Kowloon Village in Bethel, Maine

Kowloon Village is a neighborhood Chinese restaurant in Bethel serving the standard repertoire, Cantonese to Sichuan. Walk in on a Saturday night and you'll likely see a full house, though the staff moves quickly. Service is friendly, portions are generous, and prices won't hurt your wallet. Just know what you're ordering before you arrive.

• Fried steamed dumplings arrive with a good ginger sauce.
• Portions are large; prices stay fair.
• Gets slammed but seats you fast anyway.
• Friendly staff and a clean, straightforward kitchen.

Start with the fried steamed dumplings and their ginger sauce. The wonton soup is a solid opener if you want something warm. Egg foo young is on the mental list for repeat visits. Stick with dishes that move fast and aren't sitting in prep. Fried rice and other standards are reliable when ordered fresh.

Busy on weekend nights, especially Saturdays. The space is clean and bright, with the hum of a full dining room.

Fresh ingredients and quick turnaround on most dishes keep people coming back. The fried steamed dumplings with ginger sauce are a draw, as is the wonton soup when it's made right. Fried rice and egg foo young get requested enough to warrant a trip back.

Most guests praise the freshness of the food and the pace of service during rushes. One recent visitor called it "the best we have had up north yet." Portions and pricing keep people returning, though a few guests have reported stale rice and inconsistent execution on certain nights.