Reviewing LONDON'S OLDEST CHINESE RESTAURANT!

[@GaryEats]

Apologies for this one folks. The plan I had for today's video was going to be from Manchester. However, Avanti West Coast decided that I'll be staying in London for another day. Next few videos: Manchester. Thanks everyone 😀

[@trudysmith4273]

No need to apologise 😊 love all your content, grateful just to have another review ❤😊

[@andreah4172]

Me too 😀

[@ShhHutYahMah]

All good Gary, atleast you gave it a go 😂

[@changbeerbeer]

Still a great episode Gary!

[@CheshireCat6639]

No apols needed, looking forward to Manchester, my neck of the woods, my daughter and partner loved Wagamama? If it survived? Ty for sharing Gary 🎉

[@trudoviks9075]

Great video Gary! I'm a 19 year old American but I love seeing all the cool and cultured cuisine you guys have over there in the UK. Much love brother!

[@SteveM-ly7oy]

How did you come across this channel? It's great to see young people watching these reviews, the beauty of YT, it attracts all sorts, doesn't it?

[@GaryEats]

Thank you so much! Glad you're enjoying the videos.

[@dwinsal]

Been going here since 1972 Gary. It was such a novelty then and it hasn’t changed. Not even the carpet. I loved watching this video.

[@GaryEats]

Great memories 👌👌

[@richardhinchliffe1678]

No need to Apologise at gary no matter what reviews you do no matter where you are they are very enjoyable and very professionally reviewed and tbh the meal looked very good if I’m honest 8/10 for me look forward to the next one

[@GaryEats]

Appreciated Richard. Thank you!

[@modifidious666]

two doors to the right at number 39 is leongs legend taiwanese restauant, in the late sixties it was a record shop and basement, the first place led zeppelin played as a band, fun fact.

[@GaryEats]

Nice fact. Thank you!

[@normanh4905]

Gary - hello from across the pond. I stumbled across your channel - highlight of my week! I enjoy your reviewing style - no unnecessary or excessive drama, no forced histrionic expressions - just straight-forward, natural, respectful, but also candid, reviewing. The beef dish looked really good and rice-friendly with all that black bean sauce. I could easily eat 2-3 bowls of rice with that beef! Looking forward to your dim sum video!

[@GaryEats]

Hello. Brilliant to hear Norman!

[@pauldrumwell4922]

I spend much of my day with some draining people but your food adventures are the perfect antidote to those miserable gits. Blessing Gary.

[@GaryEats]

Ah Paul, sorry to hear that mate. All the best to you, the weekend is nearly here. Thanks for watching!

[@GARCKY]

Apparently, Chinese restaurants in London are much the same as here in the USA. The food is not necessarily what is eaten in China, but rather modified to appeal to Western palates. That's OK, but it's also interesting to visit restaurants where English isn't spoken and the food is made to suit the Chinese palate. I've done that a few times, and have been both pleasantly and unpleasantly surprised. At one tiny restaurant in San Francisco's Chinatown, nobody spoke English at all. I ordered by pointing at things I saw others eating. In one case, the waiter indicated that "American not like" when I gestured to the dish I wanted. I insisted, and the waiter was right. I did not enjoy the sea cucumber I was served. However I did enjoy several of the other dishes, which were like nothing I had eaten in typical Chinese restaurants. My visit there stimulated good-natured laughter more than once. An adventure.

[@GaryEats]

Yes. It's very much westernised chinese food.

[@LoosSerine]

There are Chinese dishes. Gary unfortunately went for the Western menu :) Even had himself the dim sum sheet to mark off dishes and went set menu...:(

[@JanetBrown-px2jn]

It’s the same in NYC,you can get foods from all over China in our 2 Chinatowns,I love going there,though I wouldn’t be eating sea cucumbers,but I had duck tongues,tasty,but hard to eat,ducks have a bone down the middle of their tongue.Love all the dumplings,and dim sum,and noodle dishes.😊

[@LoosSerine]

@@JanetBrown-px2jn Haven't been to NY Chinatown in decades, really would like to as have marked down a few of the places from watching KZbin videos that I would like to visit.

[@ChrisPatrick-q6k]

I love the Western Chinese! 😊

[@janw1746]

Manners maketh the man..and yours my dear are superb..great review again Gary..👍

[@GaryEats]

Thank you kindly

[@siobhanblake9150]

Totally agree

[@mentallyill1000]

Love the channel Gary, you do my favourite reviews! Straight forward , to the point and no loud music or filler 👍 Will be visiting Manchester and London from Canada around Easter time for some EPL. Looking forward very much to your Manchester reviews! All the best in 2024 to you and the channel.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you very much my friend. Have a wonderful time.

