Eating in CHINATOWN... I NEED YOUR HELP with this REVIEW!

[@jjwone]

Here is a tip from a retired Chef. You will notice that sizziling dishes are always far more expensive on the menu than standard dishes with exactly the same ingredients. What is the difference? Well we put the cast iron skillet on the range flame until it is super hot, put the dish from a normal pan on to the skillet and when the server picks it up we pour a shot glass of tap water into the corner of the skillet to create the ""sizzle"". The server then rushes for dear life to the table before the sizzle dies( usually lasts about 3 minutes ). looks great for people who have not ordered yet who think "Oh that looks nice" and pay18 quid for a sizziling dish rather than a tenner for one with no sizzle. You are paying for 40cl of tap water.

[@_Kelly3125]

wow thanks for this tip! that's me not ordering sizzling dishes again!!

[@GaryEats]

That's a really interesting tip and I will pin that to the top of the comments so everyone is aware not to overpay in future. Thanks for commenting this and letting me and everyone else know!

[@SuperJimbell]

Dont need to be a chef to know that.

[@_Kelly3125]

@@GaryEats yea something I never thought of either. kinda make me sad about restaurants taking the mickey

[@Smokey2Mc]

What a grift that is 😂

[@CUINCOURT]

Gary, thank you for your honest review of this restaurant, in China town. When they are charging £3.60 for a can of Coke, at least serve it in a decent glass with ice and lemon. Not a very big ask.! The food looked very decent and presentable, but whenever served so quickly, one has to ask, how these dishes could be prepared so swiftly, unless they have a massive portions ready made and simply tossed into a wok for final heat and garnishing. Paying upfront is not a problem, since nowadays, some people will make excuses for going out for a smoke, never to come back again. The production value of your cameraman and your fantastic presentation earns a 10/10 score. The restaurant given the pricing and drink in a can, earns at best 6/10. I think I've been generous with the restaurant score, but now I've given it, I'll leave it as it is. Looking forward to your next review in earnest.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you my friend (sorry I don't know your name!) I agree. That price for a can of coke is extortionate.

[@billow9721]

Spot on, also I like to decide if the service deserves a tip not the other way round

[@samtaholo]

True - the battered chicken was probably sitting there already fried, with only the sauce needing to be made. And egg fried rice can be made in a minute or two by a good chef.

[@nickycotton6137]

Aye, what a rip off! Hardly a Pint of Beer! As for the 'quick service' would go with your opinion = surely reheated in the Wok? (6/10 will go with too)

[@unnamedchannel1237]

Odd one , lemon with the coke all to their own. Personally always ask for no ice as it takes up room in the glass and you get less coke .

[@bmclaughlin01]

It’s nice to hear a proper review of food, not just someone saying that everything is amazing. Really enjoying your vids, thanks.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you! I try to be as honest as possible otherwise it's not really a review. Thanks for watching!

[@bmclaughlin01]

@@GaryEats come to Scotland, fantastic restaurants in Edinburgh and Glasgow, and in general. Thanks.

[@GaryEats]

Will be coming up to Scotland in December :)

[@monro2159]

Actually, as far as Chinatown goes, that looked ok. It's very hit or miss down there, including the service! As far as I know, I think if you sit outside they tend to ask you to pay up front. They do get a lot of runaways (not our ages Gary, we probably couldn't leap the barrier let alone run after a big meal, but younger customers lol !), especially later in the evening when groups have had a few. The prices are very inflated and no way value for money, but as you said it is Chinatown and central London and very much targeting tourists, not Londoners so much. I only know quite a fair bit about Chinatown because my wife is Chinese and she says the food there is pretty much the same average standard in all the restaurants. She even joked that they probably have one huge main central kitchen running underground the area that sends dishes up to all the various restaurants lol. Anyway, you wanted marks. Well, it's hard to do that when you haven't tasted it, but from the look of the food and minusing the extortionate price, I'd give it a 7.

[@GaryEats]

I completely agree with your assessment of Chinatown. Thanks for the comments.

[@tiggiegillespie4356]

Your critique was spot on again and I think your score was fair. I can’t see any justification for spending that amount of money for three dishes and you have had better, even a Michelin star rated plate of food for roughly the same amount! Great video 😊

[@GaryEats]

Thank you for another lovely comment 😊

[@tiggiegillespie4356]

@@GaryEats you’re very welcome 😊

[@marklancaster6558]

If you are ever in Southend there is an excellent Chinese restaurant called Wings (in York Road). It's cash only but the food is exceptional. Lots of the local Chinese community eat there which is always a good thing and the menu is full of dishes you don't see in your standard 'British' Chinese restaurant. Great videos by the way. Really enjoying your content.

[@GaryEats]

Sounds great and excellent to know. Really appreciate that Mark, hope you're well.

[@jonnywas2665]

Mr. Lancaster is absolutely correct. Wings is unusual for Chinese restaurants UK in that it actually serves Chinese food... not the typical rubbish British/Chinese dishes that no one in China has ever heard of. As a chef who specializes in SEA and Chinese cuisine its the only place I'd go to if ever in Essex, with the exception of Udom (Thai food but only for the 'street food' portion of their menu) literally four doors up on the same very dodgy street, or Hsinking in Colchester, if you want to try the best Japanese food in the UK. (Wings) Not the most salubrious surroundings but very much worth a visit.

