Coming into town later, we searched for a place to grab a meal late at night, and Silver Tower was one of the recommended places.
Parking, like everywhere in Richmond, is limited, but we found a spot luckily. The plaza itself had a few spots that opened late and passing by, those restaurants were all bustling.
Silver Tower is a old school classic Cha-Chan-Tang. The menu is covered in classic simple asian dishes along with asianized western dishes, ie. Baked Spaghetti. There's all day choices and dishes that seem to skip the dinner period (lunch and after 9 pm availability only).
The waitresses are all older ladies who know the menu but lost their smiles long ago. You are initiated into the experience by the chucking of menus on the table. I had a chuckled as this takes me back to some memorable dim sum experiences. Most acknowledgment is done with a nod and a face that never changes expression. However, as any asian knows, we're here for food and service as expected.
We got the Salted Fish and Chicken Fried Rice. When it arrived, the aroma of the umami bomb salted fish greeted our hungey palates. The "wok hei" was decent as the rice didn't clump together. The chicken and lettuce were fresh and not wilted nor dry. I do wish for thicker chunks of salted fish, but both my wife and I agreed that it was well done.
Myself, I added the Basa Cutlet with Fries. First off, I ordered for the classic Cha-Chan-Tang fried fish of my youth with the expectation that the fries would suck (as has been my youth experience). The basa was so flavorful and piping hot. The batter was likely crispy while the fish was moist. This honored that memory in my head. I wished to eat this again and again. The fries were a major surprise. They were shockingly excellent. They were crispy, yet not dry to death. My kids kept munching them.
My wife chose the Mixed Mushrooms with Seasonal Vegetables. She said it tasted great and was plentiful. She did find humor in the fact that none of the items were seasonal. I joked that maybe at this time, nothing was seasonal.
Finally, for the kids, we ordered Hainanese Chicken Congee. Oh, it's good! I questioned whether it would work, and it does! The Hainanese flavor added a whole new dimension of flavor to compliment the congee. This will be our go-to dishes here going forward.
The meal came with complimentary Chicken Corn Soup and 2 drinks. The soup was simply, homey, and delicious. I would pay for that soup. For drinks, we opted for cold lemon tea, and mine was a touch sweeter than I liked.
This was a really nice meal. I definitely would come back for many...
Read moreFood is average, nothing to complain about. In all honesty a decent place to munch out at. Idk why but the last few visits were ruined by abysmal service. Yes you have the sharp responses and lack of basic manners from the waiters and employees, these things you would expect at these casual Chinese restaurants. I am accustomed to and completely fine with it. But when it gets to the point where they are lying and taking money that is where I have to draw the line
One time they took my cash payment and didn’t bother giving me change, assuming they took the whole 10+ dollars as tip even though the meal was not much more than $20. When asked, they sighed as if it was a huge nuisance and literally took 15+ minutes to get back to me. I was in a rush so I just left without getting my change. This was the second time this actually happened. I am typically a generous tipper, give me my change generously and you will receive a generous tip at my own decision. It’s common courtesy.
Another time, on the bill (I’m assuming) they forgot to charge one our tables’ drinks as part of the meal set and added the complete price of the drink. When asked, they lied to my face about different sets having different drink pricing (they didn’t realize my friends literally all got the exact same set AND the same drink). I didn’t want to continue arguing as I was at the front of the line to pay. It was only a couple dollars difference but honestly just a disappointment seeing how inconsiderate and dishonest they are towards customers.
I understand waiting and bussing food is a draining job and I also understand it’s a busy restaurant , but just a bare minimum of not being a complete d*khead would be much appreciated. A real shame since I actually use love eating here in the past. Idk why the staff has become so awful as of late.
If you really must come here, always double check the bill. If you are paying cash make sure they are giving you change. Yes they will give you dirty looks and act as if you are in the wrong but you are entitled to making sure you pay for...
Read moreSilver Tower Cafe Restaurant in Richmond has become our go-to spot for authentic Hong Kong-style comfort food. Their baked pork chop on rice is an absolute must-try; the pork chop is tender and juicy, perfectly complemented by a rich tomato sauce and melted cheese atop a bed of flavorful fried rice. Each bite is a harmonious blend of savory and tangy notes that never fails to satisfy.
Equally impressive is their vegetable tomato soup. Served piping hot, this hearty soup boasts a robust tomato base enriched with a medley of fresh vegetables, offering a comforting and wholesome start to any meal. It's the perfect companion to their main courses, balancing the richness with its light and refreshing flavors.
The extensive menu caters to a variety of tastes, featuring both traditional Cantonese dishes and Western-influenced options. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it an excellent value for the quality and quantity of food offered.
The ambiance is casual and inviting, reminiscent of classic Hong Kong cafes, providing a nostalgic dining experience. The staff is efficient and attentive, ensuring that service is prompt even during peak hours.
Whether you're craving a late-night meal or a hearty lunch, Silver Tower Cafe Restaurant delivers consistently delicious food that keeps us coming back for more. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Hong Kong...
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