[@Twiglet456]

Will look forward to watching this on the treadmill at lunch. I have to say this has become my favourite food review channel on KZbin. You manage to stand out head and shoulders in a very busy and competitive genre. Cheers!

[@Islandicus]

I agree. I think everyone appreciates Gary's no nonsense and honest approach. What is amazing is the range of restaurants he reviews.

[@CheshireCat6639]

Here here 💯❗

[@philipmckeon8944]

Totally agree 👍

[@GaryEats]

Wow, thanks! You're too kind with such high praise as there's many fantastic KZbinrs. All the best.

[@lordiari7110]

Yes, totally agree. Always pleasant to watch and listen to. Good points taken as a fellow Londoner.

[@mowhawk5924]

I watch a few food pundits but Gary is probably the one i enjoy the most, good style, and very likeable personality, makes you feel at ease, so far i've managed to guess nearly every score out of ten he has given, our score for you Gary is 11 out of ten , you couldn't have guessed that one lol.

[@GaryEats]

Haha, That's too kind of you - Am I becoming too predictable? Lol!

[@Richard-gk3kq]

Nice to see your channel growing with subscribers. Just goes to show that people like your style of presenting. Good value for money food

[@GaryEats]

I appreciate that! Thanks Richard.

[@ianthomas1060]

Oldest China town in the UK is Liverpool. I'd like to see you visit 'My' city for a few reviews of local, fine food and your choice visits. This was a good review, the duck pancakes had my stomach growling at me. I liked the look of the sweet & sour, it was not day-glo orange and less sauce than most. The veg looked the best dish inhmo. Sizzler's are usually more attention than taste. Great review.

[@GaryEats]

Yes, I'll be up in Liverpool soon. Yes, they're a bit of drama aren't they?

[@Gazmeizster_Wongatron]

@@GaryEats Really recommend the North Garden if you're planning on visiting the Chinatown. Their "Western" menu is great, but if you're feeling adventurous definitely try some dishes from their more authentic Chinese menu. Also, Mei Mei on Berry Street does the best authentic dim sum IMO.

[@seantynan1]

Some nice looking restaurant style Chinese food there, I would be happy enough. Thanks again Gary, your channel is rocking it!

[@GaryEats]

Thanks Sean!

[@jasonwarby3765]

For a plan B that was excellent, I ate there some 20 years ago, awesome to see it’s still going and offering a good meal, thanks Gary

[@GaryEats]

Thanks Jason. Very kind!

[@Islandicus]

I have happy memories of eating out in London China town late at night in my younger days! If you are travelling the country this year, I'd recommend trying out the Chinatown in Newcastle on Stowell Street. It's small by London standards but I've had some really good meals there. In fact, Newcastle has some great restaurants but I rarely see any vloggers reviewing them.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you. I will get up to Newcastle when I can.

[@Christine-il8nm]

Hi Gary I could of eaten that meal easily it looked very tasty .thx for sharing and looking forward to the next delicious meal ..

[@GaryEats]

Thank you for watching!

[@sylviamatthee8172]

The price for central London for so many dishes is amazingly good. It was an awful lot of food. I did notice that the sweet and sour chicken had fresh pineapple chunks instead of tinned pieces added to it, as is often the case somewhere else. If you can change the starter, it would be a good meal. More than enough for two people. Thank you!

[@GaryEats]

You're more than welcome Sylvia.

[@G78.]

As usual Gary another fantastic video thanks from Ireland 👍👍

[@GaryEats]

You're more than welcome,

[@andywalkerchannel]

Hi Gary! Just to say that I really enjoy your review videos. They are balanced and get straight to the point and your conclusions are fair. All the very best with your future endeavours and thank you.

[@GaryEats]

Hi Andy. That’s very kind of you - thank you mate and all the best.

[@jeffreyroberts7438]

That all looks really good, your use of the chop sticks was impressive! Still not sure how you’re not about 20 stone after all these food reviews 😂 your enthusiasm remains fantastic, good for you👍

[@GaryEats]

Thank you Jeffrey. Thank you.

[@christinehodge3608]

The Duck looked lovely especially with the sauce, sweet and sour chicken with Pineapple and a sauce beautiful, side vegetables l bet that taste amazing, 😊

[@GaryEats]

It was excellent, Christine.

[@garethconnett7672]

You needn't worry Gary about doing another Buffet review you had 1.1k views in 18 minutes I noticed. The food looked quite nice and not a bad price for London, take care, Gareth

[@GaryEats]

Thanks Gareth. All the best.

[@stephaniewhite9526]

I worked near Chinatown for many years (pre internet era) but for some strange reason never discovered this restaurant and it looks wonderful. I thought £21.50 a very good deal (for location and size of portions and no service charge with a drink too). So a great score from me too, & a fantastic review as always !!

[@tdtm82]

1993 is a long time ago now.

[@GaryEats]

You're more than welcome Stephanie.

