Ho Hing

Oh the funzies. I hadn’t a clue that ordering some cheeky take away last night would end up in such hilarity and fits of laughter. Without meaning to be too purile, my friends and I couldn’t stifle the chuckles when we realised Ho Hing were situated on Cockshott lane — in fact it seemed to be a reason to order there, that and their extensive menu. (Yes, we weren’t being the most mature.) It was a bit of a compromise, since they mostly cater to Chinese, but also had a small range of Thai dishes so that suited all participants.
I opted for a Thai green curry, and my companions a beef chow mein and a Cantonese style chicken dish. Within moments of ordering via Just Eat I received a phone call from the restaurant, which caused further hilarity. Basically, he kept asking me if I’d rang an hour ago to ask about their «soft chicken». I had no idea what he was talking about. I just kept saying, «we’ve just ordered via Just Eat, and my friend would like the Catonese style chicken?» to which he kept asking if I had phoned to ask «about our soft chicken?» Anyway, we reviewed the order and it was all fine! If anyone knows what in the world «soft chicken» is, let me know.
Bang on time all the food arrived and we were all very happy. The delivery chap happened to be very lovely and we checked everything and it was all there — and extras! We were gifted prawn crackers and a large bottle of coke, so that was a boon. Now, to the dishes. The chips were fab, super crispy and pretty greasy but delicious nonetheless. The rice was fine but sadly, for me, my Thai green curry just wasn’t all that special. The sauce was thick and gloopy, and it had pineapple in it, which I’m sure isn’t standard! It kind of tasted somewhere in between green curry and sweet and sour sauce, and I’m not really a fan of sweet and sour unfortunately.
However, my friends’ meals were apparently delightful. Perfectly cooked with delicious meats and all the correct flavours in the correct dishes. I think the moral of the story is, don’t order Thai from a take away that isn’t specifically a Thai take away –it’s not worked out for me yet. Next time, I shall have Chinese, and I’m certain it’ll be lovely. And for all the fun in ordering, and their jovial staff, it’s a pretty lovely place so definitely go for the Chinese. They also have some incredibly good deals on Just Eat with their set meals!

You know when you order a Chinese or an Indian and you receive free popadoms or prawn crackers, and you know when sometimes you don’t? Ho Hing frames the barriers and boundaries you have to cross to qualify for such a treat! Orders over £6 get prawn crackers, £18 gets you the same plus a bottle of coke and if you have a gathering and stretch to £25, expect to find some complimentary chicken wings chucked in with your order. Ho Hing is rather out of the way if you don’t live in the area. On a road that connects Kirkstall (around the Morissons complex end) with Armley/​Bramley, it sits, barely drawing attention to itself amidst the mii takeaway strip, you wonder who visits.
Their menu is extensive and good value, offering a selection of 4 dishes foir just £11. and set meals for a fraction more at £14.50 for 2, offering a hefty 7 portions, mixing starters and mains. The have a selection of Thai dishes on the menu, though I haven’t tried them, but the crispy chilli beef I often use as a good indication of the quality of the Chinese was good. If you happen to be trudging the steep back roads of Kirkstall and Armley, nip in and have a bite to eat.