Grand Palace

A family-run Cantonese seafood restaurant that screams "don't mess with tradition". The food here is unpretentious and this is reflected in both the ingredients and price. The things to die for here: roast duck served with five-spice sauce, deep fried soft shell crab, salt & pepper squid, and stewed beef tripe with tofu skin. The taste of the dishes takes a step back from commercial kitchens and reminds you of home-style cooking. Moreover, while most Chinese restaurants tend to use a ton of oil and MSG to enhance the flavor, there is a level of lightness to each dish that leaves you satisfied the entire evening. Advanced reservation is encouraged as the space is small. The ladies who take the orders might not have the best command of English, but when they have a suggestion for a dish, maybe because you looked stuck, do not think twice. This is a hidden-gem of Chicago's Chinese restaurant scene that I would absolutely recommend to any foodie who has a passion for adventures in authentic cuisines.