Once again, I suggest that if you are planning to dine out, that you call ahead and confirm that your chosen restaurant is open. I did not follow my own advice and with my eye on Old Street near Metrotown, we wasted a trip as they are not open for dine-in on the weekend. This is not even evident from looking at the front door, let alone their website or Google. Restaurants are struggling and it's hard for them to keep up with the necessary information flow so make a phone call. Fortunately, there are many places to eat and we had no intention of going hungry! At Crystal Mall, we decided to try Yunshang Rice Noodle.
If I understand correctly, there is a reference in the name to the Yunan province of China which often means spicy but we noted that the menu gave us a choice as to the level of spice. I am not sure what the Yang's Braised Chicken Rice sign in the above photo is about. They do offer it on the menu but I'm not sure why it gets its own shingle. Maybe it is a separate business working in the same space? 
Anyway, we were seated right away and perused the menu and ordered using our phones (pretty cool set up) and food amazingly started showing up. First up was Spicy Duck Tongue. We have never had duck tongue but like to try 'unusual' things from time to time We eat chickens feet all the time so nothing too far out there about this.
Tasty enough and not too spicy, these little guys are mostly bone and present a bit of a challenge. Fortunately, I have no manners and was not shy bout using my fingers. Mharie tried it but was not terribly keen so I had most of the little plate to myself. Interesting! It came with a little seaweed side which was quite refreshing.
Nothing too startling or different about Deep Fried Squid. These were pretty good. Not too chewy and we like the dipping sauce.
Our main choices were not too startling either. We chose Braised Brisket Rice Noodle Soup. This was tasty enough but some of the brisket was seriously chewy. We loved the noodles but they were not made in house. I am not sure where I got the impression that they were and maybe they just didn't have time to make them or they were made at one of their other locations? Communication with the staff was a little stilted. Still, a tasty dish that was just a little spicy with lots of mushrooms.
Finally, we had Braised Pork Ribs Rice which was listed under Yangs Braised items as per the sign outside. The pork was nice and tender. Again, it was a little bit spicy but rich with lots of vegetables and again mushrooms. I would have this again for sure.
This is a sharp-looking space and comfortable enough. They are pretty careful about the social distancing and we felt safe. It seems like a good choice for eats if the food court upstairs is too crowded or your first choice for lunch turns out to be closed to dine in. The website leaves a little to be desired and won't help you to figure them out but take a chance and show up in person.
Food 3 out of 5
Comfort 3 1/2 out of 5
Service 3 out of 5
Value. 3 out of 5
No comments:
Post a Comment