[@Houston1863]

The frontage of the Lido is not very conspicuous Stephanie and the restaurant is slap bang in the middle of Gerard St amidst several eye-catching establishments. I too have walked past it for years without taking much or indeed any notice. It's a very sound destination though.

[@jerryoshea3116]

​@@GaryEatsGood Job Gary👍..And u have so many Rest around there,ur bound to find something! ..Many yrs back I had Chinese friend ( He was a London Taxi Driver& he also rented out some Cabs& he had a lot of contacts around this area! & He took me to a few of these Rests& they were always busy& good value! . .So £21.00 is very good value( And as I will always point out, their not just trying to break even,but make sensible& realistic profit )

[@alanbarnes3569]

Thank you Gary. Really enjoy watching your videos and feel like I’m in the restaurant with you. Aromatic duck is my favourite too. Look forward to the next one 😊

[@GaryEats]

So nice of you to say Alan. Thank you!

[@colinmayes9446]

Gary that food looked lovely, it just looked so fresh and the price I thought for that selection was outstanding, thank you.

[@GaryEats]

Glad you enjoyed it. You're welcome Colin.

[@mazyarkanani6708]

You always do a terrific job with your videos and I always feel like I’m right there tasting all the dishes. The old decor takes me back to my childhood which is a comfort for oldies like me !! Great job 🤩

[@GaryEats]

Thank you so much!

[@karenclancey2557]

Come on camera man would love to see you ,really great review always pleased to see you on here Gary. Great job camera man.🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼🤩🤩🤩👍👏👏👏

[@GaryEats]

Thank you Karen. He will be less shy one day!

[@DameTremonti]

Great coincidence, i was Googling where to eat in China Town last night as i'm up there in a few weeks with the missus. Will try Lido after seeing this video, food looked pretty good although the hors deuvres could have been a tad more exciting. All the best - love seeing the channel explode into popularity like this. Well done team Gary Eats.

[@GaryEats]

Yes, a little undercooked for my liking. Don't be taken aback by the decor, the staff were friendly and the food was pretty good. Very kind Roman - thank you.

[@somanhamid3406]

Hi mate, Brilliant review as per - your videos are my after work dinner accompaniment. Chinese looked banging and also kudos to your camera man and yourself for the self restriant and not stuffing your face immediately! Cheers

[@GaryEats]

Brilliant to hear Soman. Glad you enjoy the videos.

[@garykb1]

Really good review Gary. Looking forward to your visit to my home town, Manchester.

[@GaryEats]

Having a great time Gary.

[@slick147]

Hi, the hoi sin sauce is poured into the duck, cucumber and onions at the end, then you wrap up the pancake. This avoids the pancake becoming too soggy and splitting.

[@free_gold4467]

Thanks for that, makes perfect sense!

[@GaryEats]

Thank you. I actually didn't know that.

[@Ziggylyle]

I thought, oh great I love Manchester😂😂 Food looked great Gary, especially the meals. Sweet and sour chicken, first meal I tried at a Chinese, still love it. You describe the food so beautifully I can almost taste it. Love oyster sauce. Worth the money.

[@GaryEats]

Thanks so much Ann. Believe me, I wish I was in Manchester too.

[@alanbarnes3569]

I went to a Chinese restaurant last night. I said to the waiter, “ This duck is looking at me”. He said, “ yes sir, it’s a Peking Duck”.

[@GaryEats]

Lol Alan.

[@howardfranklin4118]

Hi Jonathancan Couldn’t agree more. I have urged Gary to give it a try, two months ago, and I think he may do so. I am going there for Valentine’s Day, but friends of mine have warned me that quite a few items, now have an extra charge for them. Still an experience worth having on that special occasion, very unique in style

[@GaryEats]

I will try Howard. It's not that I'm ignoring the recommendation, it will be very hard to film and I would need permission.

[@MegaVector2011]

Looked good but I see that was Westernised Chinese food. Sometimes a Chinese restaurant will have two menus, one for Westernised tastes (which is no bad thing as that's what we are used to), and another 'authentic menu' featuring staple food of Chinese people like Szechuan dry pot, big tureens of noodle soup with various exotic ingredients. It's really worth checking out the authentic menu if you can get them to show you it, some restaurants are reluctant because they fear Westerners won't like it, but I would highly recommend you try.

[@GaryEats]

Yes, indeed it was. I will give it a go.

[@llamaalpaca5563]

I feel like the duck and the sizzling beef seem a bit more "authentic" than the rest.

[@jonathanc7750]

Another excellent review Gary. Must say I’m impressed with how you tackled that rib with the chillies. A true throat goat ! Crispy duck is our favourite too

[@GaryEats]

Thank you Jonathan!

