Ho-Win for the Win

Last year, the old Tiki Island near BJ’s on Highland Avenue was redesigned, renovated, and rebranded. The result is the new Ho-Win Palace. Gone is the dingy, dusty Buddha that once greeted guests at the door. The floor plan has been opened up, and there’s now a dedicated bar stretching across the entire length of the restaurant. The bar is separated from the main dining area, which is a nice touch—it allows events to take place without disturbing diners, who can enjoy their meals in relative peace. Big-screen TVs are mounted throughout the space, but since the volume is off, they don’t distract or add to the ambient noise.

When I visited last year with my family, I was genuinely impressed. While the prices were a bit high, they’re in line with other restaurants in the area. The food was simply outstanding. Sure, you can order from the countless Chinese takeout spots scattered across Medford, Malden, and Somerville—but you get what you pay for, and quality often takes a hit. I like Ho-Win because it’s versatile: you can take a date, bring your spouse, or enjoy a meal with the whole family. It’s appropriate for all occasions without feeling like a cheap eatery.

A year later, the food remains excellent. The service was a little slow, but the place was packed on a sunny Saturday afternoon. We started with the Peking Dumplings. They were a bit too doughy for my taste, but the rest of the family enjoyed them. The flavor was outstanding, so it was still a strong start.

Last year, I ordered the General Guo’s Chicken, which was phenomenal. The chicken nuggets were lightly breaded and perfectly fried. The meat was moist—not dry or stringy. The white rice was cooked to perfection. Honestly, how a restaurant handles its rice says a lot about the overall experience. In the age of rice cookers, undercooked rice is unacceptable—and Ho-Win gets it right.

This time, I went with the Beef and Broccoli, paired with pork fried rice. Once again, the meat was well-prepared, and the sauce was balanced—not too thick, and not drowning the plate. The pork fried rice had just the right mix of onions and pork bits. It was a solid dish.

Overall, our meal—Peking Dumplings, General Guo’s Chicken, Beef and Broccoli, and two Cokes—came to roughly $55. The portions were generous, the flavors were outstanding, and the atmosphere felt warm and family-friendly. Ho-Win Palace is a place that can be many things to many people—and for most, it’s a perfect spot to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Ho-Win Palace – https://www.howinpalacemedford.com/

Address: 269 Middlesex Ave, Medford, MA 02155, United States

Phone: +1 781-391-0477

Hours:
Sunday 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
Monday 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
Tuesday 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
Wednesday 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
Thursday 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
Friday 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m.
Saturday 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m.