Hoh Won Chinese Restaurant, Kensington (25 July 2010)

134 Anzac Parade, Kensington NSW 2033

Phone: (02) 9663 3348

Closed Tuesday

Classic Aussie-style Chinese

An amusing doorbell sounds as we enter this little cosy Chinese restaurant which repeatedly announces itself when anyone else enters or leaves which can be quite funny or annoying depending on your mood. I also notice the odd Australian Seafood wall poster which is probably better suited for a Fish and Chip shop and the quaint decor that seems to have not changed for this 5 generation family run business. Chinese Tea ($1.50/person) is served with handled cups which is usually the first sign of an Aussie-style Chinese restaurant in my books. Bambusia has handled cups as well but you'll never find this at your more traditional restaurants like Golden Century — I feel a bit weird drinking out of a handled cups in a Chinese restaurant for some funny reason.

The crispy Mini spring rolls ($8.40 for 6 pieces) come with that classic reddy pink super processed sauce. The Shantung Chicken ($11.80) is worth trying and not as garlicky as Kingsford Chinese Restaurant but also not quite as good in my books. The Sweet and Sour Pork ($11.80) is as predictable as you'd hope and the Sizzle Fillet Pepper Steak ($14.50) is thankfully fairly tender although does this mean MSG or baking soda has been used to tenderise? Boiled rice ($2 per person) comes in an old fashioned billycan which makes me think of the gold rush times. For dessert we order the Banana fritter with ice cream ($3.50) which takes a little longer than expected because our friendly waiter actually had to go outside and buy one from somewhere which we humorously catch him bringing back via the door belled front entrance — now that's dedication. The batter is thin and crispy and a lovely way to finish off the meal. The Deep fried ice cream ($3.50) is also ordered with chocolate sauce. Both desserts are super cheap and just as you'd expect them to be — predictable yet decently cooked. Seating is rather tight for the legs because of the small table sizes and can get a little uncomfortable after a while. The service was very friendly and helpful which is refreshing to come across.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:

PROS: Reasonably priced, Friendly service, Plenty of menu choices

CONS: Limited leg room seating unless you sit at the round table

MUST TRY: Banana fritter, Shantung chicken worth a go

—

Tea ($1.50 per person)

Mini spring rolls with sauce ($8.40 for 6 pieces)

Shantung Chicken ($11.80)

Sweet and Sour Pork ($11.80)

Sizzle Fillet Pepper Steak ($14.50)

Boiled rice ($2 per person)

Banana fritter with ice cream ($3.50)

Deep fried ice cream with chocolate sauce ($3.50)

Bill $67.50 for 4 people

Seating and decor

Australian Seafood wall poster

Chinese wall menu

View Larger Map