I always imagine to myself that I could live off Chinese food if I ever had to, but the more I eat of it the more I realise I couldn’t. The Chinese really do have no fear of anything edible. Bizarre creatures, foods we wouldn’t even dream of eating and a good chunk of slow cooked fat thrown in. I’ve now come to realise I can live on some of the cuisine, but preserved eggs and crispy scorpions? I’m not so sure.
Thankfully my latest visit had none of that! Instead familiar classics and a chefs special menu that really did serve up some authentic dishes that I’d not encountered before. The crowd was also predominantly Asian, as well as the entire floor staff which always gives you some sort of confidence about what you’re going to eat. We started with some of Royal China’s famed deep-fried baby squid, topped with spicy chilli salt. A really good flavour to the batter and the squid was cooked very well. I’ve had this same dish at other Royal China restaurants and this was the best so far. So much satisfaction in fact that I’d go back for this alone.
The only dish during our meal I thought could have done with a little more work was the steamed chilli pork dumplings. The dough was very thick and the flavour was a bit lack lustre. The chilli oil however was fantastic and packed a lovely hit of heat and flavour.
One of my favourite and incredibly satisfying dishes was the grilled lamb chops. I don’t think I’ve ever had lamb chops in a Chinese restaurant and after this it certainly won’t be the last. Smothered in a rich marinade and side of black bean dipping sauce. A few vegetables over the top and crispy puffed noodles for texture. If there was one dish you should order – it’s this.
A signature dish (or at least it should be) from Royal China Canary Wharf was this sizzling pot of smokey meat. Inside contained some very tender chunks of beef brisket, along with equal quantities of fat which as the dish kept so hot it rendered down into part of the sauce. I absolutely loved it and the balance of heat was spot on too, if not a little tear jerking at times. A side of egg fried rice is the best accompaniment to soak up all of the juices.
Making a change from the usual crispy peking duck offering, we decided on the golden fried crispy chicken. I’m not sure if it’s quite got the edge that duck has which offers so much flavour, but it gave it a run for its money and a fantastic alternative. The skin was excellent and well-seasoned, the meat very moist and the topping of what I think was crispy garlic – delicious. As there’s no sauce on the dish, pair with a side of the sautéed Chinese broccoli which is topped with shaved ginger for added punch.
What surprised me most about Royal China Canary Wharf was actually the prices. From a high-end Chinese restaurant with quality ingredients I expected to be paying a higher per-head price, but this meal for the two of us with a bottle of house wine was only around £50 each. A bargain if you ask me, which offers a traditional and modern taste of China. If you’re looking for good food in Canary Wharf then come here, especially in the Summer with a terrace that looks out over the river.
