Royal China opened their latest outpost in Harrow, taking over the old premises of Golden Palace, after they failed to pay the rents on time. Golden Palace on the other hand now sits sadly next door occupying one of the three lots it used to and looking like any other Chinese restaurant in the area. It was sad when Golden Palace closed, however in recent years it wasn’t as good as it was many years back.
I was pleased when Royal China opened 10 mins down the road from me. I’d heard good things so 6 of us decided to check it out. I went with 4 veggies. Most veggies in the area go to Taste of China, up the road from there – which in my opinion is not good Chinese food at all… its more of an adaptation to the local Indian palette. However, now you don’t need to go there… you can go to Royal China instead.
Service here is really good. Polite, efficient and friendly – not like Golden Palace so it was refreshing. We went for dinner, so unfortunately… no dim sum!
So what did we have
Veggie Prawns in a Kung Po sauce
Royal China - Veggie Kung Po Prawns
As far as veggie prawns go… these were pretty good. More to the point, the sauce and the actual dish itself was really nice. Not oily but clean and proper flavours.
Veggie Crispy Duck
I’m never a fan of veggie crispy duck. Its just tofu. This wasn’t great. Bland. But then I much prefer the real version, so no picture!
Veggie Satay Skewers
Royal China - Veggie Satay
These were ok. Mrs. Foodie however was not overly impressed. Again, I prefer the chicken variety… however if I were veggie then these were ok.
Salt and Pepper Bean Curd
Royal China - Salt & Pepper Bean Curd
Really good. Not greasy, which often at most places lets face it, this dish is. This one however was soft inside, crispy outside with lots of fried chilli and garlic. I really enjoyed this. Good, really good.
Stir Fried Noodles
Royal China - Stir Fried Noodles
These were nice. Good taste, well cooked and not oily. To be honest what can you say about noodles!!
Shanghai Chilli Chicken
Royal China - Shanghai Chilli Chicken
I was expecting something really spicy given the number of dried red chillies, but it was nicely spiced. The chicken was soft, despite being breast meat.
Abalone with Sea Cucumber
Royal China - Abalone and Sea Cucumber
Am I nuts you may ask? Perhaps. This dish was expensive. Abalone is expensive so this dish was not cheap and its something I will only be ordering the one time. I liked it. The abalone was soft and well cooked. The sea cucumber was nice and spongy. It came served on a bed of wilted spinach with a sauce. I’m not sure what the sauce was, nor about the sauce… but a good dish.. thank god given the price.
So all in all… I’d definately go back to Royal China in Harrow or anywhere else in London. I really want to have a go at their Dim Sum next time.
Royal China in Harrow is located at 150 Station Rd, Harrow, HA1. Tel No: (020) 8863 8359
Website: www2.royalchinagroup.biz/?cid=58