[@melanieevans1574]

Really enjoyed seeing what you get for the set meal as set meals are very often the economical choices these days. I thought that was fantastic value considering you were in the centre of China Town in London. Many years ago when I was a student we used to go into China Town ... it was the go to place for students wanting good food at budget prices. I haven´t been there for many years but I´m told now that it is crazily expensive, partly because of it becoming real tourist hotspot. so I really think that was brilliant value.

[@GaryEats]

Appreciated Melanie. Glad you liked the value.

[@LancelotNarayan]

Hi Gary, I've only just discovered you and I'm loving what you do. Your friendly personality really comes through and I love seeing all the places you visit around the country. I heard you say you enjoy Thai food and I'd love to recommend a place I go to quite often. It's somewhat of a secret as it's very well disguised. It's the Crown and Cushion pub on Westminster Bridge Road. On the surface, it's a traditional, cosy pub (they pull a good Guinness) but venture upstairs and it's an unassuming Thai restaurant and for those in the know, it's a must-visit destination. The Thai food is SENSATIONAL. I recently had their pho and I didn't want it to end. Truly delicious food and very good value. I promise you'll love it. Keep up the good work, Gary. You're great!

[@GaryEats]

Thank you very much my friend. I will reply to your Instagram message soon.

[@simonmorris5626]

Well done Gary on continuing to produce some great review videos. You've come up with a simple, but very effective format, which is clearly landing very well with people - so pleased to see your subscriber base growing by the hundred's every day. If you are looking to try different Chinese dishes, I would recommend a Special Chinese Curry - one of my favorites.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you Simon. I will give it a go.

[@hywelbranch3007]

I have to jump in here too. Youre vlogs are a pleasure to watch mate there is no ego trip going on just a nice bloke visiting different places trying different foods and giving honest reviews. Your channel is going to get big mate. Keep to the simplistic formula and enjoy what you do. Best wishes from Wales mate.

[@GaryEats]

I really appreciate that Hywel. Thank you.

[@AdAstra78]

Thanks to your cameraman's seductive photography, I've turned my oven off, put my dinner back in the fridge and ordered an overpriced crispy duck for delivery. £20 that's cost me. On a certain level, i believe your mate owes me a tenner... Really entertaining video as always! Cheers Gary.

[@GaryEats]

Seductive photography, brilliant. Send me the invoice lol. Thanks for watching!

[@PeteBennettUK]

I was married to a Chinese lady for a decade and she always took me to small backstreet restaurants around that area but I wouldn’t go there on my own as they didn’t speak English. If you are looking for a great pub around that area Gary, I highly recommend De Hems Dutch pub. Amazing selection of beers if you like a nice pint.

[@GaryEats]

Much appreciated Pete. Thank you.

[@geordiejones2]

Hi Gary and Mr Cameraman, great review as always. This place although a little dated was clean and tidy and the staff were pleasant, you can't ask for much more that that. The food looked very good, but in all my days i have never had or seen deep fried ribs before, and don't think i would ever order them. My favorite dish there was the beef in black bean sauce, i know what im making tomorrow. Chris.

[@GaryEats]

Thanks Chris. Yes, not a fan of those ribs at all.

[@keepupwithcal505]

come across this account in the last few days and i must say the way you review is so refreshing from other food reviewers. very informative and entertaining to watch. 100 percent earned a subscribe! keep up the great work, love the vids.

[@GaryEats]

Welcome aboard! Very kind of you, thank you.

[@ahumsaidtheplum]

Gary another great video 👍 If you want to see a restaurant *really* stuck in a time warp, try Oslo Court in London's St John's Wood. It's...different!

[@GaryEats]

Yep. It's on the list, just a bit worried how I would film.

[@ahumsaidtheplum]

@@GaryEats looking forward to it!

[@jjwone]

The Blue Orchid in Romford opened in 1963 although it was in Essex until 1965 when Romford became part of the London borough of Havering. Fantastic Chinese, one of the best. still run by the same family for 61 years. do a review Gary you will love it.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you. I will see what I can do!

[@loksterchu7398]

Great vid as always. When in an authentic Chinese restaurant you should always go for authentic dishes ie not what you had lol. These places tend to have 2 menus, one for Chinese and the other for non-Chinese. To ‘ease’ yourself into something authentic you can’t beat BBQ. This will be the meats hanging in the window- roast duck, char sui pork, crispy pork and soy chicken

[@GaryEats]

Thank you. Yes, I will be going for the more authentic dishes next time.

[@MichaelGGarry]

I was scanning the menu outside for char sui dim sum and was surprised I didn't see any - my absolute favourites!

[@andreashaynes3346]

That was a great review Gary. I’m very partial to Chinese food, the aromatic duck looked delicious, beef and green pepper and black bean sauce likewise. Shame about the hors d’oeuvres. Overall, a very nice meal. Many thanks for sharing with us. Really appreciated on a cold evening, watching your channel. See you soon 👍👍👍

[@GaryEats]

Thank you Andreas. Always too kind, how are you?