[@unnamedchannel1237]

Lamo cash only , dodging tax much haha 😂

[@geoffjoffy]

A friend of mine once paid £7.90 for a Coke so you're doing good. Not surprised you had to pay in advance. I guess they must have had a lot of people eat outside and run off without paying. Meal looked very nice. Well laid out on the table. Cheers for the review.

[@GaryEats]

More than welcome Geoff 😊

[@mattmorris6740]

Again spot on & why you are one of my favourite foodtubers! Quality looked spot on, the price was horrendous - you can get proper duck that's hanging in the window level stuff for very similar price with plenty of other dishes in Chinatown...you need to come Stoke & have a cheese, bacon, sausage Oatcake...the best breakfast food this side of Turkiye!

[@GaryEats]

Really appreciate that Matt. Very kind of you - I will have a look!

[@shawndurbs]

I was in there a couple of weeks ago while on holiday in London. I couldn’t believe how expensive it’s gotten. We also paid £50 for two dishes, two boiled rice , a beer and a small bottle water. It was never so pricey 5 years ago when I lived there.

[@GaryEats]

Yep. It's overly pricy now Shawn. Thanks for watching!

[@hungtai7671]

Go to gold mine. Trust me its my cuisine

[@benben8866]

Note to self, "stop watching Gary Eats when it still an hour till your own dinner"

[@GaryEats]

I'm sorry for doing that to you Ben but thank you for watching :)

[@patrickbrett1552]

Yep, he sure does a good money shot! Mmmmm

[@redsrollingnow1]

Gary - I totally agree with you as price is all important especially the cost of living in today's economic turmoil. What you could do is to break your rating in to say 3 distinct areas. Food, ambience and price - mark all 3 say out of 10 each and then work it out as a percentage as currently you're tending to give it one great big overall score which is not as subjective as splitting it in to 3 areas. Hope you find that helpful and keep up the good work! . . . . 👍😎👍

[@GaryEats]

I really agree with you and appreciated your feedback. It's something that I'm going to look into doing in the future as in some places the food is excellent but pricy so it loses out on a 10 simply because of the price. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@davidl9951]

Great idea. I used to read a reviews site which split the experience into four categories and found it helpful.

[@Suve35967]

Hi Gary, suggestion on your travels "Miller and Carter". my favourite steak house. Excellent review as usual. 🌹👍

[@GaryEats]

Love the place. I will do a review of there soon as there's lots in the area. Thanks for watching!

[@seeking_calmness]

Hi Gary, just discovered your channel and am enjoying it. Great work. I watched another review around Teddington and wondered if you have tried the Naturally Chinese restaurant in Surbiton. I have been there with some Chinese friends for dim sum and they thought it was good.

[@GaryEats]

Welcome aboard! Really appreciate it. I haven't but is that the authentic Chinese restaurant?

[@seeking_calmness]

@@GaryEats it is called Naturally Chinese and is on Brighton Road in Surbiton. My Chinese friends seemed to enjoy it and I think they know more than I do (about Chinese food)

[@stevejames8070]

Beef looked better quality than the usual stuff you get at a takeaway. £15.80 is steep but your paying a bit for location. The real kick in the gonads is paying £3.60 for a can of coke!!!! I’d give it 8/10 as although overpriced,it did look good quality Keep up the good work Gary

[@GaryEats]

Appreciate that Steve. I don't think I've ever had to pay £3.60 for a can of coke! The food was good though - thanks for watching!

[@patrickbrett1552]

Beef is always sh..shoddy in a takeaway. That looked good. Agree with you.

[@chrisdowning7543]

You have answered your own question. I totally totally agree with you. Back in the day. I say 4 - 5 years ago. A meat dish lemon chicken or whatever was £9 odd but now £12-13 for it is expensive!

[@GaryEats]

Indeed Chris.

[@geordiejones2]

Another great clip Gary, but oh wow, did you pay for the pleasure or what, it was a great deal of money which i would suggest only a 7. Your quite correct a family Chinese for four is about the same or less than what you paid. I cant think of any Chinese restaurants up here in North Yorkshire, but like iv said before some great fish and chip shops in Whitby like The Magpie and Trenchards. Also if you want a massive 32oz Haddock and Chips yes 32oz, you can get it from the take away at Murgatroyds in Leeds for just £17 (more if you eat in) Chris.

[@GaryEats]

Thanks as always Chris. I'm going to come to Yorkshire soon for some Fish and Chips. Cannot wait. Thanks for your score and commenting!

[@MXR68mo]

Across the pond here. Could you go on a Pub food tour. Thank you! Love your channel 😊

[@GaryEats]

A pub food tour is actually on my list of series that I would like to do... only problem is a lot of pubs have similar ownerships so the menus are the same. Thanks for watching!

[@stephaniewhite9526]

I'm really unsure how to score too. I think price is really important and £3.60 for a coke & paying upfront says it all. I used to work near Chinatown and only the buffets charged in advance (& they were fairly good in their day). Its hard to score.. I agree with you Gary... So I will read all the other comments instead & decide that way (lol). Another great review.

[@GaryEats]

Hi Stephanie. Thanks for watching. I agree, it was a very difficult one for me to score and was a bit put off by paying for the service before even being served!

