FU RUN: FLUSHING’S TRIBUTE TO THE NORTHEAST

Near the corner of Prince and 40th Road awaits a brightly-lit, dive bar-sized destination. Plates are “distinct”, the atmosphere is “unassuming,” and the experience a “spicy” yet “refreshing” one.

But you knew that, already. Word’s been out since 2010 or earlier that Fu Run is and will continue to reign as a Flushing mainstay. Flushing Food, your friendly neighborhood food delivery service, looked at some possible reasons for this outwardly-humble establishment’s success in spite of the cutthroat culinary hub that is Flushing, New York.

For starters, this dongbei cai (Northeastern Chinese cuisine) restaurant’s devotion to culinary authenticity is readily apparent. Carie Zhou, a manager, confided that Fu Run aims to maintain/keep the traditional tastes , or “baoci chuantong kouwei” (保持传统口味). To this end, Fu Run’s sourced its chef right from Shenyang in China’s Liaoning Province, where he was already well-established.

As a result, Fu Run’s brightly-lit, laidback cafeteria atmosphere belies its promise of real “Chinese” fare—not the knock-off $4.95 lunch specials that some coworkers order from Golden Dragon China Palace 88 every other Thursday. Most dishes are some unworldly combination of cumin, chilies, sesame seeds, peppercorn, and other dried spices. For example, order a plate of Fu Run’s Muslim lamb chops, which pass muster even among Shenyang palates.

Photo credit Scott T.'s Yelp profile. 

Another secret to Fu Run’s success is sheer value offered. While not the cheapest eats in Flushing per se, the portion sizes make the trip especially worth it for groups. For example, local followings include late-night student crowds. A large plate of Muslim lamb chops easily feeds two to three hungry mouths, with room for take-home portions. At $22.95 per plate, that comes out to $7.65 or less per guest. See FlushingFood.com’s delivery menu here (free delivery from 11:00 a.m. to 10:45 p.m., with restaurant staying open until 12:00 a.m.). 

—Most importantly of all? This place is consistently good. Patient and helpful service (not so much the HELLOWHATWOULDYOULIKE?! standards at some competing establishments) complement the heaping authentic option awaiting you in this small and welcoming destination for hearty Chinese grub. 

Verdict: Visit Fu Run for during the colder months, and pair your discoveries along with a couple of pints (or pitchers) of beer. Expect to leave full and happy. The authentic dongbei cai experience here is not unlike stepping into a steaming hot shower after a day on the ski slopes. Equal parts hot and rejuvenating. 

Sponsor's Link: https://order.flushingfood.com/furan