[@andreashaynes3346]

@@GaryEats Difficult times with deteriorating MS symptoms. That’s why watching channels such as yours Gary, are a great boost for me. Bless you and keep the posts coming. Always appreciate it 💎💎💎

[@redsrollingnow1]

Hey Gary - it was a good indicator to see lots of Chinese people in there which is always encouraging to see! Good to see that you used a bowl and chopsticks instead of chasing rice around the plate as so many Brits tend to do - thought your chopstick skills were not bad at all. You seriously cannot keep avoiding mushrooms as you are supposed to be a food critic and as such should be able to comment on ALL food including mushrooms! 😎👍😎

[@kathyhayden2499]

Yes I totally agree always go were the Chinese eat,when having a Chinese,same applies everywhere really,when we went to Portugal, Greece,we dined were they did best food ever❤

[@JanetBrown-px2jn]

Tell those other reviewers to eat more than full English,burgers,doner,and fish,and chips,so Gary’s dislike of mushrooms isn’t much,though if you are reviewing you should try everything I suppose.

[@GaryEats]

I had my mushrooms in this one. Yes, lots of people enjoying their food and appreciated the kind words on the chopsticks.

[@kathyhayden2499]

@GaryEats well done you had the mushrooms

[@TheJellyBabyxxxx]

I'm with you Gary, re the ribs & spring rolls. They didn't look appetising to me. But the rest looked lovely. Nice of them to give you a free tea 😊. & I really like the old Chinatown retro look of the decor.

[@GaryEats]

Thanks for watching!!

[@ozmaoz325]

Hey Gary! Been binge watching all your videos. Lovin' it! Please try and get up to Glasgow x

[@stephenleonard6336]

Shenaz in Glasgow for an Indian curry. Terrific! Try it out, Gary.

[@GaryEats]

Yep, will be up Glasgow soon mate. Waiting for the weather to get a bit warmer (yes, I'm a southerner)

[@paulclark2947]

Another good review Gary, sorry you missed out on Manchester. I thought the food was average, except for the crispy duck & beef with green peppers, but not bad value for touristy central London. In the circumstances, I thought your mark was generous but hey, you had the dining experience so you're probably the best person to judge🙂. Keep up the good work.

[@GaryEats]

No problem Paul. On the way there tomorrow hopefully!

[@juliemcgarty4764]

The meal I thowt was a good price I prefer Indian meself but it looked lovely as as always gary your so honest I love watching your videos thankyou

[@GaryEats]

Thank you Julie.

[@aperturix]

I think that was good value for money. You've had some breakfasts that set you back about the same amount. And there was tea included and no service charge. If coming to London I might "give it a go"!

[@GaryEats]

Very true. Thank you for watching!

[@DrFrankLondon]

Hi Gary, another great review in the bag. Been there a few times and never been disappointed, it's not the best Chinese cuisine I have had, but for the price and taking into account that I am not the biggest fan of Chinese food, it is a great place. But they need to refurb a bit, it's starting to look very dated. But always great service, excellent prices for the area and the duck is the star of the show if you ask me. Keep up the great work and have a wonderful time up in Manchester, mate! Speak to you soon! 🍻🙂

[@GaryEats]

Much appreciated Frank. What's your go-to restaurant in London for Chinese food?

[@DrFrankLondon]

@@GaryEats When we go out for Chinese, we usually go to Hunan in Pimilico Road. It's a really nice and quiet place with very nice food! Would highly recommend a try, mate!

[@bojack3827]

£21 each is a really good price for Central London given that you get a multitude of dishes. Their profit margins on that would have been wafer thin and they would be relying on customer footfall / volume to keep the lights on!

[@GaryEats]

Lol. Thanks for watching!

[@hasenherz9504]

Hi Gary i would appreciate if you push another boat out and review the food at London's historic pubs like the Prospect of Whitby or the Spanniards Inn

[@GaryEats]

I've reviewed them both :) check them out.

[@ksturmer5388]

Gary, when you go to Ireland, you must go to Johnnie Fox's In Glencullen just outside of Dublin. It may be up a mountain but trust me, the scenery, the seafood served there and the vibe are second to none pal. All the best!

[@GaryEats]

Will do my friend. All the best.

[@geebee6737]

That looked awesome. You're on your way Oop North and I'm heading Darn Sarf 🤣 I haven't had a Chinese in years but now craving one , off to the Jurassic Coast this weekend so may just treat myself 😁 An extra 7k subs in less than a month , don't change the format it's working brilliantly for you mate , well done 👍

[@GaryEats]

Haha enjoy mate. Won't be changing at all - looking forward to heading to Manchester.

