Harbin Chinese Restaurant 哈尔滨老道外砂锅居 — Restaurant in Ottawa

Went there by myself a couple of weeks ago, ordered one small casserole and one shredded potato. When I went to pay for the bill, the waitress asked me "how was the food", so I told her "the food tastes fine but the portion is too small, it's very rare that I don't feel full after finishing two dishes that cost me $27 in a Chinese restaurant", and then she tried very hard to convince me: 1. I ate too much, 2. I don't know how much it costs to eat in a Chinese restaurant..... I mean, despite the fact that I am a native Chinese, have tried tons of Chinese restaurants all over Canada and sincerely want this place to succeed, you asked for an opinion, what's the point of arguing with your customer after? I didn't ask for a refund, I even gave a 15% tip....If you only want compliments, you are in the wrong business..... So to make my point, food tastes so so, service is not good, the portion is too small. I heard the lunch menu is decent, but I am never gonna go there again.

Hmmm, Ok, Ok, to sum up the owner's comment, is he trying to tell me: I don't know how to order Chinese food? Dinner is not good, people should come for lunch instead? It doesn't matter how much I spent and how many dishes I order, I have to order rice to feel full in his restaurant?

Maybe I didn't emphasize this enough, I am a Chinese, 土生土长的中国人! I know exactly what I ordered and I know Chinese food, I didn't expect shredded potato turns into beef and casserole turns into lobster. Your waitress's suggestion is not going to change what I want to eat. This is not the reason why I left a comment here to begin with. If the two dishes I ordered are not considered as main dish, you should make it clear on your menu, based on the price and the structure of the menu, and the way a Chinese understands Chinese food, they are main dish for sure. I don't order rice in any Chinese restaurants if I have already ordered two main dishes, never had any problem until now. I am not comparing your restaurant to steak house, seafood restaurant or buffet, apple to apple, dishes are overpriced for the taste and quantity.

If you carefully read my first comment, I didn't get that upset because of the portion, I understand that you are the owner and you have the right to choose whatever the price seems fit, If I don't think it's worth it, I will just come less often. However, Would it be that difficult to just accept your customer's suggestion instead of insulting them? Your waitress criticize me for eating too much food and not knowing the cost eating in the Chinese restaurants and now, you try to question my ability of being a real Chinese to order food in a...

The first place I went to eat after landing in Ottawa was Harbin. That's how much my family and I like the food here. I'm from New York City, and there is plenty of delicious Sichuan food there (e.g., Szechuan Mountain House), but Harbin captivates my mind like no other restaurant in Ottawa.

In particular, we're fond of the Mao Xue Wang (毛血旺), Sichuan Mala Chicken Cartilage (辣子鸡软骨), Szechuan Cabbage and Fish (酸菜鱼), Stir-Fried Chinese Cabbage and Wood Ear with Black Vinegar, and many many more. The chili oil they use has a great balance of ma (numbness) and la (spiciness). Everything tastes authentic, including those dishes that do not rely on spicy flavors. Last, but not least, the prices at Harbin are more economical compared to similar quality restaurants elsewhere.

On the one hand, it would be in my best interest if this restaurant continues to remain the hidden gem that it has been so far (i.e., shorter wait times for me, less crowding, etc.). On the other hand, the owners and chefs are such amazing people that I hope more food enthusiasts in the area come to know of this restaurant and try it out; I have no doubt that when they do, they will also agree that this is one of the most delicious and authentic Chinese restaurants in the region.

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Update: I have been back to this restaurant multiple times and I have to say it never disappoint. Sure, not all the dishes are to my liking as I have more of a southern taste bud but the dishes I always enjoy had been very consistently produced. I can't believe all the 1 star reviews saying the restaurant bought the 5 star reviews. I suspect these 1 star reviews are from competitors making false claims. This is a good local business for Kanata and I will fully support because I truly enjoy their food. I have to say it has become one of my favourite restaurants in Ottawa!

BETTER THAN MY EXPECTATIONS! I thought people said their portions were small but they were regular sizes. The flavours were really good. And when you order meat dishes, the amount of meat is soooo much!!! It is not like 80% vegetables and 20% meat. It is honestly 90% meat. I would definitely come back. The dish H1 was AMAZING!

It doesn't hurt that it is link to a pestotea! I always order food from Harbin first then head over to buy my boba while I went for the dishes to come out. The dishes come quick (but I always go when there's only 1 or 2 other customers in the restaurant).

You can't beat bubble tea and authentic...