Wong Kei

Supposedly the United Kingdom’s rudest restaurant. It’s safe to say I was a tad apprehensive about this one. When I first stepped into Wong Kei, a restaurant nestled in the bustling heart of Chinatown, I was immediately struck by the sheer size of the place—over five floors and capable of seating 500 people. It was touted as one of the cheapest spots in Chinatown, but I had heard mixed reviews about the service, with many claiming the staff were notoriously rude. I was curious to see if this reputation was justified.

Upon entering, I noticed the place had a unique vibe. I found the staff to be reasonably polite yet direct, which I didn’t mind too much. I was intrigued by the restaurant’s cash-only policy and the absence of a service charge, a refreshing change from other restaurants in Chintatown where paying the bill is almost mandatory before you even start your meal. After browsing the menu, I decided to order the hot roast duck with plum sauce, sambal chicken, beef noodles, and egg fried rice, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension.

The food arrived swiftly, within 50-60 minutes, and the portion sizes were generous. I eagerly started with the duck, which was bursting with flavour, but I couldn’t help but feel disappointed by its fatty skin. Next up was the sambal chicken, and wow, it packed a punch! The spiciness was intense, but the heat was complemented beautifully by the fluffy rice. As for the beef noodles, I found them rather greasy but tender. The egg fried rice, on the other hand, was quite satisfactory.

As I tackled the sambal chicken, I realised it was so addictive that I couldn’t stop reaching for more. The crunch from the onions and green beans added a delightful texture to the dish, making it hard to resist. One thing to note, though: the service felt a bit like fast food; not a problem but do not come here if you are looking for the world’s best dining experience.

Reflecting on my overall experience, I would rate Wong Kai a 6.5 out of 10. The efficiency of the service was appreciated but also quite abrupt. I pondered whether service truly enhances the meal experience, and in this case, it felt somewhat lacking. Despite this, the meals were reasonably priced and left me feeling satisfied, though I planned to take the beef noodles home to perhaps make a stir-fry later.

In conclusion, if you’re seeking a place with decent food, Wong Kai might be worth a visit. Just be prepared for the no-nonsense service, and you may leave with a memorable meal, albeit with a side of abruptness.