[@stretch2k24]

If you're in Central London, you're always paying a secret "tourist tax" some call it which is inflated costs due to the location that you're in compared to your local. Standard Sweet & Sour dish at a Chinese takeaway is usually around £6.50 which is what I pay and it's far better if not the same as what you'd get in Chinatown. Highly recommend Wing Sing, South Woodford, E18 if you would like a set meal for less than what you paid for just 3 dishes and it's on the Central Line also!

[@GaryEats]

Thanks!

[@alexlinke6658]

If you’re going to do Asian food in London again, I’d definitely recommend going to Bang Bang on Edgware Road in Colindale, it’s a wonderfully diverse eating hall with vendors from the whole content of Asia and although not cheap is very good value. Atmospheric but not theatrical and vibrant as a location

[@GaryEats]

Thank you for that recommendation, I've heard of it before and I will take a look!

[@crabapples1995]

Yes. Definitely try that. The Hakka Chinese stand serves the biggest portion of food I’ve ever had in UK.

[@scottking869]

Still need to go there bang bang

[@luckyboy4766]

I used to go to the food court at Yaohan Plaza/Oriental City all the time before they knocked it down and built Bang Bang in its place. I miss the old food court's relaxed atmosphere. Bang Bang has more variety but is very noisy and a lot more expensive. I only go occasionally.

[@crabapples1995]

@@luckyboy4766 agreed, it was better before and I found the supermarket and other shops incredibly relaxing to browse. Really miss the feel of the old place.

[@forearthbelow]

It is several years since I have eaten there, it was my late wife and my own favourite in Chinatown. Looked like a meal for two so I would rate it a 6 as I'm sure there are better value eateries around the vicinity.

[@GaryEats]

Agreed. The food was nice but the price and paying before the meal was a bit off putting. Thanks :)

[@MrWillyMrBrightside]

Not too surprised by the price in a tourist trap but the food does look nice

[@GaryEats]

Agreed. Thanks for watching!

[@tott66]

Another good video mate Thought you was giving the gilet a rest

[@GaryEats]

Thank you! The gilet is basically super glued to me, haha. Won't be on in my video after next!

[@780jodie]

That hot plate looked half empty, theres better value ones there, great video Gary ty

[@GaryEats]

Thank you Jodie! I will say the portions were actually quite decent. Have a good weekend.

[@stephenastley-nadin4730]

7.5! Another great review Gary. Nice to see China Town as background. Cheers and thanks.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you for your lovely comment

[@thecoldend_official]

Proper expensive!!! Nevernind the £3.60 for a coke... I'd say £5.50 for a bowl of egg fried rice is extortionate. Great video as always!

[@jamesprice4647]

London. Thing how high their costs are.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you very much!

[@robrussell8515]

There used to be buffets for £10 there ( or even less).

[@alankilroy04]

Hi Gary. Used to visit this place with some mates back in the day Cannot remember paying before the food arrived - very strange. Excellent channel.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you Alan. I think they must have changed it over the years due to people running off. Thanks for watching!

[@TheWESTSIDE1967]

Looking at the dishes could it feed 2 people ? & with dishes like that i find it's better to order a few different & share anyway, i reckon it was one short maybe of feeding 2 which say would take it to £60 then £30 per person which for central London isn't too bad, maybe im a small eater ? but i normally work it out as a dish per person then you have the rice too ?

[@GaryEats]

I think that's a fair comment. The portion sizes were generous but I still think £3.60 for a can of coke is a bit much. Thanks for watching!

[@TheWESTSIDE1967]

@@GaryEats it's the old trick normally of cheap meals to entice then of course you then need a drink to go with it, that's where they make a huge profit, you can just have a bottle of water with you in this weather & have that instead 😉

[@DKGCustom]

you should have gone to the Chinese streetfood tent on Berwick Street. Would have cost a fraction and the food is superb

[@GaryEats]

Im sure they'll be much better Chinese restaurants/street foods that will be cheaper than this place haha. Thanks for watching!

[@bojack3827]

Loving the channel. Great ideas for places to go!

[@GaryEats]

Thanks so much!

[@ELPaso1990TX]

The sweet & sour chicken looked delicious I’d give it 8/10 but the price for what you got was quite high. So 5/10 for value for money. You should try so,e Chinese buffets. As for trying places outside London, the Eastern Eye Indian restaurant in Newton Abbot, Devon does an awesome delicious -all you can eat- Indian buffet on Sunday and Tuesday evenings. Very reasonably priced. Exeter has some nice Chinese and Lebanese places.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you very much! I will be travelling around the country albeit Devon is on the list yet, it will be in the future. Thanks for watching!

[@apwip]

2 mains was ordered which is really for 2 people and factor in Central London prices then the cost wasn't surprising.

[@GaryEats]

Fair comment. Thank you for watching!

[@markmak7548]

Yes I agree that seems over priced. Even though it's in China town . So I would give it 6 out of 10 . The drink was extortionate and also a check getting the customer to pay upfront for customer service.

[@GaryEats]

A good score, Mark. Thanks for watching!

[@TheFutura8888]

I'd recommend Golden Pheonix next time, they do similar dishes but excellent dimsum for something a bit less greasy. You are right about the area being a tourist hotspot but there are a few places like the one I mentioned that are popular with locals (usual bring my parents there)

[@GaryEats]

Thanks for the tips!

