Jackson Heights Life

A tired-looking Chinese takeout place at 84-22 37th Avenue has been reborn as Saw Shack.   The name isn't the only unusual thing about it -- the menu doesn't look like other Chinese takeout menus, and the restaurant itself looks fresh and inviting.  The menu seems dominated by Chinese-American dishes, but it's getting good writeups on Yelp and JH Families.   It looks like they've got good vegetarian options. 



Here's a statement by the business that appears on its Yelp page:

Specialties

Authentic Chinese and Malaysian cuisines
Vegetable and vegan dishes
Fiery saw style wings
Secret off menu items when you're feeling lucky
Complimentary fruit infused water
Amazing customer service!

History

Established in 2014.

A hardworking family of five immigrated from Malaysia 21 years ago. The youngest member, Chee Yang, always dreamt big and 21 years later, thanks to the family's dedication and perseverance and Chee Yang's big dream, Sawshack was born. Nothing can stand in the way of the success of this new family run business who can boast of a Chef 'Daddy' Saw with over 30 years of cooking experience in amazing places such as Zen Palate and Gobu and Chef 'Mommy' Saw with over 40 years of cooking authentic Chinese and Malaysian cuisine. In addition to the master chef duo, there are the three children, Jackal, Stephanie and Chee Yang, who are the true masterminds behind the business' modern day retro look and delicious Chinese take out menu with a twist.

Meet the Manager

Chee Yang S.
Manager
Chee Yang is an unassuming young and hardworking entrepreneur. After dedicating five grueling and hard years in the navy, he decided to capitalize on what he loves most - food and happiness - by opening up a modern day Chinese takeout joint with his family. You can find him at the counter slaving away taking orders or happily socializing with his customers. Or he could burning his eyebrows off by trying his hand at his secret family recipes in the kitchen.

Has anyone tried it?

Went here a couple days ago.  For sure the place is a hip, modern looking departure from your typical JH chinese joint.  Almost along the lines of UFC in decor.  Tried their chicken fried rice and chicken in garlic sauce.  Both were fresh, with the garlic sauce on the spicy rather than sweet side.  Regarding the menu for the most part the dishes didn't seem too revolutionary or cutesy, a lot of the usual fare can be found.  The menu is smaller than most chinese joints.  I will go back to try out more!

Went here a couple days ago.  For sure the place is a hip, modern looking departure from your typical JH chinese joint.  Almost along the lines of UFC in decor.  Tried their chicken fried rice and chicken in garlic sauce.  Both were fresh, with the garlic sauce on the spicy rather than sweet side.  Regarding the menu for the most part the dishes didn't seem too revolutionary or cutesy, a lot of the usual fare can be found.  The menu is smaller than most chinese joints.  I will go back to try out more!

The smaller menu is a good sign in my eyes. Do fewer things and do them well and I'll try it!

I usually avoid the small Chinese joints in the neighborhood, but the fresh/clean look of Saw Shack and reviews made me try it for lunch yesterday.  It was probably the best Chinese food I had in the neighborhood.  Tried both the Hot and Sour soup and Wonton soups.  The Hot and Sour was made fresh in front of me and had great flavor.  Wonton soup was also good--simple, and not too salty as some other places.  Will definitely want to try some other staples as well and would be great to see some more Malaysian specials...

Tried the Sesame "Chicken." Clean, friendly, a bargain compared to eating at other Asian-inspired veggie joints in the city.   

For four years I've walked by the older Chinese take out shop.  Never saw more than a handful of folks in there, waiting to get their take out and go.  Passed by this evening and it was filled, as in every seat taken, standing room only, people milling about outside.  I'm happy for them and its a great announcement to other retailers:  Make your place look nice and the business will come.

Or perhaps, serve tasty food and they will come.

We ordered delivery from them the other night.  Nothing particularly exotic, General Tso Chicken and Happy Family, Plain Lo Mein and Plain Fried Rice.  I thought the vegetables were a little undercooked and needed a little more seasoning. On the plus side, the food did NOT taste like they had reused oil, it was much lighter and fresher (even the G. Tso, my husband's fav) and most importantly, I did NOT get a migraine headache, which is the usual result when I chance Chinese Food, which I love and enjoy.  And we enjoyed this food very much and will order again.

We're friends with one of the dry cleaners in the nieghborhood, who is Chinese.  He has noted the Chivoto d'Oro uses a lot of MSG in their food and he can't eat it. (even though he's used to eating food with MSG in it) Sazon and other spanish commercial seasoning have msg in them. It would be good if the Spanish restaurants in the the nieghborhood freshened up their menus a bit, and maybe used seasonings without msg which are available.  It would be great to have sonme resturants around here that are not just good, but very good and even great.  If a little chinese takeout joint can attempt it, it's clearly possible.