Broadway Bistro - Chinese Cafe, Millbrae

349 Broadway, Millbrae, CA 94030

(650) 692-3378

http://www.broadwaybistro.com/

Parking: street parking, parking lot in rear

Last Visited: September 4, 2011

Food: 2 to 3 stars

Atmosphere: 2 stars

Service: 2 to 3 stars
Price: $ to $$

A family friend had recommended Broadway Bistro as a decent place for breakfast.  While I didn't know what to expect, I was somewhat surprised that it came so highly recommended when I stepped in the door and saw it was like a Hong Kong style cafe.  The decor is a bit cheesy with the fake plants and bright pink and overall, it's a little worn around the edges, but they seemed to have steady clientele coming in for breakfast.  It's no comparison to what you find in real Hong Kong cafes, but maybe because it's in Millbrae without competition that it thrives.   

The menu offered several sets such as those we ordered.  Other options included macaroni in soup with ham, a typical breakfast dish in Hong Kong.  All of these sets were available for $5 to $6 each. 

- Green Onion Pancake and Soy Milk - At first glance, the dish seemed very disappointing.  The pancake was thin, limp, and greasy.  The soy milk, available sweet or savory, came with dried shrimp, small pieces of preserved mustard green, and an abundance of green onions, since I had ordered the savory version.  In Hong Kong, you find that the soy milk consistency is really thick, and this very diluted version lacked the desired texture.  The flavor of the soy milk was ok.  Surprisingly, the green onion pancake had a really good flavor and consistency.  Less oil would have helped it quite a bit though.  Okay. 

- Rice Congee with Fried Donut - The rice congee consistency was good and it came with fried peanuts and fried donut pieces.  While the fried donut was just okay, the congee was decent. 

Service was fair during this visit.  The staff was friendly when they were with us, but it was about midway through the meal before we received tea.  We overheard another waiter telling our waiter to bring us tea.  The lack of service was a bit disappointing, even though these places are not known for service.

There is no comparison with real Hong Kong style cafes, but if you're in Millbrae with a craving, I suppose it will do. Lunch and dinner menus offer a variety of Cantonese style dishes.  At least parking is accessible.