Fantastic Restaurant AYCE Dim Sum @ $11.99pp

[BestOffer]

Promotion valid until Nov 22, 2009...

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/3193/2049converted2009052295.jpg

[gamecritic]

Can anyone vouch for the quality of their food and service?

[cutesnoopydoll]

it is at GVR....any at GTA?

[recordman]

They're okay. However, I haven't been there for quite a few years.
Reviews http://dinehere.ca/restaurant.asp?r=2909 You probably want to ignore any reviewer who gives the restaurant top marks, but the person only has one review.

[recordman]

The big icon next to the post subject says "GVR", so GVR only.

it is at GVR....any at GTA?

[micromv]

The Chinese translation of "Food left over will be charged" on the ad sounds like "Food left over will be penalised / ticketed"... *headache*

[dmxlite]

I was wondering when one of these will show up.

[Stv]

Booooooo!

I was thinking GTA.

GVR should be in the title.

[ChangMai]

I had a bad experience at this place.

I went there like 6-7 years back when it was like $9 AYCE dim sum for lunch.
My buddy and I ordered bunch of different items, quality and taste was alright. Service was acceptable.

Later that night, the washroom became my new best friend. Same thing happened to my buddy.

Maybe things have changed since then but I wouldn't go back. You get what you pay for.

[BestOffer]

The Chinese translation of "Food left over will be charged" on the ad sounds like "Food left over will be penalised / ticketed"... *headache*

as like other AYCE places, u "might" get charged for left over food;

I had a bad experience at this place.

I went there like 6-7 years back when it was like $9 AYCE dim sum for lunch.
My buddy and I ordered bunch of different items, quality and taste was alright. Service was acceptable.

Later that night, the washroom became my new best friend. Same thing happened to my buddy.

Maybe things have changed since then but I wouldn't go back. You get what you pay for.

well not really you get what you paid for...many dim sum places that don't offer ayce but after dividing up the total cost, each person cost about the smae price as this so you statement don't really apply imo; i have went to this place 10 yrs ago, it didn't have ayce eat but it was alright;

[taigong]

I had a bad experience at this place.

I went there like 6-7 years back when it was like $9 AYCE dim sum for lunch.
My buddy and I ordered bunch of different items, quality and taste was alright. Service was acceptable.

Later that night, the washroom became my new best friend. Same thing happened to my buddy.

Maybe things have changed since then but I wouldn't go back. You get what you pay for.

Maybe you and your buddy worked too hard to get more than what you paid for, and your body just can't handle that anymore.:lol:

[gmark2000]

I used to love going to this place. Not the top notch dim sum, but much better than the worst you'd see. Trouble was that you had to sometimes grab dishes from the cart when they left the kitchen because they'd run out of the favourites if your table was too far in the circuit.

[mic2074]

it is at GVR....any at GTA?

Star Walk buffet at Midland/Steeles has dim sum during lunch. Price is about the same - dim sum menu is not as extensive, you get the basics. Food is decent and you get other food as well.

[gheart008]

They're okay. However, I haven't been there for quite a few years.
Reviews http://dinehere.ca/restaurant.asp?r=2909 You probably want to ignore any reviewer who gives the restaurant top marks, but the person only has one review.

I had a bad experience at this place.

I went there like 6-7 years back when it was like $9 AYCE dim sum for lunch.
My buddy and I ordered bunch of different items, quality and taste was alright. Service was acceptable.

Later that night, the washroom became my new best friend. Same thing happened to my buddy.

Maybe things have changed since then but I wouldn't go back. You get what you pay for.

I used to love going to this place. Not the top notch dim sum, but much better than the worst you'd see. Trouble was that you had to sometimes grab dishes from the cart when they left the kitchen because they'd run out of the favourites if your table was too far in the circuit.

They have changed management and the place now is completely re-renovated and super clean (at least compared to what it used to be).

My family goes here all the time now, maybe once a month for both dinner and dim sum.

I would highly recommend.