[@GerwynDavies-vy7gk]

Hi Gary. Another excellent review. The food looked very nice but, as you said, that was very expensive for a Chinese meal (bearing in mind that I live in North Wales and I'm not used to London prices). Given the cost I'd rate that at 6.5 out of 10. By the way, if you ever do a feature on North Wales I can give you some places to try.

[@GaryEats]

Thanks for watching Gerwyn. Yes too pricey

[@patrickbrett1552]

Great blog, great food, expensive. Agree with your score. Tourist trap. But, it was quality!

[@GaryEats]

Totally agree! Thanks for the kind comments :)

[@patrickbrett1552]

@@GaryEats maybe a comparison with a cheap buffet? Whenever I get cheap Chinese beef it has the consistency of shoe leather, or, rubber. Yours looked real good. Thanks.

[@fionacotter4287]

The seems expensive to me but I guess that’s Chinatown prices nowadays. It used to be cheap years ago. Me and Hubby Joe spend around £45 on a Chinese takeaway and get two nights dinner from it and that includes starters!!! £3.60 does sound extortionate for a can of Coke! 6/10 for me as the beef looked great. Not a lover of sweet and sour as it’s always way too sweet for me.

[@GaryEats]

I was recommended the sweet and sour chicken and then I picked my own dish, it wouldn't be my go-to either. Thanks for the comments Fiona!

[@paulbowman1762]

Gary I'd rather have tried a all you can eat Buffet ! 15-20 quid you can get them for in Chinatown and as good or better than what that looked ! Terrible prices Nate ! Cheers Gary mate ! Paul ! South Tottenham ! 👍👊🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@GaryEats]

There was one next to me Paul, wish I'd gone there instead but I will say the food was excellent.

[@paulbowman1762]

@@GaryEats well I'm always up for quality over quantity Gary ! Have a great weekend mate ! 👍👊

[@user-ye2ge4zo5lhennypenny]

Hi Gary 👋 I have never heard of paying for the meal before you receive it! 🙄😳love egg fried rice 🍚 yum 😋 nice serves too!❤🎉🎉

[@GaryEats]

What’s the surprise me on this occasion? Was not only I paid for the food in advance but I also had to pay the service charge in advance 😂😂❤️

[@gopyai3486]

Looks like it has a 0 food hygiene food rating. Major improvements required. I definitely would not go there. Visited London a few years ago with a Thai friend. went to a different restaurant in china town (can't remember the name) the worst Chinese meal I've ever had, had about 2 spoonfuls of an horrendous chicken with cashews and stopped eating. Usually judge the restaurants we visited by the state of the toilets, my friend warned me not to visit the toilet !!

[@GaryEats]

I went into the toilets... not good. Funny story, there were actually food inspectors in the restaurant as I was there but it was after the video!

[@michaelcraddock8579]

Me and the Mrs went to Young Cheng Buffet around the corner in Wardour St on Saturday Gary. It was £15 each to eat in and as much as you like. I thought the food was very good and a great selection with no service charge.

[@GaryEats]

Yes, I've heard of that one Michael!

[@palace1439]

Food looked good Gary but the price was steep. Don't like the idea of paying before you get to taste the food.

[@GaryEats]

Very true and agree with you. Thanks for watching!

[@Now4wheels]

I think we have all read about some people who eat and then skip paying the bill by leaving the table. Times change restaurants cannot afford to put up with evasive customers.

[@Stipperstone]

If you are in south east London call in at the Miso in Beckenham High Street. Competitively priced, generous amounts and good service. Also branches in Orpington and Bromley.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you!

[@DrFrankLondon]

The more extensive the menu the lower the quality, usually. Never been there, but I can promise you we won't visit the place. But as usual, a great honest review, mate! Keep up the fab work, mate! 🍾🥂 PS. Not too fond of Chinese.. sorry mate

[@GaryEats]

Completely agree with this. You will be excited to hear about a review I have coming up... check out the community page when you get a chance. Thanks for watching! No problem, we all have our own tastes!

[@craigwignall8450]

Great review Gary. Chinese is my favourite it looked good and you are in London so the price weĺl done👍don't understand the bill before the meal though with service charge

[@GaryEats]

Me neither Craig. Really appreciate your kind comment. Thanks for watching!

[@kerrys5540]

I just checked..this venue has a 0 hygiene rating a 0!!! 😮 Wow! £46 for a bit of beef, a few chicken balls and rice. I agree no matter the taste can not justify the price. Fair enough if you in Harrods or something

[@Staggercfc]

My god, you're right. 0 for hygiene in October 2022. You'd think they'd be closed down with a zero rating. Or maybe they were and have since reopened but it's still a zero on the Food Standard Agency's website. Either way, I hope they had cleaned up their act for Gary's visit. Shocking that a restaurant could get a zero score. Urgh!

[@kerrys5540]

@@Staggercfc it's awful isn't it. I thought they would close them with a 0. Unless like you said they have upped their game.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you for making me aware of that Kerry. I've checked myself and you are indeed correct so I've added it to the title to keep people aware as it wasn't displayed on the front of the restaurant so I didn't know. Thanks for watching! PS. Check my Harrods video. It wasn't good there either!

