A list of things we ordered: Chicken Karagge, Tom Yum Soup, Sweet Potato Fries, French Fries, Steak Tataki, Shrimp Tempura, Ebi Mayo, Crispy Chicken Calamari, Golden Fried Coconut Shrimp, Fried Chicken Wings, Dynamite Roll, California Roll, Spicy Salmon Roll, and Republik Fried Rice.
The Tom Yum soup was the first thing to come out and had a messy presentation, which was not a good first impression of this place. However, the taste was okay.
The Sweet Potato Fries were good, though I would say that their regular French Fries were better. Ketchup was also provided upon request.
The Steak Tataki was mid; the ponzu sauce was mid. There is not much else to say except I was disappointed.
Shrimp Tempura: the ponzu sauce was mid. I ate each bite of the shrimp tempura with a different sauce from the other dishes (such as sweet and sour sauce, spicy mayo, sweet chili sauce) and had a more enjoyable experience than with the ponzu sauce. However, the shrimp tempura had a light crisp and was not too oily, which was good; just needed a better sauce.
The Ebi Mayo was much worse than the Shrimp Tempura, it was not as crispy and the sauce barely provided additional taste.
The Crispy Fried Calamari tasted fine, just as it should, but I have had much better before. It is like any other salt and pepper calamari; I was hoping for something more notable.
The Golden Fried Coconut Shrimp was good, and the sauce was well suited; would recommend.
I personally found the Fried Chicken Wings to be better than the Chicken Karagge. The Fried Chicken Wings had a lighter crisp and excess batter while the Karagge had more of a crunch to it. I would still say both are good choices.
I had the Dynamite roll, California roll, and Spicy Salmon roll. All were great, and the salmon tasted very fresh. The spicy mayo could've had more of a kick to it; for a SPICY Salmon roll, it was barely spicy, and this is as someone who can't handle spice.
The Republik Fried Rice was good, though it was not particularly memorable. For a restaurant's house special fried rice, I was expecting more oomph, but I found this lacking compared to other Asian restaurants even in Cambridge.
With a reservation for 5 people, we were seated in the left corner (just to the left of the front door). The restaurant was pretty empty for a Saturday night at 7-9 PM. Even so, we were seated there, and I found the spot unfavorable because the booth seats have TVs on the back wall playing CP24, which was bad for photos (it was my birthday). I would have preferred to be seated literally anywhere else for the mood and photo potential. Gladly, that was probably the only bad thing to say.
Drink menu had plenty of options. For the main food menu, I felt that it was lacking in variety. If someone was allergic to shrimp, they wouldn't be able to eat half the menu. However, what we ordered was good.
The server we had was excellent: friendly and patient. The food came out in a timely manner. The server was also okay to take a group photo of the table. It was my birthday, so they came out with a drumroll and a comped cheesecake, and put a gold paper crown on my head; it put a smile on my face.
The cheesecake had chunks of what I think is mango in it. The base cheesecake was very rich and creamy and dense. I don't feel like the mango added much flavour (neither sweet nor sour) and was more of an added textural experience which was alright. Cheesecake had no crust (take that as you will) but the bottom and edges were browned and added some texture.
My review may seem overly critical, but as a wannabe food critic, I wanted to provide a genuine, comprehensive review. Overall, I thought this restaurant had good food at a fair price, and was a...
Read moreThe first thing you’ll notice is the modern upscale decor, clean lines, well balanced lighting, and chill music. Republik is a great destination for a romantic date, to hang with friends, or have a business lunch. It is very clean, has a patio, and is wheelchair accessible.
They are currently running a couple of promos. Firstly, about 90% off the Chicken Karaage to celebrate grand opening (some restrictions apply). Second, a free cheesecake with a social media share. Even without promos, the prices are very reasonable while the quality is high.
Of appetizers, both the Green dragon roll and the Lettuce wraps were delicious, and offer a range of carbs for diners to choose.
Of the soups, the Chicken Won Ton was definitely the favourite. This Cantonese specialty was really well done, with a delicate warm taste. The hand rolled dumplings were cooked to perfection giving them a very pleasant texture.
Yakisoba is a stir-fried Japanese – Chinese fusion dish. The amount of tofu and vegetables was well appreciated, they definitely did not skimp.
General Tao chicken is a Chinese dish. It had a unique presentation, with a base of neatly arranged broccoli retaining the pile of chicken. Diners usually order it with their choice of side, such as steamed rice or fried rice. The breaded chicken bits were nice and crispy under the sauce. It is a great dish for sharing.
We weren’t going to go for desert, but were fortunately talked into having the Fried ice cream by the waiter. The ice cream was a very fruity mango, wrapped in cake and then breaded. Once deep fried, it is drizzled with a chocolate sauce. It’s brilliant, and great to share, though so delicious that you might have to...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at Republika Asian Eatery and Bar in Cambridge, and I must say it was an exceptional experience! From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a perfect blend of modern and traditional Asian vibes. The ambiance earned a solid 4 stars from me, thanks to the cozy lighting and comfortable seating that made the evening feel special. The food was absolutely delightful, deserving a 4-star rating as well. I tried a variety of dishes, including their signature Asian-inspired appetizers and a flavorful main course that showcased a perfect balance of spices and freshness. Each bite was a burst of authentic flavors, and the presentation was impeccable, adding to the overall enjoyment. The portion sizes were generous, offering great value for the price. The service was the highlight, earning a well-deserved 5 stars. The staff were incredibly attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu, offering excellent recommendations tailored to my preferences. They checked in just the right amount, ensuring we felt cared for without being overwhelmed. The efficiency of the service, especially during a busy evening, was impressive. I spent around CA$40-50 per person, which I found reasonable given the quality of the food, service, and ambiance. I highly recommend Republika Asian Eatery and Bar to anyone looking for a fantastic dining experience in Cambridge. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this place is a must-visit. I can’t wait to return and explore more...
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