[myversa]

Too bad it's Monday - Friday only...

[pnyknights]

The Chinese translation of "Food left over will be charged" on the ad sounds like "Food left over will be penalised / ticketed"... *headache*

lol...
whats time limit 1? One minute? One hour? One day?
You gotta eat all the food in one hour? :S

[myversa]

It's one hour. You got to finish everything within 1 hour.

[Lone_Prodigy]

IMO, you would have to be pretty hungry to eat $12 worth of dim sum in an hour. Many restaurants have $2-2.50 dim sum in the morning, so it's about 5-6 dishes. Myself, I prefer the variety from ordering more dishes and eating them communal-style.

[SuSHi]

$12 isn't worth it

considering there are numerous $2-3 a dish places, i couldn't eat 4-6 dishes by myself

[frostiex]

what are some names of the places that serve 2-3 dollar places?
anyone recommend?

[Haz]

Last time I was there was about 10 years ago. It was ok but never felt compelled to go back.

$12 isn't a bad deal.

[BestOffer]

$12 isn't worth it

considering there are numerous $2-3 a dish places, i couldn't eat 4-6 dishes by myself

i can take 10-12 dishes myself for lunch; considering you don't take any of the steam buns :lol:

[jackwest]

I had a bad experience at this place.

I went there like 6-7 years back when it was like $9 AYCE dim sum for lunch.
My buddy and I ordered bunch of different items, quality and taste was alright. Service was acceptable.

Later that night, the washroom became my new best friend. Same thing happened to my buddy.

Maybe things have changed since then but I wouldn't go back. You get what you pay for.

if that qualified as a warning, 100% of asian restaurents would be out of business

grow a stomach or stick to mc

[jlo mein]

what are some names of the places that serve 2-3 dollar places?
anyone recommend?

+1. I would like to know about any reputable $2-3 places. Many places offer it, but I'm sure some are better than others.

[whitevitz]

this one is not too bad

http://dinehere.ca/restaurant.asp?r=239

[tidus]

i can take 10-12 dishes myself for lunch; considering you don't take any of the steam buns :lol:

Wow...

[SuSHi]

i can take 10-12 dishes myself for lunch; considering you don't take any of the steam buns :lol:

that's just wrong, are you bigger than the internet?

[Popular]

selection is a bit... "limited"

[Fox]

How dare you post a deal for a place outside of the GTA.

[BestOffer]

that's just wrong, are you bigger than the internet?

i consume 70 pieces of tuna/salmon sashimi on every ayce japanese restaurants; or 4-5 bowls of wonton noodles; i am not fat at all thou; 6 foot 1.5 and 168 lbs every since 7 yrs ago

[EGee6]

Chong's Restaurant by Kingsway & 33rd/Slocan gives pretty good value for your meal. Most plates are $2-3 and their famous roast pork on rice is only $2.

It's your typical dim sum joint where its packed, loud and you have to fight for your food or somebody else will take it ;)

http://www.dinehere.ca/restaurant.asp?r=251

[jh1]

i consume 70 pieces of tuna/salmon sashimi on every ayce japanese restaurants; or 4-5 bowls of wonton noodles; i am not fat at all thou; 6 foot 1.5 and 168 lbs every since 7 yrs ago

Why does everyone think that big eaters are necessarily fat? All that it means is that you have an inefficient digestive system and an abnormally large stomach...like a fuel inefficient car that burns a lot of gas without going very far. Either that or you got a tapeworm or something. Just look at the Japanese champion of eating contests - it's not like he's fat or anything.