[@kerrys5540]

@@GaryEats aww thanks for your response. I have seen your Harrods video too. Really enjoying your channel. 😍

[@GaryEats]

No problem. Really appreciate that!

[@simonholmes7945]

Looks nice Gaz but £46 for a 2 course meal n a can o coke is way over the top me n the missus can go to our local Chinese restaurant and get a banquet for 2 and a bottle of wine for less than that so it’s only a 3/10 for me pal great vids keep it up 👍

[@GaryEats]

Completely agree Simon, mentioned similar in the video. Thank you, have a great weekend!

[@michaelcrowhurst3722]

Hi, the food looked tasty enough, but the price was a little steep. That said, you did know the price before you ordered! I'm sure there must be very tasty but inexpensive Chinese places in London, perhaps you could do a lunch for less than a tenner mini-series?

[@GaryEats]

That's a very good idea, Michael. I will have a think and get back to you. Thanks for watching!

[@irenedavo3768]

​@@GaryEatsI got reply from Harrods about you!

[@irenedavo3768]

The food looked lovely!

[@irenedavo3768]

Food looked lovely

[@irenedavo3768]

Watching Adverts tor you

[@tonystavely6719]

You always get the bill first in china town because people do run off if your outside, a bit expensive I thought remember they’re catering for mostly the tourists trade so west end prices, they don’t care if you don’t come back again there will always be the next tourist. My mark 8 for the food and 4 for the prices. Remember they’re not bothered if you don’t come back!!!

[@GaryEats]

I didn't actually know about that. Thanks for letting me know.

[@geoffreyharris5321]

Don't forget to get east end pie and mash and liquid

[@GaryEats]

I will do. No problem, coming soon...

[@66Viscount]

We went for dinner in China town and it was poor and expensive. You really need to know exactly where to go rather than take pot luck. Excellent review Gary.

[@GaryEats]

Thanks for watching and have a good rest of your week

[@Kim-Jong-Un-4]

Looks quality and fairly generous on the portion size. I would pay beforehand but not at that price. It's just too expensive. 6/10 Cheers

[@GaryEats]

Fair comment. Thanks for watching!

[@Luna.3.3.3]

Any tourist area (usually urban), in Any country is going to charge higher prices. 1 - Because they can (most visitors don't know any better) 2 - The rent/lease is likely a lot higher, so higher over head. The food looked mediocre, but the prices don't surprise me even though I'm not from the UK. It's the same here in Toronto, Canada

[@GaryEats]

I think it's a sign of the times. Thanks for watching!

[@Staggercfc]

Hi Gary. The food looked tempting, especially the beef with the crispy onions. But at £16, despite the location, I'd feel a little cheesed off. The chicken again looked appealing and the £12.50 was a more reasonable price. Certainly the rice was overpriced and the cola was way too expensive. I understand a joint like this has high overheads but I think I'd leave it for the tourists. The speed with which it was delivered to your table (5 minutes) would have worried me but you said it all tasted good so fair play. I don't understand the advance payment of the bill unless it is, as you suggested, due to 'runners' but I can't see it. I think it's just a policy they have where they grab the money as quickly as possible and there's no way back for the punter in the case of complaints about the food/refunds etc. The sour icing on the cake was the advance service charge! So... decent looking grub, but as I say, I don't imagine many in-towners eating there and it's a tourist place. Food : 7/10 VFM : 4/10 Dining environment : 6.5/10 minus a point for the naughty advance service fee. Unless my maths are wrong, I make that, with the deduction, an overall score of 5.5.

[@GaryEats]

Lovely review that, you should take over from me haha. I completely agree with pretty much everything you've said but I would say the food was a little higher. I don't think I've ever had to pay £3.60 for a coke before! Appreciate you commenting and have a lovely weekend.

[@Mr.M1STER]

They instantly lose one mark for adding their own tip to the bill.

[@GaryEats]

Fair comment. Very off putting. Thanks for watching!

[@DaleBaker-nz9fh]

Absolutely fantastic video Gary, pity the prices are not a lot better. I know one you can get a lunchtime meal for just under a fiver, I am surprised because Chinese can be great value for money.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you very much my friend!

[@stevedaly8048]

Food looked good but its got to be 0/10.Paying for food before you even receive it ? I Dont think so.

[@phillipcarter8045]

I once saw two people do a runer after they eaten their meal in china town so that’s probably why

[@GaryEats]

Really? Fair enough.

[@GaryEats]

This really put me off.

[@mikedown1250]

I live abroad...does the service charge mean that you don't need to leave a tip ?

[@GaryEats]

Usually however some places do ask for a tip as well (including here).

[@philipjones8513]

That's a lot of cash for what you are getting. I'm going to be conservative because the quality looks great but the price isn't. 6.5/10.

[@GaryEats]

This is exactly what I was thinking. Thanks Philip!

[@philipjones8513]

@@GaryEats Thanks Gary. Do get yourself up north soon. I know a lot have asked you already.... but the quality to quantity ratio up here is a lot more balanced.

[@twentyrothmans7308]

At last, I found a review from you of a place I've visited! A friend and I had lunch here before we went to a matinee at 1 pm. Paying first was *good*, because we were watching our time, and the restaurant became very busy, very quickly. It wasn't cheap, but she arrived in London at about 11 am, so we couldn't stray too far. I wouldn't eat here if you wanted a Chinese meal per se, but for our purposes, 7/10.

