Writing this review feels like saying negative things about a lifelong friend.
We have been loyal Royal China patrons for years and years. I can’t begin to say how many times we have eaten there, and literally there are hundreds of people we’ve referred to go and also try it out.
Recently (seems like over the past year or so) the food has become not very good. We went a few days ago (on a Wednesday night) and the service was beyond awful, food was cold, and the dishes were basically tasteless. The egg rolls were indeed crisp and hot - but the oil they used tasted really burned. The starter soups came out basically lukewarm, at best. This is not the royal china we have known and loved and referred others to for all these many, many years.
I believe they are cooking lots in advance, freezing or storing it, and trying then to microwave it. (Maybe they do this mid week?) Which - wouldn't be horrible - if they at least did it right - and then the food came out hot as it should be.
It's sad that the restaurant imho has gone down hill - and fast.
We even told the owner the other night that our food was cold; he fixed it, but didn't even offer a comp meal or basic apologies or anything - and he personally knows we have been customers for more than 15 years. He seems so wrapped up in the ‘busy ness’ of the restaurant (chaotically finding everyone a table), that nothing else seems to be a priority.
Very sad indeed to see a restaurant go from truly being one of the very best in Dallas to a 'hit and miss' place, where the owner doesn't even have common sense to listen to customers and or take care of his loyal customers when they politely tell him of any issues.
If you go, who knows what to expect. Good luck. Sometimes it's good, other times it's just ok, and unfortunately - sometimes it's just plain bad. And, the service is very much the same. Hit or miss. Our server the other night messed up the order, was inattentive, seemed like she was constantly extremely confused (and not just with our table), and kept bringing things to the crowded tables without clearing obviously empty dishes.
Unfortunately, the owner will learn the hard way when many of us stop returning and share why with others through reviews. We have given this feedback to the owner face to face a few times before and I guess he thinks it's ok not to address the issues that we've seen so often over the past year or so.
The other thing I felt I had to mention is that I read through a ton of reviews here and on other sites to validate and see if our experience was an exception or if others also experienced the same (and sadly, many people have). When doing so, the really, really scary thing is that I read that many people reported that they found insects in their food. I want to be crystal clear here - We didn’t ever experience this. But - Yikes! Certainly not good - no matter what.
Given that, plus our experiences there recently, and the owner’s lack of concern for addressing repeatedly-stated issues, I’m sorry to have to say that we're never...
Read moreTo Start. The Three stars were for Customer Service. I will give the food a 4.5 Stars because I had to wait and my food was pretty Cold when I got it home. I arrived to a very busy dining room. I loved the excitement of the restaurant. Everyone was pretty happy and you can tell the guests were excited to get a table and eat. There is a group of ladies in the restaurant making fresh pulled noodles and the bar was lively with guests ordering drinks waiting for their table. I stood in the front area by the bar waiting my turn to speak to the hostess. I wanted to sit at the bar. I waited for 15 minutes, but decided to step outside since there was a large group in front of me to get to their table. When I got back inside I decided to speak to whom I believe was the hostess. I asked him if there was room at the Bar. He responded very loud "I wouldn't know. You will need to talk to the Bartender." It didn't seem very helpful. The Bartender was very busy and there were some chairs with reserved signs. I finally was able to ask if there was a seat available because I didn't know if the reserved signs were for there to keep chairs available for guests that would actually like to eat their meal at the bar. She responded to me in a rude tone and made me feel very juvenile. I didn't appreciate that. I was not able to get any one to assist me. So I ordered online on their website. A chair at the bar was open and I was able to sit down and I asked for a beer. I got my beer and the owner asked me what my name was and they had my order out to me after 10 minutes. I asked if I could pay for my drink and I gave them cash for my beer and they said thanks. I asked for my change and gave what I thought was a nice tip in their jar as well I tipped on the website. I understand they were busy and I really appreciate that, but it didn't seem like they cared about a new face being in the restaurant. I felt really insulted at times. I was able to take my food home and enjoy it. All my food was cold, the flavor were all really impressive. I plan to come back again. I get it. It's exciting to have friends and family in the restaurant and I typically love to find a great restaurant that I can return to often. I just didn't feel welcome during my first visit to this restaurant. Go there for the noodles. Just have a tough skin and wait...
Read moreExquisite Dining Experience at Royal China on Preston: A Culinary Journey Through Royal Chinese Cuisine
Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Preston, Royal China stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of Chinese cuisine. From the moment you step through its elegant doors, you are transported into a world of refined luxury and culinary mastery, setting the stage for a dining experience like no other.
Upon perusing the menu, my eyes were immediately drawn to the Crab Combination, a signature dish that promised a symphony of flavors and textures. The dish did not disappoint - each succulent bite of crab was a testament to the chef's expertise, perfectly seasoned and bursting with freshness.
Accompanying this delectable seafood delight was the classic Fried Rice, a humble yet essential dish that showcased Royal China's commitment to perfection in even the simplest of offerings. The expertly cooked rice, infused with delicate flavors and expertly paired ingredients, was a delight to the palate.
One of the highlights of the evening was the Ants Climbing a Tree noodle entrée, a dish that intrigued me with its name and captivated me with its taste. The combination of tender pork, slippery glass noodles, and a rich, flavorful sauce was a revelation, a true embodiment of the culinary artistry that defines Royal China.
What truly set Royal China apart was the fact that everything was homemade - a rare and precious quality in today's culinary landscape. The dedication to using fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques shone through in every dish, elevating the dining experience to a level of authenticity and excellence rarely found elsewhere.
My experience at Royal China on Preston was nothing short of extraordinary. From the impeccable service to the exquisite flavors that danced on my palate, every aspect of the meal was a testament to the restaurant's unwavering commitment to delivering a truly royal dining experience. For anyone seeking a culinary journey through the wonders of Royal Chinese cuisine, Royal China on Preston is an absolute must-visit...
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