China City Chinese Buffet and Restaurant
Leeds Road, Glasshoughton, CASTLEFORD, West Yorkshire,WF10 4LX
Situated near Xscape and the Junction 32 Retail Park, Castleford, West Yorkshire this Chinese restaurant and buffet is only a short walk from both. There is competition from two other similar oriental restaurants nearby but this is definitely the best. Nicely decorated with a traditional, Chinese theme inside and out the exterior could perhaps do with a lick of paint but inside there are no such issues: A large, light and airy space provides plenty of different sized tables, and our group of eight was easily accommodated for Sunday lunch. A central water feature with a small fountain adds to the effect of an authentic Chinese experience.
Drinks are average in price and selection and when we asked for a jug of tap water the waitress seemed a little confused and returned with a tiny one-person caraf. More language barrier than trade barrier it appeared!
The cost is the usual price for this kind of Sunday lunch buffet. Fortunately the food compensated for any minor niggles to such an extent that they were obliterated. There is a huge selection to choose from with approximately fifteen starters and fifteen mains. Starter highlights were juicy and huge king prawn tempura, sweet chilli dipping sauce, saucy barbecue ribs, light and tasty chicken and sweet corn soup, crispy chicken balls and crunchy prawn toast.
For the mains we chose Kung Po king prawns with angel hair noodles which was a glorious dish by itself. The prawns were just the right balance between juicy and firm with a sweet and fiery sauce. Sweet and sour chicken with fried rice was another winner. Moist chicken coated in a crispy thin batter and a sauce of medium thickness with a good sour, sweet balance. Two vegetable dishes also stood out were: Brocolli in garlic sauce which was just al dente in a beautifully pungent sauce that was not too rich and fine green beans in a black bean sauce was a wholesome mouthful which was more fragrant than salty. Very nice!
My companions recommended the duck pancakes with all the trimmings as being soft, warm and pleasingly substantial. There were many other dishes to choose from too ranging from curries to beef and seafood dishes. All were topped up regularly and piping hot. Also there were at least three different rice and noodles to choose from.
Somewhere between courses a rendition of “Happy Birthday to you” boomed out from a tannoy, but it wasn’t apparent who it was for. This all added to the authenticity of two cultures colliding with amusing and delicious results.
There was an ample dessert section to finish with. The still warm banana fritters with add-your-own syrup and ice cream were truly excellent. The ice cream was soft- whipped from a serve yourself machine and there was a choice of vanilla and strawberry combined or just vanilla. Also available were cheese cake, gateaux, a selection of fruit, including lychees and jelly.
This venue was ideal for our mixed age group of eight people as we could all come and go as we pleased, no waiting around for food to arrive. Yet we never felt rushed and there was something for everyone. Also the Staff were very attentive, helpful and also authentic which just added to the relaxed ambience.
Telephone: 01977 553428
Open 7 days a week for lunch and evening meal
No comments:
Post a Comment