[@GaryEats]

Fair enough and I’m also glad you’ve been here!

[@bomasspot]

There's no decent Chinese restaurants in Chinatown. Most of them overpriced and tourist traps. Enjoyed the vlog though

[@GaryEats]

Agreed. Like to try everything once and this will go down as nice but not returning. Thanks for watching and your kind comments.

[@JohnDoe-nt1sv]

Dumplings legend is good but expensive

[@GerryLewis-qb4pv]

China Town is the best place to have a Chinese meal obviously. I have to say that the prices have rocketed thanks to the tourist trade. I used to love getting street food in Soho and Piccadilly. But street vendors have disappeared now. Paying up front doesn't bother me too much. If your eating outside they must have had their fare share of runners. I will admit that if you take a short underground journey into East London? You will find a really great Chinese for a lot cheaper. I would give this meal about a 7.5. Have I had better? Probably. Have I had cheaper? Most certainly. But again, this was China Town, it is a tourist trap. So it all depends on your budget, time etc. Would you want to take time out to go further out of Central London? As a Cockney? I would. As a tourist? Maybe not. I've had some really top notch Chinese, and Indians, from their equivalent of a ' greasy spoon ' cafe. I'm not knocking their China Town prices though. Their overheads must be very high. It's Central London after all.

[@SimonStamenkovic]

It would be interesting to see what the other places nearby were charging for the same items. Food looked great and obviously tasted great but for me i wouldnt set foot in there again. Anyone charging that much for a coke is a joke. 7/10 all in for me.

[@GaryEats]

I walked past quite a few and some were much worse. Fair rating Simon!

[@peterhobday]

It's the same deal in some pub gardens: "please pay for your food in advance if you are eating in the garden". It's because people walk off. People don't seem to do it in Europe however....

[@Glory3823]

often at some places do especially if you have to go up and order at the counter ❤ to be honest is nothing wrong ❤i remember when we when in a small cafe up Dagenham Heathway ❤you ordered and paid after 😮not on purpose but hubby and i were talking got up after our meal started to walk out thankfully the owner was ok we apologised and went back to pay ❤so its easily done if you forget very embarrassing ❤

[@Cabdrum1]

Service & Chinese restaurants is an oxymoron ....

[@craigmarten7463]

Hi Gary. Went to Gerard’s Corner last Tuesday and sat inside based on this video. Lovely meal and very reasonable for London prices and location. Thanks for the recommendation. Keep the video’s coming 👍

[@GaryEats]

Thank you Craig,I’m pleased you had a good time and thank you 😊

[@cornbread83]

Gary I love your channel! I'm in the USA hoping to see you over here across the pond sometime soon! Come to Pittsburgh, PA!

[@GaryEats]

Maybe one day! Thank you!!

[@stretch2k21]

In London, you're paying inflated costs and service charges due to the location which is known as a secret "tourist tax" which the food isn't always better than what you can get elsewhere outside of London. Not saying the food isn't great because it may well be very nice, however £15 for sizzling steak dish that goes flat within 120 seconds? Long as it's hot and edible then doesn't have to be sizzling like mad .. recommend Wing Sing in South Woodford, Central Line which is a local go to and highly recommended which you can get a set meal with a lot more food for less than what you paid!

[@Paul-oe2yj]

Try the Four seasons in Gerard street have the roast duck off the bone with crispy pork on rice with a bit of chilli oil very good mate

[@GaryEats]

Thanks for teh recommendation Paul!

[@anthonyferris8912]

Try Bang Bang oriental food hall, Edgware Road north of Stapels Corner. They have a website.

[@GaryEats]

I will do. Thanks.

[@anthonyferris8912]

@@GaryEats Take some Tupperware and friends. The portions are big and too varied. Try dry Ho Fun Noodles and Salt and pepper Squid and roast pork or duck at the Four Season. The Laksas are good if you can take heat and the iced bubble drinks with mango and anything with coconut are great. You’ll have to make several visits….There’s free parking. Good eating.

[@carolineh1845]

Sadly, its a sign of the times. Central London is soooo expensive now for business owners due to the cost of the rent. Unfortunately, those costs get passed onto customers. I live in the London suburbs and recently went to a local Spanish restaurant for a friends birthday - the restaurant charged £9-12 for a starter and £18-£35 for a main course! The food was nice enough but the portions were tiny and after dessert + 1 soft drink + service charge, it was over £50 a person.... 😞A friend of mine went to a Korean BBQ restaurant near Covent Garden recently and that was even more expensive with mains costing £25-£45! London is a tough place to live these days in terms of cost of living.😞

[@GaryEats]

Agreed Caroline!

[@chilunliu]

I used to go China Town a far bit as a child so it was only the one dim sum restaurant close to the fire station, its more of a tourist trap now if anything. Give Old Tree Daiwan Bee a try when you're next in China Town Gary, its more Taiwanese dishes - but you would get far more for your money. Don't bother with buying a soft drink in the restaurants, get a Chinese tea and some tap water on the side

[@GaryEats]

Indeed. Thanks for watching!