[SuSHi]

Why does everyone think that big eaters are necessarily fat? All that it means is that you have an inefficient digestive system and an abnormally large stomach...like a fuel inefficient car that burns a lot of gas without going very far. Either that or you got a tapeworm or something. Just look at the Japanese champion of eating contests - it's not like he's fat or anything.

dim sum is on the far end of the health food spectrum, you basically have a choice of deep fried or MSG

[Popular]

Why does everyone think that big eaters are necessarily fat? All that it means is that you have an inefficient digestive system and an abnormally large stomach...like a fuel inefficient car that burns a lot of gas without going very far. Either that or you got a tapeworm or something. Just look at the Japanese champion of eating contests - it's not like he's fat or anything.

that made me totally LOL :lol:
i am 6'3 and 190lbs - was 175 but lately ive been working out harder lol
if i let myself go even a bit I will get fat -.-" sucks.

[mega56]

Cannot justify 11.99 for this place.

Many quality places for $12 provided that you like variety and good tasting food and have an average stomach

Dai tung (already posted)
Western Lake (victoria and 34th)
Golden Swan (Victoria and 38th)

[LORDSTC]

i like dim sum, but I guess this is not a hot deal for me, because they are too far away.

[Rometiklan]

Cannot justify 11.99 for this place.

Many quality places for $12 provided that you like variety and good tasting food and have an average stomach

Dai tung (already posted)
Western Lake (victoria and 34th)
Golden Swan (Victoria and 38th)

Any restaurant that calls itself "Fantastic" is already setting the bar pretty high. At any rate, the sub-par reviews makes this place sound kind of dubious to me. Maybe I'll give Dai Tung, Western Lake, and/or Golden Swan a try. Thanks.

[helphelp911]

Any restaurant that calls itself "Fantastic" is already setting the bar pretty high. At any rate, the sub-par reviews makes this place sound kind of dubious to me. Maybe I'll give Dai Tung, Western Lake, and/or Golden Swan a try. Thanks.

Western Lake is the best but no cheap!!

i tried Fantastic once few years ago. I felt that place so dirty.

[gheart008]

Cannot justify 11.99 for this place.

Many quality places for $12 provided that you like variety and good tasting food and have an average stomach

Dai tung (already posted)
Western Lake (victoria and 34th)
Golden Swan (Victoria and 38th)

You can't really compare Western Lake or Golden Swan to this deal since both places are really expensive in comparison.

When my friends at I (group of 3) go and eat at Fantastic (regular, not AYCE), the bill comes out to roughly $30, so $10 each and we order a lot and are quite full (with left overs too most of the time).

When the same group of 3 go out and eat at golden swan, the bill comes out to roughly $42, so $14 each person, and we don't even order that much, and we're never full.

I can vouch for Dai Tung though as their dim sum is also cheap. But I still think Fantastic's dim sum is better. As an example, take the size of the "ha gou" (shimp dumplings). At Golden Swan, they're massive. At Fantastic they're big. At Dai Tung, they're only decent size.

I wouldn't even bother with the AYCE unless you can really eat a lot. Just go for regular dim sum and it's cheap enough already.

Western Lake is the best but no cheap!!

i tried Fantastic once few years ago. I felt that place so dirty.

They have completely re-renovated and changed ownership since then.

[pilotpen]

I thought the OP meant that this is a fantastic restaurant...the place's name IS "Fantastic Restaurant"!!

Lol, I love the names of Chinese restaurants. And I'm Chinese! :)

[saline]

Just look at the Japanese champion of eating contests - it's not like he's fat or anything.

I doubt those champions eaters eat like they are in a contest everyday...

[BestOffer]

Why does everyone think that big eaters are necessarily fat? All that it means is that you have an inefficient digestive system and an abnormally large stomach...like a fuel inefficient car that burns a lot of gas without going very far. Either that or you got a tapeworm or something. Just look at the Japanese champion of eating contests - it's not like he's fat or anything.

i wish i have tapeworm then i can find out how to get rid of it and stop eating as much;

[nacnud]

Any recommendation for decent Dim Sum at a reasonable price in Richmond, BC?

[Candiana]

Trouble was that you had to sometimes grab dishes from the cart when they left the kitchen because they'd run out of the favourites if your table was too far in the circuit.

that's my pet peeve w/all dim-sum places. it's like u have to send someone from ur group to guard the kitchen door to ensure u grab the desired dishes. which is why I only dim sum maybe once every few yrs. plus the fact i don't know what the dishes r called and have to ask the cart lady to lift each steamer top. I don't understand why they don't have signs on each cart indicating their contents.

