Vancouver｜Geng Shi Ji - A Controversial But Delicious Chinese Eatery

📍 Geng Shi Ji 1211-8338 Capstan Way, Richmond Quick Take: Why the mixed reviews online? Our experience was surprisingly pleasant—dishes were solid, service decent (not overly warm but not neglectful either). 🏆 Ratings (Out of 10) Taste: 8/10 Ambience: 7/10 Value: 7/10 Overall: 8/10 🍽️ Dishes We Tried 🥚 Century Egg & Mashed Eggplant Ugly-delicious! Silky eggplant blended with funky century egg and a hint of green chili heat—perfect rice companion. 🐔 Signature Clay Pot Chicken Golden-skinned, tender chicken slow-braised with pork trotters. Juicy but massive—we tapped out halfway. 🐮 Stir-Fried Raw Beef (Xiao Chao) Hunan classic: Thin slices seared just enough for a caramelized edge yet pink inside. 🥬 Dry Pot Lettuce with Pork Belly Wok hei masterpiece. The veggies, infused with pork fat, stole the show from the meat itself. 🐟 Crispy Yellow Croaker Whole fried fish with crackling skin and moist flesh—doused in a savory-sweet glaze. 🍚 Pickled Bean & Pork Fried Rice The ultimate umami bomb. Sour, salty, and impossible to stop eating. ⚠️ Small Gripes Rushed service: Started nudging us to pay 30 mins early despite 1.5-hour seating time. No-shows punished: Reservations canceled if >15 mins late. Missing items: No bamboo shoots or shepherd’s purse that day. 💡 Final Verdict Not "authentic" Hunan (too mild for spice lovers), but flavor-packed for mixed groups. Book ahead, mind the clock, and focus on the hits above! #VancouverEats #ChineseFood #ControversialButGood