[@mellow-jello]

Gary, as all Chinese know, the best Chinese spots needs traffic, so if you are not waiting at least 30 minutes for a table, don't take a chance, especially if you are the lone customer. If in doubt, Cantonese BBQ restaurants are a great go-to spot, with a good variety of proteins and rice. One last tip: never order soda pop, they have universally gouged customers for decades, globally. Stick to a pot of Chinese tea. The score for this Chinese restaurant, a barely passing grade, 5/10 in a tourist spot.

[@nickgillon2625]

Hi Gary ...Nothing to jump up and down about with excitement. Any Chinese cook / mum .dad can cook just as good considering the amount of MSG they use plus the velveting techneque. For the price the servings were very small and should have been able to feed 2 people. Yes you got ripped off i'm affraid 7/10

[@mikekaraoke]

Another decent review Gary, not been here since it got a 0% hygiene rating, shame I didn't see this video beforehand as would of said and you wouldn't of gone! Also love in the background showing the great musical: Les Mis 👍🏻

[@GaryEats]

Yes, not good at all to hear that. I think it's got better now

[@sallyjones4557]

The portions looked great and well presented but expensive for only 3 dishes!! and quite big service charge etc. I think with chinese food often the best value for money is a good all you can eat buffet or a local one near where to someone lives perhaps?? as central london is very expensive alot of the time?

[@GaryEats]

I think that’s a great idea Sally 👌

[@thecornedbeefcouncil9792]

Nice one Gary lad, keep up the good work

[@GaryEats]

Thank you my friend. Have a good weekend!

[@chrisdowning7543]

Gary Gary! Yes it’s because you don’t run off! Should have tried Golden Dragon just a long the road. I went 2 times a week when I worked in London.

[@GaryEats]

Thanks mate.

[@ScriptWriterSATS]

The Buffet's are good value - the one next door to where you were used to be great - limited menu same 17 dishes all the time but cooked well

[@GaryEats]

Another commenter has said to avoid the buffer place haha. Each to their own I suppose, thank you for tips and commenting :)

[@ScriptWriterSATS]

@@GaryEats Its Pre Covid since I ate there so things change I guess - Great Channel by the way

[@fredob43]

I'm well out of touch on London prices. I looked at the menu and I would have picked different things. E/G Crab in ginger and spring onions is one of my favorites. But at over 30 UK not a chance. The last time I had that in China town it was 17 UK. The prices frightened me so would have given that restaurant a wide sidestep. Little tip look for a restaurant that has lots of Chinese people eating there if it's full of tourists give it a wide berth. Or you will get stung as you found out. Love your presentation please carry on with the volgs. Oh, and if you are going to try things that you don't know a lot about just stick to the the safer UK stuff. Oh, my mark for the value of what you had was a -1.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you, glad you're enjoying the presentation of things. Unfortunately, most restaurants in Chinatown were either priced similar or more expensive!

[@SueSabbatini]

This looks really nice however the prices are extortionate but I would say there is enough food there for two people. I wouldn't have chosen this place with a nil hygiene rating, service charge always annoys me, they make enough on the food and to not give you a choice!

[@GaryEats]

Agreed. If I'd have known about the hygiene rating, I wouldn't have gone there.

[@dougedwardsyachts]

Many years ago I used to love drinking in De Hems and then eating on Gerrard Street. My other half and I ate at Wan Chai Corner a couple of times in 2018 and the food was awesome. I also love the Ping Pong restaurants, they used to do an all you can eat deal, DimSundays, it was quite wonderful.

[@YvonneMaughan]

Another excellent review Gary , food looked delicious, I thought £3.60 fir a coke was a lot ,I would give it 8/10 ❤

[@GaryEats]

Thank you very much!

[@karenrogers9034]

Always Have Tea and water

[@robertleach9120]

On looks alone I'd give the meal 8/10 but with a service charge before you've had an y service (what a cheek !) I'd bring it down to a 6 . So expensive there though (London prices I guess) cos here in Adelaide we'd pay half that price at our fav Chinese & that would also include 3 spring rolls & a bag of prawn chips !! Amazed also at the price of a glass of Coke - are they having a laugh? All comments aside Gary, thank you for another great video and I can't wait to see where you go on your travels around the UK.

[@GaryEats]

I wish I lived in Australia. Appreciate that Robert, glad you're enjoying all of my videos and continuously leave nice comments. Thanks for watching!

[@RobGreen-k3p]

@@GaryEats t

[@RobGreen-k3p]

All those meals Gary and no weight increase ? Well nothing you admit to!

[@patrickanthonybutler3969]

The reason your meals appear expensive is that your order enough food for 2 people which most folk would only order 1 if they were alone, but the Indian looked great and the Chinese,was a liberty to add the service before you had received any at all, Indian Epsom 10 plus Chinese 6 for the pay before you eat.Patrick & Sheila.

[@GaryEats]

Indeed. I think you've been fair with that comment. All the best to you both for the new year!

[@hilmaallen1302]

I eat a lot in China town with my friend whom is Chinese, our average bill for two is between 100 and 160 neither of us drink alcohol so soft drinks and tea. I would say that your bill is not over the top. On another point I see where you have eaten at different locations for the same chain and cannot understand why the prices are so different. Well it’s called rent cost and business rates. Firstly London is not one borough, each borough set their own Council tax and business rates. Although been a “ tourist area” has a small impact on the prices, the majority of it is the rental cost for the building that these businesses are in, plus the business rates that are put on them by the councils.

[@GaryEats]

Thanks for watching!

