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<strong>Rating: </strong>3/5
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Time Out says
Thu Sep 29 2011
Don’t get too excited: although its name suggests you’ll find a Beijing influence to the food at this long-established local, most of North China’s menu features classic Cantonese takeaway dishes.
We unearthed the few northern Chinese offerings, hoping to sample some of the hearty cuisine of the Chinese capital. The most famous northern Chinese dish, peking duck, is a popular option (its anglicised cousin, crispy aromatic duck, also features prominently).
However, we preferred the simpler northern fare. Handmade, grilled dumplings – thick, chewy skins filled with juicy pork – came in a mighty portion (eight dumplings to share). Lamb casserole, with savoury brown sauce, was mouth-meltingly tender and richly satisfying.
But there were inconsistencies to the meal; own-made stir-fried noodles with chicken was uninspired, lacking any depth of flavour; and a large plate of garlic-flecked french beans was equally bland, and greasy.
Yet though the food was of variable quality, service was pleasantly attentive throughout and our teacups were always kept full. Although not a destination restaurant, North China is an agreeable spot for a meal, with bay windows, ochre walls and attractive black and white photos of Chinese life.
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