[@stephenastley-nadin4730]

After just one week of discovering the channel,gotta say, I love it! Cheers and thanks as always Gary!

[@GaryEats]

Thanks Stephen 👍

[@PatGilliland]

Your best indicator is the number of people of Chinese inside - it looked like you had a winner from the start. What was interesting to me looking at their menu online, is the differences in "standard" dishes between the UK and here in Canada. No General Tso's chicken, no chicken balls, no chop suey or chow meins (both of which are more properly American). Still a very nice variety. My suggestion if you want to try Dim Sum is to find a restaurant specializing in it. Rather than ordering from a menu, the plates are brought around on a trolly fresh out of the kitchen, and you pick and choose what's on offer. There are usually 3 or 4 dumplings or pieces per plate so you can sample a wide variety without stuffing yourself. Love the channel and eating vicariously through you and Cameraman.

[@GaryEats]

Spot on Pat. Thank you!

[@Tonse6]

best down to earth restaurant videos on youtube right now. Thank you

[@GaryEats]

Ah, that’s very kind of you. Thank you.

[@GaryEats]

Ah, that’s very kind of you. Thank you.

[@jfergs.3302]

Nice looking grub, and I quite like the old fashioned/retro look, of some of these Chinese places. Very typical set menu too, maybe it's obligatory. Of the myriad chinese dishes available, every SM2 i've ever had (home or abroad) always has sweet & sour chicken, and beef & black bean sauce 🙂

[@GaryEats]

Yep. It was very dated lol.

[@jasonsmart3482]

Great review and the food was good value. Use to go to Chinatown a lot up to 2012. There was a fab Dim Dum restaurant in Gerrard Street and for other Chinese we went to a Lisle Street, fab but probably a bit naff courtyard restaurant that had a zen garden and you had to go over a little bridge - over a pond with carp - to the restaurant. their crispy beef was just amazing.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you!!

[@capsulez]

Gary, that’s pretty good value for a Chinatown restaurant. You should try the food at Wong Kei for the cheapest in that area. Beijing dumpling is also worth checking out. I go there often and there’s normally a queue.

[@geoffpoole483]

I haven't been to Wong Kei for years but I remember it was a "unique" dining experience. I think the waiters have toned down their behaviour, which is a shame.

[@GaryEats]

It was excellent. I've heard their service is interesting..

[@WilliamOBrien-hy4ph]

Wong Kei is a legend, so rude but great at the same time.

[@howardfranklin4118]

I think you had excellent value for money, with a free tea thrown in. My partner and I went for a Chinese at our favourite restaurant called North China in Uxbridge Road, on Saturday evening. Staff are lovely, the ambience is great and the food is really good. A set menu for two ranges from £25 per person, up to £38 per person, and there is generally a gap of up to 15 mins be each course, but is all freshly cooked, and week worth waiting for. The clientele is always respectful, a little older, and family orientated, and it has a very good reputation. Of course there is the normal a la carte menu. Well worth a visit! However for Chinatown, your meal linked worth every penny. That is not always the case in that street.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you for that Howard. The restaurant you visit sounds excellent.

[@paulhoughton5266]

Great review as usual. Bizarrely I have a phobia with Chinese food, bad incident with a Chinese meal many years ago and never got over it. Have had Korean and Japanese food. Even managed to work in Shanghai for a few weeks and managed to get through on Italian at hotels! Must try and get over it.

[@davidb9059]

Please elaborate, I'm intrigued now .

[@GaryEats]

Oh that's not good to hear Paul. Hopefully one day you can mate, all the best.

[@robert368]

Looked very nice,can’t go wrong with the black bean. Have you ever tried crispy chilli beef,that’s one of my favourites

[@GaryEats]

Yep. Enjoy it.

[@geoffpoole483]

I'd like to see a review of Wong Kei on Wardour Street which was renowned for a "unique" dining experience. Customer service wasn't the waiters' forte. I think London's earliest Chinese community settled in Limehouse in the 19th century but that area has undergone huge changes.

[@GaryEats]

Great idea! I’ve heard about the service and will give it a go soon.

[@conormacdougal2344]

I was introduced to chinese food by a firend from Hong Kong at Wong Kei. He tpld me it was the cheapest chinese in China Town. The servie was abismal, you were ordered where to sit, which meant sitting at the next seat to the eariler arrivals at a large round table. Tea was served immediatley, and you were left toorder. It was an experience. This was nearly 30 years ago.

[@tomfitz-tm6tz]

Now it's expensive and staff are ok..not rude...no fun !!

[@David-l4m9y]

Nice video chap, food liked very nice…but never had spare ribs battered before…looking forward to your next post 👍👍❤️

[@GaryEats]

Thanks David.

