PROFILED BY DEGROOTS MEDIAA word of caution; if you are looking for a restaurant with ambience, style and a certain je ne sais quoi, then the Chinese Dumpling and Noodle House is not your best bet. This restaurant is as basic as they come. Chairs squeaking, chopsticks clacking, tea pouring and a general multi-lingual buzz complete this atmosphere, however, the masses that crowd into the box-shaped space is a convincing indication that the food is brilliant – and it is. It’s only a matter of pushing open the sliding door, side-stepping those picking up takeaway, and snagging yourself a table before experiencing some of the most excellent authentic Chinese food in this area. You’ll understand this is quite a feat when you notice the scores of other Asian restaurants that litter Anzac Parade.
Whether you can decipher the scrawled oriental lettering that is papered onto the wall – I can only assume that they are specials – or order by number, each dish is lovingly served upon plastic imitation china. And it is the flavour sensations in your bowl that detract attention away from the decor and crockery. From the hand-made noodles with pork mince and bean sauce to the eggplant in Peking sauce you would be hard pressed to make a bad menu decision. The salt and peppered tofu is crisp on the outside and silky smooth inside and you simply must try the boiled Northern-style dumplings which are perfect bundles of tasty joy and a house special. The best thing about no frills is that the price is always right so you’ll leave this noodle house with happy belly and happy wallet.
Annabel Wise