The Taste Of Ordinary Life 烟火里 — Restaurant in Sydney

Preordered pick-up order couple days before CNY Eve, we specifically requested to pick up at 5pm, I did not get all my dishes until 7pm. What a disappointment on CNY eve!

Chaotic management: I got to the restaurant around 5:10, it wasn’t ready, and at least another twenty people were waiting to pick up. Then the waitress and cashier just allowed people to jump in the queue, someone scheduled to pick up at 5:30 got their order before me because they were constantly yelling at the waitress and chef back in the kitchen.

Overestimated capability to deal with event: under the chaotic situation on New Year’s Eve, they were still taking door dash orders and walk-in customers while 20-30 people were all waiting in the restaurant. Gladly the chef came out around 6 told them stop taking any more customers or door dash orders if they want to finish the long list of pickup orders. Clearly the team wasn’t yet ready to work collaboratively under busy condition or event.

Reduced food quality when busy: I have been this restaurant throughout the pandemic since they opened, liked the tastes, however the one I had on CNY eve is way below their average, steamed whole fish got torn apart, over salted several dishes.

My recommendations for walk-ins: check how busy the restaurant is before you go in, otherwise you could wait long.

For pickups: make sure you yell loud enough so you get their attention, otherwise you could be waiting longer because people can just jump in the queue even if they came after you.

I probably won’t go this place unless they can sort out the management, and definitely...

It feels like eating at home.

We ordered 5 dishes for two people. They were reasonably priced, generous servings and very delicious! Can't believe we had not discovered this place sooner. It's a must visit at Eastwood.

The Special Taste of Ordinary Life fried rice was flavourful and had some wok hei. Sliced beef with wild pepper. With rice, this dish makes me feel like I was eating my mom's home cooked meal. Loved the garlic shoots in this dish, so sweet. Kailan with minced garlic. Fresh and tasted as expected. Sweet Sour Pork. I thought this was a westernised dish and did not have much expectation but oh.my.god. BEST sweet sour pork I've ever had. The pork pieces were meaty and lightly coated which held on to the meat so well. Then the sweet and sour sauce which was just the right thickness coating those pork bites. Perfect on rice!!!!! Needless to say there was nothing left to take home.....😭 Potato with pork mince. By this time, we were so full and had to take this home.

I will be coming back with my family to try other dishes!

Also special shout out to the gentleman who served us. He was efficient, very warm and welcoming, patiently answering our questions....

Simply the best Chinese restaurant I have ever tried in Eastwood. First the portion of the food is ok in that price. Not too salty and won’t feel thirty after eating this meal. We order 5 dishes for 3 people. We can finished all. Price for all dishes is between 20-35. Really recommend the pork intestine!!!! Only 10-15mins til all dishes arrive, hot and fresh. The staff are friendly too! The seat inside is very spacious. Will be back again for sure. *Adding their WeChat will get 5% off, so make sure u add their WeChat before you pay. Their WeChat barcode is next to the cashier. And pay in cash is better as no...