[@johnbrs123]

I love retro british/chinese food like this, takes me back. This looked really good. However Chinato town's prices have become extortionate, especially on Gerrard St. We tend to go off down the back and side streets, the food is better, less touristy and cheaper.Have you tried Won Kei's on Wardour St, that's an experience..

[@GaryEats]

I’ve not but I’ve heard the service is… interesting.

[@tomfitz-tm6tz]

No longer cheap and no longer rude !!..I don't like Chinese food but used to go there years ago as was very cheap and horrible staff !!!

[@kennylc]

As a kid back in the 80's I remember the salt and chilli ribs were cooked the way it was served to you . These days most chinese take aways/restaurants use the bbq ribs which has been cooked prior. I prefer the battered personally but are open to the rib being a bit underdone now and again. Certainly brings back memories. Another great video and will try Lido the next time i'm in the area.Thanks Gary.

[@GaryEats]

You're more than welcome.

[@tiggiegillespie4356]

I used to be guilty of sticking to the same old Chinese dishes then one day in Soho, it was Chinese New Year and decided to have something different. I went for the pork dumpling (still don’t the name) and it was lovely so now I do “try and give it go” 😁 and try new things.

[@scouseofhorror104]

Pork dumplings = Siu Mai! I'm obsessed with them! 🤤😅

[@tiggiegillespie4356]

@@scouseofhorror104 that’s the name, they’re quite filling too. Thank you 😊

[@GaryEats]

I'm giving it a go very soon! Thank you.

[@acheface]

You gave it a go and as usual, we got a great review to watch.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you for watching!

[@JamesStocks]

Wait, £21.50 for the mains AND the duck AND the starter? That is great value

[@GaryEats]

Thanks for watching!

[@alexmarshall4331]

I must say Gary REALLY loving this channel and what's great is the opportunity to visit a lot of the establishments...and 21 squid CENTRAL LONDON...got to give it a go!!@

[@GaryEats]

Thank you Alex!

[@andrewroberts4736]

For a set meal for two in Chinatown in Soho, that's very cheap at £43. The starters looked ok. I'm no judge as I don't like Chinese food that much. The duck looked good. The main courses looked very nice. I like the Hong Kong style sweet and sour chicken. The sizzle on the beef was a classy touch. Another great review.

[@GaryEats]

Glad you enjoyed it Andrew. Thank you! Hope you're well.

[@JazzFunkNobby1964]

I would say all the food looked scrumptious and for China Town in the best capital city in the world, London, excellent value. I would go there and be happy to pay £21 because there was NO SERVICE CHARGE! I would have left a tenner tip for the two meals. Great review Sir.

[@GaryEats]

So good!!

[@albundy9918]

You MUST eat your mushrooms ! Fungus is good for you, they made antibiotics from that.

[@margaretmaskell9985]

Food of the Gods!🍄. 😋

[@GaryEats]

Lol. I did eat them today technically.

[@angiemurphy2423]

You made our mouths water earing your chinese. The sizzle dish and duck pancakes would looked particularly good. Just ad well we were eating out chinese delivery while watching. You gave us some great ideas for our next chinese, thanks.

[@GaryEats]

Brilliant stuff Angie. Great to hear.

[@AngelaDoyne]

ignore any negative comments love your reviews,its great the amount of videos you bring us every week,we look forward to them.

[@GaryEats]

No problem Angela. Everyone is welcome to an opinion as long as constructive, more than welcome and appreciate your lovely comments as always.

[@grahamhardie7934]

That looked pretty good excluding the ribs in batter and the crispy duck looked the bit too, and it wasn't expensive,your growing on me ,you give every establishment you visit a fair view,keep up the good work Gary, cheers.

[@GaryEats]

Appreciated Graham. Yes, the ribs weren't great.

[@grahamhardie7934]

Have you ever done any reviews in Scotland, I'd like to see what you think of Glasgow's restaurants,loads to choose from Gary.

[@thevolthead]

Honestly my favourite YT channel at the minute! And Gary and I share a disdain for Mushrooms, I hate the things! I think decent Chinese food is hard to find these days and I do love it! Must give this a go next time down in London!

[@GaryEats]

Thank you James. Starting to find a mushroom hating community!

[@howardfranklin4118]

Hi Gary about three years ago my partner and her daughters went to G Ram set’s in Camden for Mothers Day. and every dish was returned, either because it wasn’t cooked enough, or the food was cold. Service was poor, and we decided, never again. Our local restaurants and pubs are generally plentiful, diverse, and very good value, no need to travel into the West End and Central London to get ripped off

[@GaryEats]

Completely agree with you Howard.

[@JanetBrown-px2jn]

I agree with you,I was taken with 2 other people to a very expensive French restaurant that is owned by one of the top French chefs in NYC,and though okay ,we the guests felt the food wasn’t worth the money our host paid.On Boxing Day my friend ,and I went to a French restaurant in a strip mall,next to a supermarket,and had a wonderful French meal for so much less money.Which goes to show big chef names mean nothing.

