“Anyone been to Ni Hao in Canton for take out?” I saw this inquiry in my Charm City Chowhounds Facebook group on a Saturday. I was intrigued, so I did a little internet research. Ni Hao’s website and Instagram looked intriguing. I had followed the restaurant on Instagram, but the restaurant fell victim to the algorithm, so I never saw their posts.
I texted the menu to my dining partner, also known as my fiancé, who was sitting across the room. He agreed that the offerings at Ni Hao looked delicious, and we quickly made a plan to get carryout.
According to the restaurant’s website, Ni Hao is a casual Chinese greeting that is usually followed by, “have you eaten yet?” Due to COVID restrictions, Ni Hao is currently only taking carryout orders. We decided to drive to the restaurant and order rather than call ahead. The restaurant is located at 2322 Boston Street. Only one person at a time can step in and place or pick up their order. The staff is friendly and efficient.
On to the food:
First up, Shrimp Dumpling XO — dumplings filled with Chinese sausage, chili, coconut, and cashews, topped with XO sauce. The dumplings looked like little jewels in the cardboard box. My heat-adverse fiacé claimed they were spicy, but he still enjoyed them. The dumplings had just the right amount of heat for me.
Next, Honey Roasted Pork with Peanuts — The pork was tender and flavorful, and the peanuts gave a satisfying contrast with a crunch. Also, it was pork belly, so it was bound to be delicious.
My favorite dish was the Shrimp and Pork Fried Rice. This was not your run-of-the-mill shrimp fried rice. The shrimp were fat, and the fresh vegetables were vibrant. None of the frozen peas and carrots, ubiquitous in the fried rice from other Chinese restaurants in Baltimore, were found in Ni Hao’s fried rice. That’s a good thing. I think this is my favorite shrimp fried rice now.
The delicious food and friendly, efficient service make Ni Hao my go-to Chinese restaurant from now on.
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