scallops, shine brightly. The affordable prices, friendly service, and vibrant atmosphere make it a worthwhile destination for those seeking an Asian-fusion experience in Lafayette. The restaurant’s commitment to customer service further enhances the dining experience.
