I'm a regular at Lee's. People expect different things from different types of restaurants. When talking about Cantonese bistros, I literally weigh zero on the service being nice and thoughtful, nor the dining space being shiny and upper scaled. I couldn't care less about having waiters coming 10 times within 5 minutes asking me how's everything and how do I like the food.
When taking about Cantonese bistros, I care if the chef and even the waiters speak Cantonese and if their 肠粉 is legit. And Lee's checks all the marks for me. They speak Cantonese. Even their take out app yells Cantonese when new order comes in. The waitress (not sure if she is the owner) rarely smiles or gives warm greetings but she is absolutely nice if you really talk to her or if you need anything from them. The 肠粉 has the texture that's closer to what I grew up eating a lot in west Canton 粤西 rather than the 布拉肠 you'll get more often in 广府. And it has actually improved a lot since last time I visited almost a year ago as well. I like less about the ones with minced pork and beef since it's a bit gamy. Picking the vegan option and add one egg is the way to go.
What's more important, Lee's is one of those rare restaurants in Seattle that provides food with greatly reasonable prices. Let's admit it, we all know how Chinese restaurants are here - things are ridiculously expensive with a poor portion and suspicious quality. Lee's on the other hand, is merely a small scaled bistro but they offer so many things, for free - free appetizers, free rice and noodle refills, and even free Cantonese soup du jour (例汤) like a legit and OG Cantonese 苍蝇小馆. I ordered both the 肠粉 and soup rice noodles today, thinking maybe I could finish both since I had no idea about the portion - the soup rice noodles turned up in a huge bowl. I was only able to finish the 肠粉 and had some dip in the rice bowl and had to pretty much take home the entire bowl.
So yeah, I'm happy to have such a...
Read moreOverall, I would recommend this restaurant to people who are looking for a convenient and decent place to eat Cantonese food. The portions are smaller than dim sum restaurants, but the flavors are good and the prices are reasonable. You will leave not hungry, but definitely not full.
Most importantly, I didn't taste any MSG. The flavors are close to what I used to have in Hong Kong.
The average price per person is $20. During soft opening, no take out, only dine in. Try to come less than part of 4 to avoid long wait.
Service: The service is attentive. We were seated immediately, but people who came 30 minutes later had to wait in line for about 20 minutes. This is because the kitchen only starts cooking when they receive your order, so there is at least a 15-minute wait for your food. Each table comes with a smart tablet so you can place your own order without calling the server. You can also customize your order, such as adding an egg to your steamed rice roll or toppings to your rice porridge.
Food: $6.99- 腸粉- The Cantonese-style rice roll is fresh-made and well-seasoned. The portion is smaller than regular dim sum size, but the price is about the same.
$10.99- 砂鍋粥- The stone pot congee/rice porridge takes about 15 minutes to prepare since everything is made to order. Again, the portion is smaller (like 4 small bowls), but the ingredients are fresh and the seasoning is light, as expected.
$15.99 -煲仔飯- The classic rice stone pot is a 4-star dish. It is enough for 2 light eaters and is flavorful and cooked just right. It reminds me of my...
Read moreA Culinary Masterpiece in Every Bite
Dining at Lee,s kitchen was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I entered, the ambiance set the tone for an unforgettable experience. The elegant decor, soft lighting, and subtle background music created a warm and inviting atmosphere that was perfect for a relaxed evening.
The menu was a delightful blend of creativity and tradition, offering dishes that catered to every palate. I was captivated by the thoughtfulness of each offering, where even the smallest details were meticulously considered. Every plate was not just a meal but a work of art.
I started with the [specific appetizer], which was a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. For the main course, the [specific dish] was cooked to perfection—succulent, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The dessert, [specific dessert], was the grand finale, leaving me in awe with its decadence and intricate flavors.
The service was impeccable. The staff was attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the menu, and genuinely passionate about ensuring a wonderful dining experience. They anticipated every need, making the meal all the more enjoyable. isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a destination where food, service, and ambiance come together to create magic. I left with a satisfied palate and a heart full of gratitude for such an exceptional experience.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Feel free to adjust the specifics to match...
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