Emchai

Having been a frequent visitor to Emchai over the years with my family, it has not gone unnoticed how significantly the portion sizes have shrunk. Although the food remains of fantastic standard and the prices the same it is a shame to have to now know that a visit to Emchai will result in more money being spent due to having to get more dishes. Before each dish would come with tradition chinese vegetables but now lacks them, forcing you to order them as a seperate dish. My family and I truly love this restaurant but would like so see the portions back to what they used to be!!!
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sarah
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Saturday, January 01, 2011

Had a pre-cinema meal at Emchai last week. I've been there once before and remember most things being somewhat average with the exception of the beef rendeng, which was great.

So given that beef rendeng was on our shortlist, it was quite difficult choosing some other dishes. We went for a butter milk prawns (can't quite remember the name of the dish) which were lovely - succulent whole prawns that weren't messed around with too much. Also picked the garlic aubergine and these were deep fried and very greasy. OK, but wouldn't order again.

The main course options of beef rendeng (again, superb) and a chilli snapper (decent fish with a spicy dressing that worked very well indeed) were stars. We had only ordered one rice and soon ran out, but they were very fast with a second bowl.

Winewise we went for the Nobilo Kiwi SB. A particularly fruity and racey number that worked well with the spicy food.

Overall a very good meal. Sadly we didn't have time for dessert.

I found the atmosphere a little basic, verging on the school dining hall, but my wife commented on how she liked it! Strange...

By the way, I don't like these reviews that seem to be so gushing (I guess they've not been out very often) or damning (get a life and have a heart)
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Alexander Lake
7 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 7
Sunday, February 21, 2010

The food at Emchai is variable. Last night the food was not at its best. For some visits the Duck Rice Noodle Soup had lovely cuts of duck breast whilst other times it was just fatty skin with no meat. Last night I was looking forward to the Seafood Hofun - it is rare to find this dish outside ChinaTown. Unfortunately there was very little noodles on the plate and they were all stuck together in a cake, with good amount of seafood, all swimming in a gooey, flavourless and transparent sauce leaving a nasty after taste in the mouth. Other than this disappointing dish, the starters - chicken satay and prawn toasts - were fine. Service was also fine, with nice modern ambience.
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6 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Thursday, February 04, 2010