[@Oscarspaw1971]

Food looked really good Gary but the price was very expensive.Albeit that was 2 meals you ordered,it did look very tasty. Cheers👍

[@GaryEats]

Very true, thanks for your comments!

[@TheAdArchive]

Oh Gary next time you are there - track down The Experiemntal Cocktail Club - it’s a speakeasy at 13a gerrard street so you walked right past it but you wouldn’t know as it’s just a black door - you have to stand outside and eventually someone lets you in. It’s an amazing bar like going back in time - so in a way it’s like Mr Foggs round the corner from Sexy Fish. So it’s styled like an old gentleman’s club. Well worth tracking down next time you are in China town in London - 13a Gerrard street! Experimental cocktail club.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you!

[@crazyferret9409]

The trouble is that with a menu that size most of it is frozen. That's majorly expensive.

[@gunnerdownunner570]

Slowly catching up on your back catalog Gary, 😁😁😁😁, one thought thy price was a touch expensive, but when it was served . . . It looked fantabulosa . . . Starving at dinner time down 🥝🥝🥝under, 🍺🍺🍺🍺cheers from below stairs Gary 👏👏👏👏

[@GaryEats]

Appreciate you going back and watching the videos.

[@davidl9951]

I forgot to mention something about the Taipan - they have so many Chinese customers that they have their own special menu, written in Chinese of course and available on request.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you David 😊

[@misterdodgy4229]

Love Chinese food - you should try Happy Seasons in Manchester Chinatown. There’s always a queue outside & I’ve never been disappointed.

[@GaryEats]

Very nice

[@jamietrev]

Also if you really want tiptop Chinese cuisine go (if you can get in!) to A Wong near Victoria station

[@JuanCarlosBatallaCallau-bu6hi]

I would score Gerrard's Corner a 5.5 or a 6. I think this is a pretty expensive meal. I have stopped going to restaurants in Chinatown because they have turned way too expensive.

[@GaryEats]

Indeed.

[@jonathanmarkbotterell1926]

.....I made an error 'once'. I ordered a 2 bottles of white wine here in Moraira Spain.Tha charge was 20E a bottle. I mentioned it and they said it's stated on the menu( I hadn't looked) Moral: The prices are there...... nobody's forcing you to order. Even go on line before you leave home. Your dilemma answered: You enjoyed it. China town is an experience, sat outside, people watched and relaxed. Worth every penny in my book.😎🍻

[@GaryEats]

A very nice summary Jonathan. Thank you!

[@jfergs.3302]

If food really nice, I'd mark it down purely on price, 4.5/10. As you say, for that, 2 dishes and rice, you could've bought a huge banquet from most good Chinese chippies. * Re a recommendation: If you're ever up Liverpool way, i'd suggest the Chung Ku. A stand alone restaurant on the Banks of the Mersey. Only 6 or 7 mins drive, or a nice 30 min stroll from the city centre. The exterior could do with a lick of paint, but lovely inside, fantastic views of the river, and excellent food.

[@GaryEats]

I can't wait to go to Liverpool. (Nothing to do with the fact I support a football club there). Will write that down mate and give it a go when I'm up there!

[@accskaguy]

I know you're nowhere near Japan, but over there you can buy a HUGE set Chinese style meal for everyone in a family of 4, and still not pay that much for dinners. Then again, here in Canada pricing for Chinese food at a restaurant is very similar to your situation. There are better deals in some places, but you do have to know where to look.

[@GaryEats]

Indeed. Thanks for watching!

[@peternelson6142]

I know that area well. Hasnt always been Chinatown. Used to be many Indian restaurants along there. When I do go to that area now I always go to the Wong Kei just round corner on Wardour Street. Its an institution in the area. Much much cheaper and better imo. Always comes with a free pot of Chinese tea. No cards accepted as cash only.

[@GaryEats]

I've heard many positive and negative things about Wong Kei in this comment section alone haha! Thanks for the recommendation Peter.

[@peternelson6142]

​@@GaryEatsalso Gary no service charges in Wong Kei and you pay after youve eaten. Wong Kei has a chequered past! Became most well known for cheap quality food and the rudeness of the staff. You sat where they told you to sit! On 4 floors. If on your own you'd akways be seated front ground floor and expected to share table. I once shared a table with "the repair man" and, yes, he wore his trademark cap. I always ordered from the plate meals. Roast pork and duck noodle soup a favourite plus i loved the fried qua diou. Thsts what I said to order it! Was a sort of mixed meat rice noodles dish.

[@thesufi]

@@peternelson6142 Correct! You need to know how to order at Wong Kei - the "with rice/ noodles" plates and soup-noodles bowls - NOT al a carte, which works out more expensive. Btw. I love the downstairs shared tables which used to be reserved for single diners only, with groups being ushered UPSTAIRS! or DOWNSTAIRS! Hence their catchphrase. Nothing else like it in Chinatown.

[@georgesabapathy2508]

Agreed it's going to be expensive in the centre of Soho (and London) for that matter, but I think it was overpriced. The rice portion was particularly mean.

[@tancreddehauteville764]

Should have tried Mr Wu next door. Very cheap! 😀

[@GaryEats]

Done the wrong one! Thanks for watching!

[@tancreddehauteville764]

@@GaryEats Cheers mate. Thanks for all your work.