Feast Aroma 禧宴 — Restaurant in Newcastle-Maitland

This is a hidden gem. We found it while staying in Newcastle for the weekend at the Round House. This handy restaurant is walking distance from the university, the conservatorium, Newcastle Presbyterian Church, and the tram station. While we were here my wife had the combination soup from the blackboard, we shared the mixed entree (also from the blackboard), I had the duck dumplings and the xiao long bao (new). The mixed entree was a bit too dark for my liking, possibly from having nothing else in the deep fryer for a while. And the home made sweet and sour sauce was a bit too thin for a dipping sauce. My wife's soup was outstanding. The prawns were very fresh, as were the vegetables and dumplings. My duck meat dumplings were a bit too delicate of palate for my liking. They reminded me a bit of Vietnamese rice rolls in how they tasted. And the xiao long bao were a fresh take on an old favourite. In many restaurants in Sydney they taste the same like they come from a big factory. I assume they are pork mince plus S&P in the middle and some kind of stock. Feast Aroma's version was something like shredded, slow cooked pork in the middle; it was a pleasant surprise. WD. The best surprise was that all this food was $57. In many places in Sydney it would have...

As someone who also works in the food service industry, and as a Chinese, I highly commend this business and the staff for their thoughtfulness. This is both for their quality of service and the quality of the food. I ordered takeaway and although I didn't mind the wait time, they still gave me extra food as a kind gesture. The bag itself is insulated and not just a cheap plastic bag, and the waitress even took the initiative to ask if I needed cutlery and gave me serviettes as well. Even though these are small things, these are things that indicate they are a really good business that doesn't cut corners. Next, the quality of the food. I ordered the Crispy Duck with Pancakes, Hot and Sour soup, wok fried Broccoli with fungus, and steamed pork buns. They threw in an assortment of dumplings on the house. Everything was delicious, but I particularly noticed that their pancakes were the thinner type that is more suitable for peking duck (some places use a thicker pancake which is horrible) and the cucumbers were clearly freshly cut as they were juicy and crunchy. All in all, great food and service, hope to come back whenever I'm in...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Feast Aroma, and it was an absolutely delightful experience from start to finish. As soon as we entered, the cozy and inviting atmosphere set the tone for a great meal. The staff were friendly and attentive, making us feel right at home.

Now, the dumplings – they were outstanding! Each dumpling was perfectly crafted with a delicate wrapper that was soft yet sturdy, holding in all the rich, flavorful fillings. I tried the classic pork and chive dumplings, and the balance of flavors was perfect – savory and just the right amount of seasoning. The dipping sauce was a perfect accompaniment, adding an extra kick without overwhelming the dish.

What stood out most was the variety. Whether you’re into meat-filled or vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone.

The attention to detail and use of high-quality ingredients really shone through. I also If you're a fan of dumplings, I can't recommend this place enough! The combination of excellent food, warm service, and a charming atmosphere makes it a must-visit spot. I’m already looking forward to...