Crystal Dynasty Restaurant — Restaurant in Hamilton

We dined in, the bill was $55.80. We asked for more water, napkins and a take out box, our original server didn't bother to check on us so she didn't serve us properly at the end. We think the owner brought us the napkins, and take out box because she wasn't our server but she forgot about the water so I had to call her over and remind her about it. She brought the water but it wasn't cold, there was no ice either. When I decided not to tip the original server due to the service not being good because she didn't bother to check on us and had the owner bring warm water to us instead of cold. I paid the bill to the second server that was behind the counter but when I returned back to my table, the second server approached us and told us the tip wasn't included in the bill and that it is recommended that I tip them 10%, she proceeded to repeat that while insisting for TIP and mentioned to me that when you dine in, and you get served, you must tip the server but if I didn't want to tip them then I should've done take out. She also said This is CANADA!!!! So you must TIP US!!! I told both of the servers the reason why I didn't tip, they got angry and they started speaking amongst themselves in their language about us and said they were too busy as their reasoning for the bad service, then as I was walking towards the exit, I didn't want to argue with them but they said FINE DON'T COME BACK THEN!!!!! The orignal server came and joined the second server and also mentioned the fact that because we didn't tip, we shouldn't come back. The original server said Next time have a take out & DON'T DINE IN then she said DON'T COME BACK!!!! So at the end of the day, we got bad service, disrespected so we won't come back there and we don't recommend this...

I remember the food used to be good. Our family went to eat there every weekend a few years ago. We even held parties here. But we returned after a couple years because we didn't feel like traveling too far this morning and man...it's not the same. The service and food are poor. Our food was also cold and our dumplings were soggy and overcooked, the fried spring rolls were drenched in oil, the deep fried squids were practically just plain fried dough, the tea was just watered down, and untensils were dirty. We all had upset stomaches after about an hour. Of course, my family and I ate everything to prevent waste but the experience and taste wasn't good so we only left a small tip (normally we give about 25% tips to all restaurants we eat at) but the waitress straight up asked us for more and didn't let us to leave unless we gave more!! The audacity?? She was impatient and upset about it. It was extremely rude. She was nice before but after seeing what we gave her, her attitude changed drastically. We didn't want to argue in front of the other customers so we complied and gave her $10 more but tips are OPTIONAL!! It shouldn't be required. Why should it be the customers job to pay YOUR bills? It should be your EMPLOYERS job. Be careful next time you confront your customers about the tips you want. Some will just take their money back after you ask for more so rudely like that. Safe to say that we were speechless and angry leaving this restaurant. We usually go to mississauga or Toronto for dim sum but we wanted to give this place another try for old times sake but OBVIOUSLY, we were right to have not returned all these years. We will not be going back any time soon...

Here's an update, we came back to try these dishes; they were extremely flavoursome! -Fresh Steamed Scallop -Shanghai Chow Mein -Seafood Combo in Phoenix Nest -Chicken Wings

Service was satisfactory; no pressure to tip. Will come again!

--------Original Posted February 2024: This is one of the few remaining places left that serves authentic Chinese cuisine in Hamilton and has been around for over 20 years. I noticed the low reviews; it's unfortunate, so I'll give my experience.

Service: We came here for dinner and the service was good, considering how busy it was at the time.

Price: I feel the price is in line with another authentic Chinese restaurant in Hamilton. You cannot compare this to an all-you-can eat buffet or Canadian-Chinese takeout restaurant.

Food: I think the food is delicious! Remember, these are authentic flavours. If you are looking for a waterdown version, then I recommend finding a Canadian-Chinese place.

We ordered the following dishes: -Crab meat with fish maw soup -Steam Fish with light soya sauce -Gai Lan with garlic and oyster sauce -Hong Kong Style lobster -Special Fried Rice (Fu-Kin) Note that some of these items were not on the menu, but are popular dishes. You'll have to ask the server at the time.

Tipping: We did not get pressured to tip at all. We also feel that tipping is something that is earned. Either we got lucky and did not encounter that person, or they've gotten their act together. If so, I think this place can, and deserves better ratings if they maintain the delicious food and good...