Natural Nine — Restaurant in District of Canberra Central

Stepping into Natural Nine for Yumcha felt like taking a gamble within a casino: high hopes met with disappointing odds. Let's start with the positives: the service was friendly, and the decor was pleasant. However, the experience quickly soured. Yumcha is known for its quick, affordable, and tasty offerings, but what we encountered here was a stark departure. Dumplings, priced at $8 for two, were miniature and overcooked, hardly justifying the hefty price tag. Even handmade, they lacked flavor and were more akin to deep-fried disappointment than culinary delight.

The irony of our location wasn't lost on us: situated in a casino where the stakes are high, we certainly didn't expect to lose on every dish. 'Asian greens' amounted to a sad sprinkle of Bok Choy and a few broccoli florets, a meager portion for an exorbitant $8. Each dish followed suit with laughably tiny servings, leaving us with an appetite for more than just food. Natural Nine may promise luxury, but our experience felt more like a bad roll of the dice, where the house always wins—except in this case, it was our taste buds...

This restaurant is an absolute gem! The Sesame Prawn Dough is a unique and delightful creation: homemade with a perfect crispness that makes it truly special. The Lamb Dumplings are so tender and flavorful that they might even surpass the ones I make at home (and that’s saying something!). The Sweet & Sour Boneless Barramundi is as authentic as it gets, comparable to what you’d find in China, with the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Though not on the regular menu, the Beef in Chilli Sour Soup is an absolute must-try if available, it is rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. For seafood lovers, the XO Stir-Fried Mixed Seafood is a standout: packed with umami and natural sweetness, yet not spicy, making it a great choice for those who prefer milder flavors. And don’t miss the Yangzhou Fried Rice，each grain is perfectly separated, showcasing the chef’s technical skill in this classic dish. Every dish reflects mastery and attention to detail. Highly recommended for anyone craving refined, authentic...

I accidentally walked into the restaurant after closing time, not realizing it was already closed. A staff member kindly received and welcomed me, so I assumed it was still open.

However, the manager later approached us with a very unpleasant attitude, questioning why we had entered and implying it was our fault. Even after I explained that I didn’t see any sign and only came in because a staff member had already greeted us, she still responded quite aggressively, saying something along the lines of “you got served because you came in” — as if we were causing trouble.

To be clear, the staff member who received us was polite and professional, and we never blamed them. But if the restaurant was truly closed, either don’t receive guests at all or handle it respectfully. Once you accept a customer, the manager has no right to scold or shame them.

The manager, who speaks Chinese, was extremely forceful in tone and made the whole experience uncomfortable. This isn’t the standard of hospitality...