Glasgow's Chinatown, in Cowcaddens, 2003. The design features a traditional Chinese pagoda entrance using materials imported from the Orient.
The ￡600,000 Chinatown project involved the conversion of an existing city centre warehouse into a Chinese shopping mall comprising fifteen shop units and a large restaurant. The shops include cash and carry outlets where Chinese shop owners can buy food and stock for their businesses. Financed by Chung Ying Investments, the complex opened in 1992.
The Chinese community in Scotland, originating from both Mainland China and Hong Kong, numbers just over 10,000 people, with the most significant population in Glasgow. The Chinese Development Community Partnership provides support services for the Chinese community in the city.
The first Chinese restaurant in Glasgow was the Wah Yen in Govan Road, opened by Jimmy Yih in the late 1940s. As eating out became more fashionable and tastes broadened, Chinese food increased in popularity, providing employment opportunities for immigrants. Many went on to start their own businesses or work in the professions.
Chinatown Restaurant
Location & Contact Details
42 New City Road
Glasgow G4 9JT
Atmosphere
From the moment you walk in here, the word that springs to mind is opulence. The centrepiece of the restaurant is the enormous chandelier. A second highlight is the large fish tank in the rear wall. Despite being tucked away on New City Road, slightly away from the city centre, it bustles with activity at weekends. It's still usually possible to get a table without having made a booking, but occasionally the entire place is taken over for functions like wedding receptions.
Food
When you taste the food here, you're left in no doubt why it's busy. The number of Chinese diners also says something about the quality and authenticity of what is on offer. There is a bewildering selection of dishes for starter and main course, while the sweets are more varied than usual for a Chinese restaurant. There are also set menus available, an excellent option for a group of people who are unfamiliar with this type of food. Some nights of the week feature a buffet, again a good introduction to Chinese food.
Drink
The wine list is long, but the house white is very nice and fits in with almost everything on the menu.
Service
Friendly, polite and prompt. The waiters and waitresses are Chinese and there is just the occasional problem with English (or possibly Glaswegian).
Price
This varies widely depending on your selections. A la carte meal with wine will cost you a lot. However, set meals and buffet nights are much less expensive. In common with many Chinese restaurants, Chinatown sells food to take away. This is done from the main restaurant and prices are 10% off the a la carte price.
Overall
A little more expensive than the average meal of a similar type, but the quality of the food is so high, there really is nothing to complain about. An equally good place to go for a quiet meal for two or with a large group. Recommended for a very good meal out, this restaurant earns its four stars in style.
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