Ying Chow - 2013
Years, and I mean YEARS, Ying Chow has been my go-to place for a cheap eat on Gouger Street. Consistently packed on most evenings - especially on Friday and Saturday nights – it’s been this way for quite a while!
About six months has passed since my last visit (ie - eternity!) so - presented with the idea of having a catch-up dinner with my best friend and unofficial sister, Tash of Playing House, I suggested Ying Chow.
Thursday night arriving around 7.30ish the small eatery was buzzing! I called earlier in the day to secure a table, and fortunately, it was only a brief wait.
Ahh the Ying Chow menu….truly a thing of beauty. Copious amounts of delicious dishes ranging from Shallot Pancakes to hearty clay pots, it truly is the personification of the smiling foodie – delicious, affordable food in a casual (albeit loud) atmosphere.
We begin with a serve of the beef satay’s – simply DELIGHTFUL. The meat skewers were beautifully tender, combined with a light drizzle of peanut sauce – simple – but oh so delicious.
We also ordered some Steamed Beef Dim Sum’s…an absolute must when dining at a Chinese restaurant! Scrumptious, with a fantastic meaty flavour – suitably combined with a drizzle of soy sauce.
Moving on to the star attraction, for mains both Tash and I ordered the E-shand Egg Plant Clay Pot. Chinese comfort food at its absolute best! Utterly mouthwatering – beautifully tender pieces of eggplant combined with Asian greens in a somewhat sweet E–Shand sauce - highly recommended for any eggplant enthusiast.
Like we hadn’t ordered enough food, we then opted for a side of vegetables – my daily quota of greens needs to be met! The vegies were fresh and flavoursome.
The service - best described as a hit and miss - occasionally amazing, yet infrequently forgettable. Either way - I come for Chinese comfort food at a cheap price - and that’s exactly what you’ll get!
Until next time, happy noms :)