[jh1]

that's my pet peeve w/all dim-sum places. it's like u have to send someone from ur group to guard the kitchen door to ensure u grab the desired dishes. which is why I only dim sum maybe once every few yrs.

Not ALL places. You must try more classier ds places for change. Or is this an Ontario thing?

[jtcb]

i consume 70 pieces of tuna/salmon sashimi on every ayce japanese restaurants; or 4-5 bowls of wonton noodles; i am not fat at all thou; 6 foot 1.5 and 168 lbs every since 7 yrs ago

Are you the same BestOffer that I used to buy PC parts from several years back? As I recall you are under 6'. Maybe I have shrunk or you are still growing at your age.

[pnyknights]

that's my pet peeve w/all dim-sum places. it's like u have to send someone from ur group to guard the kitchen door to ensure u grab the desired dishes. which is why I only dim sum maybe once every few yrs. plus the fact i don't know what the dishes r called and have to ask the cart lady to lift each steamer top. I don't understand why they don't have signs on each cart indicating their contents.

Not ALL places. You must try more classier ds places for change. Or is this an Ontario thing?

I have yet to find a AYCE Dim Sum place in Scarborough, ON. Most places I got, you gotta order each dish ~$2-3 so no 'guarding'

[tidus]

that's my pet peeve w/all dim-sum places. it's like u have to send someone from ur group to guard the kitchen door to ensure u grab the desired dishes. which is why I only dim sum maybe once every few yrs. plus the fact i don't know what the dishes r called and have to ask the cart lady to lift each steamer top. I don't understand why they don't have signs on each cart indicating their contents.

In Richmond, most dim-sum places have an order form that you fill out once you're seated. Then the servers bring the dishes to your table; no carts are necessary :). Odd how it hasn't caught on in Ontario..

[gheart008]

In Richmond, most dim-sum places have an order form that you fill out once you're seated. Then the servers bring the dishes to your table; no carts are necessary :). Odd how it hasn't caught on in Ontario..

Without the carts though, it just doesn't feel.... authentic dim sum :cheesygri

[BestOffer]

Are you the same BestOffer that I used to buy PC parts from several years back? As I recall you are under 6'. Maybe I have shrunk or you are still growing at your age.

yes, but i have always been 6 foot 1.5 inches since grad of hs

[actng]

I don't know what it is but I can never eat a lot of dim sum. And I get hungry within 2 hrs of dim sum.

At $12, it's not that awesome. There are tons of places in TO that charge $2 per dim sum and I can NOT eat six "LOONG" dim sums on my own. I can eat 40 pieces of sushi but something about dimsum just fills me up quickly.

[Rometiklan]

Just noticed that sticky rice in lotus leaf is not listed in the AYCE menu. Deal killer for me. It's one of my favs.

[Candiana]

In Richmond, most dim-sum places have an order form that you fill out once you're seated. Then the servers bring the dishes to your table; no carts are necessary :). Odd how it hasn't caught on in Ontario..

Not ALL places. You must try more classier ds places for change. Or is this an Ontario thing?

I've been to few that have that order system but most people i know claim those restaurants don't serve authentic dimsum and only jackup price for decor. who knows?

[ricsad]

I find the dim sum places in Richmond are way better than the one in Vancouver. Also, the type of dim sum where you fill out an order form is way more convenient and your food is fresher because they come straight out of the kitchen and not circling around waiting for someone to take it.

Also, the chinese restaurants on Vancouver are better than the ones I've been to when I was in Toronto. Seems like it's mostly push cart style in Toronto.

[story]

I find the dim sum places in Richmond are way better than the one in Vancouver. Also, the type of dim sum where you fill out an order form is way more convenient and your food is fresher because they come straight out of the kitchen and not circling around waiting for someone to take it.

