Palace Chinese Restaurant Yum Cha

Main entrance

Last weekend we visited the Palace Chinese Restaurant for Yum Cha. It is situated a stone's throw away from David Jones CBD.

Stairways to heaven?

After passing the main entrance, walk up the spiral stairs and be greeted by a giant chandelier. It looks really grand with the hand rails decked in gold. (paint that is)

Main dining area

The main dining area is what you'd expect from a chinese restaurant. Round shaped tables cramped together to get as many diners in as humanely possible.

Chinese caligraphy paintings decorate the walls and a main stage ( in red obviously) for wedding functions. The only thing amiss is a giant fish tank with prosperous fishes swimming around.

Egg tart (5/5)

The egg tart is quite superb. The crusts practically melts in your mouth while the aroma of egg tantalizes your taste buds.

We're heading to Macau pretty soon and I've heard some pretty good stuff about the Portugese Egg Tarts over there. I wonder how it'll fare?

Deep Fried Seafood Stick (4/5)

Sweet seafood on the inside, crispy on the outside. The filling is mainly prawns while the outer skin taste like yau cha guai.

Ham Soi Gok (2/5)

Literally means "Salty Water Corner". It is just moderate. I've tasted better ones elsewhere. Notice how they slice it in half for you?

If you're an Kan Cheong eater like me, I'm pretty sure you've bitten into one of these before and released a large quantity of vapour that burns your insides. ;(

Crusted Pork Buns (3/5)

Fung Zha - Chicken Feet (1/5)

If you don't mind the fact that these used to belong to chickens who thread around the ground filled with grim and dirt, then go for it.

I like the chicken feet in Australia, they're like really hugemongous with lots of meaty regions. But those served here are too salty for my liking.

Pai Kuat - Pork Ribs (0/5)

This is a classic example of a fine recipe gone disastrously wrong. It is full of fatty parts, too oily and absolutely horrendous to mouth. Only go for this dish if you're self abusive.

Pao - Dumplings (3/5)

Heong Pin Chinese Tea (Ratings N/A)

Sio Bee (3/5)

Ha Kao (4/5)

Looks like China Sui Jiao

Classic Dim Sum must-order dish. I'm used to my Ha Kao shaped like wanton, but the ones here are shaped like Sui Jiao.

I think it maximizes the space inside to stuff more prawn filling, because prawns were literally dropping out of my mouth as I took a bite.

Picture is taken before ordering, explaining the
lack of mouth watering dishes on table.

Crusted coconut dessert (2/5)

Lam pi lang pa lang ham tan da OR something like that (-1/5)

Concoction of almond and various ingredients, which I suspect consists of

• A. Toilet water
• B. Used sanitary pads
• C. Kerosene
• D. All of the above

Neither of us liked its taste, but then again one man's poison is another man's meat. Only a negative number rating (refer above) can do it justice.

It did have an interesting name though, albeit too long for my fancy. The waitress had to repeat 3 times before we understood her. Even then I still had trouble pronounciating it.

Chop system

Price ranges from $3.30 (small) - $12.00 (special/BBQ).

Service is slow because they've only got 1 push cart for each variety. Once you missed it, a lengthy void awaits you because the waiters/waitress have really short legs .... my explaination to why they need that long to round the place.

Unless you know what you want and order it straight from the kitchen. This option is unavailable to us as there's no menu and ....

• Waiter: You mat ye? ( What you want? )
• Me: LS: Ngo you (I want) "Lam pi lang pa lang ham tan da"
• Waiter: Huh? Lei kong mat? ( Pls repeat )
• Me: Lam pi lang pa lang ham tan da?
• Waiter: OK.

And comes back with an entirely different dish. Really fail-dot-com. :(



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