Well Tea — Restaurant in Richmond

Well Tea

Location: 4811 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond, BC V6X2K7

I chose to visit Well Tea during peak dinner hours to experience their offerings firsthand.

Appetizers

Squid Ball

The flavor of the squid ball was commendable, and the accompanying sauce complemented the dish well. While the exterior was slightly overcooked, the interior remained tender and flavorful. This minor flaw did not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Beef Noodle Soup

The beef noodle soup featured a well-balanced flavor profile and a satisfying portion size. The beef was tender and well-prepared, contributing to a hearty and enjoyable dish.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Satay Hotpot

The satay hotpot offered a pleasant flavor, though I found the proportion of vegetables to be somewhat excessive for my personal preference. Nevertheless, it was a well-executed dish.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Beverages

Taro Slush & Summer Girl

The taro slush was expertly prepared, with a smooth consistency free of any large ice chunks. The “Summer Girl” beverage, recommended by our waitress, was equally impressive and refreshing.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Ambiance

The restaurant provided a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, enhancing the dining experience.

Service

The service was exemplary. Our waitress demonstrated extensive knowledge of the menu and was both friendly and patient in explaining the various options. Her attentiveness was particularly notable, as she checked on our table multiple times to ensure our satisfaction. Such a level of service is rare in similar establishments and greatly contributed to the overall positive experience.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Price

The pricing is reasonable, offering good value given the quality and quantity of the food served.

Verdict

I will undoubtedly return to Well Tea. The diverse selection of Taiwanese cuisine, combined with affordable pricing and outstanding service, makes it a highly recommended dining...

Nestled in Richmond, Well Tea is a Taiwanese restaurant offering a variety of hot pots and classic snacks, making it a favored spot for those seeking authentic flavors.​

Chinese Yam and Milk Chicken Hot Pot This hot pot features a rich and creamy milk-based broth complemented by the delicate texture of Chinese yam. The soup is smooth and subtly sweet, providing a comforting base for the tender chicken pieces that are cooked to perfection. The combination of vegetables and other ingredients enhances the overall harmony of flavors, making each bite a delightful experience.​

Salt and Pepper Chicken Platter The platter offers a selection of Taiwanese fried delicacies, including salt and pepper chicken, fried fish cakes, squid balls, and fried squid. The salt and pepper chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy inside, seasoned to perfection. The fried fish cakes are chewy and flavorful, squid balls are succulent, and the fried squid is delightfully crunchy. This assortment caters to various tastes and is ideal for sharing among friends.​

Coconut Curry Chicken Hot Pot My companion opted for the coconut curry chicken hot pot, which boasts a broth infused with the sweetness of coconut milk and the depth of curry spices. The tender chicken pieces absorb the rich flavors of the broth, and the accompanying vegetables and ingredients add layers of texture and taste. This dish offers a unique twist on traditional hot pots, appealing to those seeking something different.​

Overall Experience Well Tea delivers authentic Taiwanese flavors through its diverse menu of hot pots and snacks. Each dish showcases meticulous preparation and a commitment to quality ingredients. The restaurant's cozy ambiance and friendly service further enhance the dining experience, making it an excellent choice for gatherings with...

UPDATE (08/24/21):

Since the review I made below, I have decided to change my rating from a 1-star to 3. While the level of friendliness from the servers still leave a lot to be desired, the food and drink quality is consistent and dependable. Their wait times are reasonable, and you can never miss with their Honey Chicken w/ Fried Rice (my recommendation). This doesn't undo the experience I described before, but I believe Well Tea is a decent choice of Taiwanese food in Richmond. My friends and I have visited this location many times, and our experience has always been just ok (above average food but below average service).

However, our last visit has spoiled our image of Well Tea. Came by during the COVID-19 quarantine, customers were physically distanced and there was no ambiance music. Got the fried chicken nugget rice set, and the food seemed pretty normal. However, when taking a bite of the side plate of veggies, my teeth crunched down on something hard and painful. I took the foreign object out of my mouth and it appeared to be a small chunk of metal. Not only could it have broken my teeth, but it could have poisoned me if swallowed.

I brought this to the attention of the server, but all they did was shrug and offer to replace the plate of veggies. I did not take the offer, since there may have been more pieces of metal they neglected. They offered no other compensations.

All in all, the combination of the careless food prep and indifference from staff solidifies this restaurant as one who really doesn't care about their customers. Maybe its the stress of COVID, and less profits, but it's no excuse for the other potential...