[@phantomthread4385]

Maybe next time try what the locals like the ones behind you are trying. I bet it was a few dim sum dishes. I mean set menu stuff is kinda just generic and you more or less know what you're getting.

[@GaryEats]

Yes. As I mentioned in the video, will be trying lots of different things in the next video.

[@trisbaker363]

I really love your honest and no nonsense reviews.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you 😄

[@garlicgorilla6540]

That chicken looked rubbery

[@bracketsthepolicefan]

Thank you very much

[@TelThePower]

😂​@@bracketsthepolicefan

[@martindunstan8043]

😂just because the decor in the restaurant was late 60s doesn't mean the jokes have to be😂👍

[@martindunstan8043]

@TelThePower 🤣ah c'mon now, this is a family channel 🤣👍

[@bracketsthepolicefan]

Do you have prawn balls. I thought I could smell something

[@ovepayne]

Thanks again, Gary! I´ve been to Chinatown several times during the years and it´s a must when in London.

[@GaryEats]

Great stuff mate.

[@paulinedelaney6385]

Another yummy review. Hope you didn't get an upset tum with the undercooked rib! Looking forward to your Manchester review

[@GaryEats]

Not at all. All good Pauline - thank you.

[@sauron4455]

Gary I have to say I was impressed. Glad to hear you are going to try other things on menu in future.. although I agree beef in black bean sauce one of my favourites. Alarmed that you had a mushroom! Are you okay?? Great entertainment

[@GaryEats]

Haha thank you. I’m okay now 😄 plenty new dishes coming your way.

[@uglenddalejones2]

Oh gosh,that all looked so good. What another hidden gem Gary. Super 👌🙌👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@GaryEats]

Thank you Glenda!!

[@locktech]

Nothing wrong for me with it having an old fashioned decor, some of the newer restaurants these days are not nice places to eat. Certainly a large menu which to be honest I don't like spend to much time deciding what to have. Notice as always a lot of chilli in the dishes served, never understood chilli all it does is burn your mouth and mask all the other lovely spices. Though the price for the meal was pretty good, but at my age (71) could never eat all the dishes just to much, but everyone is different. Another great review Gary.

[@GaryEats]

So much appreciate you watching and commenting. I don’t mind a little chilli 🌶 but agree not too much as ruins the flavour 👌

[@Mickman007]

China town used to be in Limehouse but got destroyed in ww2 bombing raids and I heard that it was a very rough place indeed, it moved to Soho in the fithties as it had cheap rents then. Cool vlog Gary I visit China town now and then and I think your set menu was a good idea.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you Mick. All the best.

[@philipmckeon8944]

Oh hell that looked great. I’m glad to see you feed cameraman 😂 all good looking great and tasty for a fair price. One question though. The starter, 2 spring rolls, sea weed and battered ribs. Was that each or shared? If it was each I’d say a terrific price. Well done lads. 👍

[@GaryEats]

Thanks Philip! Shared I'm afraid.

[@Mark_Griffin]

I've always walked past it and not thought much of it with its location (also didn't know the history behind it), I'm definitely going to give it a try now. I think there's a bit of a stigma with some of those buffets being very touristy and not great quality, but glad to see there's a good stand out worth the visit. I highly recommend Good Friend Chicken around the corner from there, they serve up some amazing fried chicken.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you.

[@robellis76]

Still a great review Garry love the Chinese food reviews food looked ok for the price. And good to see you try the mushrooms what a funghi😂😂😂 massive thumbs up as allways👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🙂🙂

[@GaryEats]

Cheers Rob, Thank you for watching!

[@malcolmmcphee2582]

Hi Gary, the Lido! i first ate there 27yrs ago. I think it was black and white colour scheme outside then. Been a few times, but not visited in the past ten yrs. I always enjoyed the food, seems to always be busy. Good videos.

[@GaryEats]

Yes, really enjoyed the food Malcolm and thank you.

[@patrickwong4824]

Gary, another great review. Some observations I know they didn't charge for the tea, but did they ask you what kind of tea you wanted? A good Chinese restaurant especially a dim sum restaurant has multiple varieties of tea. Speaking of dim sum, don’t know if London has any dim sum restaurants with push carts where you fight for the food. As for Dinner 2, the batter ribs in the appetizer could’ve been chopped up smaller so they could be cooked easier. The duck, I know is not advertised as Peking duck, but more skin and less meat for the pancakes. Finally, why always sweet and sour chicken in the UK? I much prefer Cantonese sweet sour and sour pork.

[@GaryEats]

Thank you. They didn't ask, just gave me Chinese tea. Admittedly, I'm not a massive about sweet and sour chicken.