PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIATucked away behind the eye-catching entrance of Northbridge’s “Chinatown”, Billy Lee’s is a popular late night Chinese restaurant offering good food, fast. It’s open until 4am every night of the week and is the perfect spot when you want something other than a kebab or burger. How could so many students and hospitality workers be wrong? Although the two-storey interior is nothing to rave about, you know with this volume of table turnover you can expect fresh food every time and at a bargain price.
An extensive menu offers all the traditional Chinese favourites from noodle soups to rice dishes and everything in between. The grilled spicy chicken and Peking duck are well worth trying, as is the combination kuay teow with melt-in-your mouth tender squid. If your meal calls for you to use your hands (for instance, getting that last delicious shred off your roast duck), don’t be embarrassed. There are no airs and graces or anyone to impress here, just very hungry people enjoying very tasty food. Despite being open so late and constantly busy, the staff at Billy Lee’s always seem to have a smile on their faces and do their best to ensure your are seated and fed reasonably fast. Definitely beats a sloppy burger at 3am.
Karen Bilsby-Butler, August 2007