Also, the chinese restaurants on Vancouver are better than the ones I've been to when I was in Toronto. Seems like it's mostly push cart style in Toronto.


I kinda agree. Last time I went to a East Vancouver dim sum place, the food wasn't all good. The place was packed though and it was recommanded by a friend. The price was ok, $13 a person.

Richmond has been very stable for me, $15 to $20 a person usually and we get really fresh and good food. Some are special dishes that Vancouver doesn't have.

$12 is tempting but 1HR is not enough for chatting, enjoying tea and chatting. Will try the Dai Tung, where and what's the name in Chinese, can someone type it ou?

[jh1]

Without the carts though, it just doesn't feel.... authentic dim sum :cheesygri

Can't say I miss the authenticity of cart pushers talking over my food as they call out the dishes. It's a hygiene issue I'm happy they fixed with Vancouver's made-to-order system.

That's also why we never accept the 'specials' that some servers push while walking around with holding a tray and talking over.

[jh1]

I've been to few that have that order system but most people i know claim those restaurants don't serve authentic dimsum and only jackup price for decor. who knows?

I found this to be the opposite in Vancouver. The places with an order system generally have better quality food. What is ironic is that these places with better quality and decor can actually come out to much better value than the other dives, especially when you factor in that some better places don't even charge for tea.

[gheart008]

Can't say I miss the authenticity of cart pushers talking over my food as they call out the dishes. It's a hygiene issue I'm happy they fixed with Vancouver's made-to-order system.

That's also why we never accept the 'specials' that some servers push while walking around with holding a tray and talking over.

But really your argument only applies to those "special" orders since all the items in the cart have a lid on them when they're pushing it (at least all the places I've been to).

Plus, I wouldn't say they "fixed" it in Vancouver since all the places I go to still have the carts. I believe you're generalizing it to the places that you go to only.

Even Golden Swan uses push carts, and they're considered a higher end dim sum joint. Floata does as well I believe.

[BestOffer]

Just noticed that sticky rice in lotus leaf is not listed in the AYCE menu. Deal killer for me. It's one of my favs.

LOL, u won't be paying this for $12 then; all u need is eat 4x pieces of them at $6 total and ur good?

[Phoenix88]

I had a bad experience at this place.

I went there like 6-7 years back when it was like $9 AYCE dim sum for lunch.
My buddy and I ordered bunch of different items, quality and taste was alright. Service was acceptable.

Later that night, the washroom became my new best friend. Same thing happened to my buddy.

Maybe things have changed since then but I wouldn't go back. You get what you pay for.


Eww! You ate a cat 6-7 years ago! Just kidding... thanks for the warning.

[BestOffer]

Eww! You ate a cat 6-7 years ago! Just kidding... thanks for the warning.

anything with 4 legs are edible; visit china for the experience :lol:

[actng]

anything with 4 legs are edible; visit china for the experience :lol:

wtf that doesn't even make any sense
sea snails don't have legs
sea cucumbers don't have legs
sharks don't have legs
scorpions have more than 4 legs

anything is edible.

[kelvin]

anything with 4 legs are edible; visit china for the experience :lol:

it should be anything with their back pointing up r edible:D

[Rometiklan]

LOL, u won't be paying this for $12 then; all u need is eat 4x pieces of them at $6 total and ur good?

4X? HahA! Try again. AYCE places hate people like me. I can eat a lot. 4X is just my appetizer. Bring it on.

[BestOffer]

wtf that doesn't even make any sense
sea snails don't have legs
sea cucumbers don't have legs
sharks don't have legs
scorpions have more than 4 legs

anything is edible.

those are the ordinaries; thats what ppl say, 4 legs and back facing up are edible; u techically don't eat sharkes, u only consume the fins, and scorpions, u don't eat them, you cook with with other ingredients for medincines;

[Blitzo]

I'm sorry, but unless someone says otherwise, I'd stay away from Chinese buffets. All the items taste like chicken and enhanced with msg.

