FOR me, there are few restaurants in Aberdeen better than the Royal China – its February and we’ve already been twice this year.
There’s something about the place that keeps us coming back.
Passers-by can’t help but be attracted by the warm and brightly-lit restaurant on Holburn Street.
Inside, it’s probably one of the largest in Aberdeen, boasting a setting to suit larger parties, families or more intimate gatherings.
The staff are more than worth a quick mention too – if you’re quick, you’ll spot one discretely eyeing your table to find out if there’s anything you need.
I far prefer this approach to the usual barrage of “How’s everything? Can I get you a top-up? Is everything OK?” which drives me nuts.
The place was particularly packed during our latest visit.
We were led to a table in a more secluded corner and quickly set about making our selections.
For once we tried something different: we usually pick the same two starters but opted to share the Royal China platter (£6.50 per person) – an excellent choice.
Barbecue spare ribs, vegetable spring rolls, chicken satay skewers, sesame prawn toast and the obligatory seaweed.
All were excellent with particular praise for the prawn toast ... and the ribs ... and the satay skewers...
I chose Sesame Chicken (£7.90) with fried noodles (£3) for the main course, while Karen – disdainfully thumbing her nose at being in a Chinese restaurant – picked the mixed vegetable curry (£6) with egg fried rice (£2.40).
The dishes were accompanied by that most traditional of oriental treats – a bowl of chips.
Compliments to the chef from me – the chicken, thinly sliced, coated with sesame seeds and layered with a honey and chilli sauce, was perfect: sweet with a hint of spice, and lots of it!
Karen’s curry was exactly as she likes it – very mild with loads of different vegetables in a not-too-thick sauce.
The chips were fine too.
After two glasses of Coke and two glasses of white wine for Karen, the bill came to a very reasonable £44.50.
Let’s just say that this year’s third visit is already in the planning stages.