Elevating the Experience: Service, Ambiance, and Hospitality
Tradition meets modernity in China City near Russell Square. Enjoy exquisite dishes in a welcoming ambiance, showcasing culinary mastery and impeccable service for an unforgettable dining experience.
If you’re looking for tasty, yet reasonably priced Chinese food near Russel Square, China City offers an upscale appearance whilst serving unbeatable delicacies. Unlike many other restaurantsin the area that pack guests into tight spaces, China City boasts a spacious interior with ample seating, adding to its overall hospitable ambiance.
We were met by the polite staff in the reception area and were promptly taken up the short stairs to the main area of the restaurant. Our table by the window allowed us to take in the classic décor such as the traditional opera masks, bamboo trees, cherry blossom and lantern-esque lighting. The restaurant was just dim enough to generate a warm and welcoming vibe which we thoroughly enjoyed throughout our visit. As it was a very cold afternoon, to begin our dining experience we ordered a pot of hot oolong tea which the staff consistently topped up throughout our time, providing us with excellent service.
Upon inspection of the menu, we were quite impressed by the range of dishes offered and the lunch time specials coming in at £11.80-£14.80. We decided to go with the duck spring rolls which we were both eager to try as they were made in house. They arrived cut in half for our convenience, displaying their ample duck filling and crunchy texture. Unsurprisingly they were paired with a hoisin sauce which was not overbearingly sweet and balanced the starter quite well.
The dim sum platter priced at £14.30 caught our eye, showcasing just one of the many homemade delights offered on the menu. We were assured that the size and quality was better than that of restaurants in Chinatown and to our surprise, this was correct! Our favourites were the chive and also prawn for their meaty yet delicate taste. The provided sauces also complimented the dim sum perfectly. I would even say that the chilli oil was authenticity spicy in comparison to other slightly Westernised restaurants found in London.
For our main course we were inclined towards the 3-meat platter which would allow us to taste the restaurants signature flavours. Consisting of crispy pork belly, succulent duck and sweet char sui, the platter ended up being one of our favourites. I’m usually inclined to char sui but this time I thoroughly enjoyed the duck as it was tender and rich, whereas my friend preferred the pork belly for its salty crackling. A notable dish from the menu that was highly recommended by the staff was the rice charcuterie. Though slightly dry, this was nullified by the sauce and bok choi topping which had absorbed the flavour of the dish. Additionally, we had a deceptively flavourful side of asparagus which the staff had mentioned would accompany our chosen dishes well.
To end our meal, we had the homemade custard buns, a beloved favourite of mine. Typically quite sweet, these buns were created with just the right amount of sugar, making them a perfect palate cleanser. Overall, our visit was exceptionally pleasant due to the attentive service, impressive quality of food and relaxed atmosphere. We also enjoyed the karaoke style videos on the large screen at the far end of the restaurant which seemed like quite a unique and refreshing way to keep customers entertained. Situated near Russell Square, a bustling hub for universities in Central London, China City attracts a diverse clientele, including the many international students we noticed who were possibly seeking a taste of home. Their choice of this restaurant adds to its authenticity and reputation for delivering genuine Chinese cuisine.