[jh1]

But really your argument only applies to those "special" orders since all the items in the cart have a lid on them when they're pushing it (at least all the places I've been to).

Not at the push cart places I've been to. The steamers stacked on the top get all the spit. No one takes the time to cover the top ones when they're moving from table to table. The stuff on the second lower rack on the cart is no better than a buffet table with no sneeze guard. Again that stuff is often not covered as well.

[jh1]

it should be anything with their back pointing up r edible:D

What's wrong with sloth?

[syee99]

Po King on Kingsway near Royal Oak (Burnaby) isn't too bad. Servings are pretty decent sized and the decor is a bit better than your standard crowded dim sum place. It's run by "the General" that ran Big Lai (across from Crystal Mall).

Chong's on Slocan/Kingsway is our usual place because it's close to my house (I can walk there). However, like the Dinehere reviews mention, it's small, and you sometimes have to share tables if you're in a small group. Food is cheap and reasonable. Good for cheap lunch.

Dai Tung isn't too bad either. Food is good, but the wait is LOOOOONG. Every time I've gone there, it's usually a 45min to 1hr wait for a seat. I guess it's busy for a reason - the food is good. Dai Tung is on Kingsway near Knight St (a bit west of Knight St)

[porkchopbread]

not a big fan of fantastic restaurant. it's cheap, but the food is quite average. even my girlfriend (who is not chinese) says that the dim sum is average. she prefers hon's to fantastic. big portions but lacks taste. sometimes the food felt a bit over cooked.

The poster above mentions po king, i would actually say that po king tastes better than fantastic. top gun in the crystal is good. and after the renovation, fortune house inside metrotown is pretty good too.

that's really most of the restaurants around metrotown i can think of....

[Jin]

Put me down for a vote for Wah Wing in Richmond (I think it has a new name since its renovation though).

[Z]

1/2 yr. ago a bunch of us from work grab some dim sum from this place and it was pretty decent.

However 2 out of 8 had bad case of the runs later in that day.

It could been all that grease/MSG.

It's not like they're new to dim sum either.

Something just didn't settle.

BTW: Don't use their washroom or you might not want to eat there.

[BestOffer]

Po King on Kingsway near Royal Oak (Burnaby) isn't too bad. Servings are pretty decent sized and the decor is a bit better than your standard crowded dim sum place. It's run by "the General" that ran Big Lai (across from Crystal Mall).

Chong's on Slocan/Kingsway is our usual place because it's close to my house (I can walk there). However, like the Dinehere reviews mention, it's small, and you sometimes have to share tables if you're in a small group. Food is cheap and reasonable. Good for cheap lunch.

Dai Tung isn't too bad either. Food is good, but the wait is LOOOOONG. Every time I've gone there, it's usually a 45min to 1hr wait for a seat. I guess it's busy for a reason - the food is good. Dai Tung is on Kingsway near Knight St (a bit west of Knight St)

isn't Po King near Posh? that place is alright; but i didn't know they ran Big Lai before; now thanks for letting me know then i will not go back again;

Dai Tung was good before with their chef with their best salty chicken on rice; then the chef moved to small restaurant in coquitlam (then DT's chicken rice isn't as good); Dai Tung is no longer as good (happened right after their new renovations) and never went back again ever since; service is horrible too;

chinese food is always subject to grease & msg; the reason being is if there isn't enough grease, you just can't make the same quality of food on the table, try getting the same quality and color, freshness at home and you will know how much oil is needed; in general, a "yang chow fried rice" will contain 2 scopes of oil (the scope as in the one they use in the kitchen to cook your food). without msg, you won't get the great taste of the food out there, if you use natural ingredients to get good flavours, a lot of time must be spent to get the natural flavours out of the meat or veggies and they won't do it, unless you are in a very expensive restaurant; similar to traditional ramen, the soup base is being cooked for 72 hours along with their bones/meat to get its flavour =)