I have been to a few all you can eat Chinese restaurants in my time…in fact a lot more than a few. The usual deal is the classic buffet, you take a plate and fight with other customers over the last slightly mauled bits of your (and everyone else’s) favourite dishes. Even worse I would be staring at an empty dish with other hungry diners waiting for it to be replaced.
Chikayan is a refreshing change, their all you can eat offering is served plate by plate, fresh and to order at your table.
And what a difference it makes!
The all you can eat menu is a limited version of their a la carte, but there is plenty on it to get your mouth watering and satiate your Chinese craving.
I started with BBQ spare ribs but didn’t get those tiny little ones you expect in Chinese restaurants, oh no, I got two full size ribs mildly flavoured and falling off the bone with a sweet dipping sauce. Good start so far.
As a lover of all things smoky I ordered the smoked chicken which was tasty with a good (not greasy) batter sprinkled with chopped spring onion and green chilli. I got a decent size portion too.
My partner ordered the Chiu Yim tofu, tofu pieces with a lovely crisp tempura style batter again with chopped spring onion and green chilli. A very tasty veggie-or-not option.
Next was a must have classic duck pancakes. Again a good portion size (about a quarter of a duck) with fresh steamed pancakes and the usual accompaniments. You really notice with duck if it’s been hanging around too long getting all dry and scraggily, but this was definitely not the case here. Moist meat and crispy skin…you really can’t argue with that!
Moving on to the main course I went for crispy shredded beef with red chilli, this was the only thing I ate which didn’t get me excited. A bit dry and although I know with this dish you normally think “where’s the beef” but this was an extreme case, mostly batter but I admit still tasty.
To counter this I picked from their “mix and match” main course list, prawns in Szechuan sauce. Instantly on feeling the texture of fresh cooked prawns in my mouth, my faith in Chikayan was restored! It is a rare thing indeed at an all you can eat to not end up with chewy overcooked or precooked prawns.
My partner opted for aubergine in black bean sauce and it was delicious. A real classic for me and they executed it very well indeed.
The egg fried rice we ordered on the side was easily enough for two people and was perfect.
Washed down with a couple of Tsingtao beers (not included in the price), it was a very good meal and for the price, £16.00 per person available daily (£18 on Saturdays), you really can’t go wrong.
The atmosphere and service was very good easily matching the quality of the food, I had no issue paying their 10% service charge.
So Chikayan has changed my perception of what all you can eat could and should be.
To think all that great freshly cooked food with attentive staff and a warm vibe and I didn’t have to get up out of my chair once.
Chikayan
408-410 Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, HA5 4HP. Tel 0208 428 6991
They also have a sister restaurant in Bushey Heath offering the same deal:
27-29 High Road, Bushey Heath, WD23 1EE. Tel: 020 8950 4886
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I can’t say as I am a fan of any buffet restaurant.. However it sounds like you have found a place that would perhaps tempt me!! It sounds good.. I’m not sure I could eat that much.. which is also a reason why I don’t frequent buffet places.. I’d fill up far sooner than I’d want to and then think that I didn’t get my money’s worth!!
Holly recently posted..I Have To Stop Messing Around!
That’s the good thing about this place Holly, they don’t have a buffet rather it’s all you can eat from the menu…a much more civilised way of doing things, but it still leaves the problem of overeating!
Myself and husband are a great “fan” of your restaurant; and we think it exceptional value for money; however what we don’t agree with is charging full price for children! Katie is 9 years; and we know from experience you charge according to height – well – she is a mere slip of a girl; but she has to pay full price! Absolutely outrageous! Your comments would be gratefully appreciated!
Sincerely,
Joan Cousins
Joan, Yes I found that out taking s niece and nephew there, we were surprised that they charged full buffet price for kids. I would like to know what the management have to say about it too.