Hot Joy
The Menu
Hot Joy’s new menu bursts with creativity, blending bold Asian flavors and playful Texas flair. From Spam Fried Rice with kewpie and pineapple to Tiki Pork Belly drizzled in passionfruit sweet and sour sauce, each dish showcases the restaurant’s fearless fusion style. The “Buns” and “Wings” sections bring unexpected combinations — think Island Time buns stuffed with Spam and pineapple chutney or Twice-Fried Wings glazed in crab fat caramel. Smaller plates like Cucumber Salad and Hong Kong Cornbread balance out hearty entrées such as Beef & Broccoli and Double Beef Udon Soup, perfect for sharing or indulging solo. Even the desserts push boundaries, with Milk Tea Tres Leches and Chocolate Swiss Roll offering a sweet, inventive finish that perfectly captures Hot Joy’s fun, flavor-packed spirit.
Twice-Fried Wings
8/10
Hot Joy’s Twice-Fried Wings are a fan favorite for good reason perfectly crispy, sticky, and packed with bold flavor. Coated in a luscious crab fat caramel glaze and topped with crunchy peanuts, they strike the ideal balance of sweet, savory, and umami. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a rich, buttery finish that keeps you reaching for another. They’re the kind of wings that don’t just start your meal they steal the show.
And you Cant forget about the late night menu from 12 to 2
On Fridays and Saturdays, the kitchen stays open until 2:00 a.m., making it a go-to for late night bites after a show or night out.
The Pork Bell Bun
8.5/10
The Pork Belly Bun at Hot Joy is a perfect harmony of flavor and texture — soft, steamed bread hugging rich, caramelized pork belly. The sweetness of the hoisin sauce balances beautifully with the freshness of cucumber and the crunch of peanuts. Each bite feels indulgent yet perfectly balanced, delivering that signature Hot Joy mix of comfort and creativity. It was easily my favorite thing of the night the kind of dish that lingers in your mind long after the last bite.
Cornbread Waffle
6/10
The Cornbread Waffle at Hot Joy sounded exciting on paper, and the waffle itself actually wasn’t bad. The idea of turning cornbread into a waffle is clever, and the texture, while a little dense, still worked overall. The real issue was the chili-honey butter you’d think it would add a great pop of flavor, but it just didn’t, and maybe I caught it on an off day because it really wasn’t good. Without that balance, the dish ended up feeling a bit one note. Not terrible, just not as memorable as some of the other standouts on the menu.
Spam Fried Rice
8/10
The Spam Fried Rice at Hot Joy was a total standout simple, nostalgic, and full of personality. The salty, crispy bits of Spam gave every bite a satisfying savoriness, while the rice itself was perfectly fried with just the right amount of chew. The touch of pineapple added a pop of sweetness that tied everything together in a fun, unexpected way. It was one of those dishes that just made me smile comforting, familiar, and honestly one of my favorites of the night.
My Overall thoughts
Overall, Hot Joy delivered a fun, flavorful night with plenty of personality bold dishes, playful drinks, and a lively atmosphere that keeps things exciting. The menu is creative and full of surprises, though not every item hits perfectly the cornbread waffle, for instance, missed a bit of its mark. Still, the highlights like the Pork Belly Bun, Spam Fried Rice, and those unforgettable Twice-Fried Wings more than make up for the uneven moments. It’s the kind of spot that feels effortlessly cool and worth revisiting, earning a solid 7.5 out of 10 for flavor, vibe, and overall experience.
Overall Rankings
Food Quality – Taste, freshness, creativity, and presentation. 7/10
Service – Friendliness, attentiveness, and speed of service. 7/10
Ambience – Vibe, decor, music, cleanliness, and comfort. 8/10
Value for Money – Portion size, price point, and overall worth. 7/10 late night 10/10
Uniqueness – Menu originality, concept, or standout factor. 7/10
Accessibility – Location, parking, hours, and dietary options. 5/10
Repeat Worthy – Would you go back? yes only after 12am on a Friday or Saturday
Stay hungry, stay curious until next bite,
The Weekly Bite