Tipped

My favourite Chinese so far

March 19, 2008

As being a Chinese and a regular customer of Wong Kei, this restaurant serves real authentic Chinese food – the taste of everything ever ordered are really similar to what we have back at home.

Let alone the well-known customer service (it seems to be improving, actually), having no right to choose where to sit and having to share the table with some strangers, Wong Kei is a good choice. The price of the main course is from £3.80 to £6, you can choose from rice, noodles to soup. Does it sound like a bargain? Moreover, the food will be delivered within 20 minutes the order is made; or if it has not been delivered in 20 minutes, the waiters will ask the kitchen once they notice about it without leaving you waiting for your meal for ages.

It suits everyone who fancies a budget meal, but definitely not for those who’re taking someone on the first date with. You certainly won’t leave hungry and the portion of everything is huge and hearty, and you may get to have conversations with the most random people, too, as you have to share your table with others most of the time.

Tags: budget chinese food

The best bad Chinese in London

October 26, 2007

The Wong Kei... what is there to say? If you don't know about it already then maybe you'll never go.

Set on the edge of China town, the five floor institution has been at the heart of mediocre dining for the last thirty years, and has been famous for everything but the food.

Firstly the place is huge, with over 500 covers in a sitting, and a customer turnover that would make McDonalds proud. The front of the ground floor is given over to solo diners which is ideal for those wanting to get a quick bite to eat in a lunch hour or on a shopping trip.

The waiters are famously rude too, and although they are not as bad as they used to be, they can still amuse. The following is a genuine exchange I witnessed.

Customer(pleasant): Would it be possible to change table.
Waiter(exasperated): Ahhhhh, you're being difficult.
Customer(shocked): But... I'm a customer!
Waiter (less than caring): Yeah, bye bye.

Nevertheless, the food is cheap and it comes quickly. Only twenty minutes for lunch? No problem. Choose from the rice, noodle or soup dishes that comes as a complete meal for between £3.20-£5. It sure as hell won't be the best Chinese you've ever had but for value for money, with entertainment thrown in for free, it's hard to beat.

Tags: Chinese food at a very good price