Reviewing the UK'S RUDEST RESTAURANT!?
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- čas přidán 24. 04. 2024
- Now this one was a very peculiar recommendation from a few of you on my last Chinese food review. I've been asked to try out Wong Kei as it's known as not just the rudest restaurant in London, but potentially the whole of the United Kingdom... this should be interesting!
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I've been there for the abuse and they must have been having an off day, they were relatively pleasant, almost accommodating!! I was gutted!!
I burst out laughing at this comment lol
Haha that was funny. Great comment. 😂
😂😂😂
@@GaryEatsMe too! Hilarious 😂
You should have asked for your money back :)
Used to go regularly when I lived in London. Make sure you know what you want from the menu board outside so you can order as soon as the staff arrive at the table and then sit back to watch the tourists getting abused. I remember sitting along from an American family where the gent asked for "Duck and pineapple, but can I have it without the pineapple?" The waiter replied "It says f*cking pineapple, you get f*cking pineapple!" whilst poking the menu with their pen.
ICONIC
Awesome. Fast food places near work in Shanghai were the same. I wouldn't have a clue without a local what to do or order. Chopsticks from a dispenser on the table and everyone slurping away on their noodles. When in Rome.
That’s crazy! I’ve always found Chinese people to be very polite and respectful!
wow that is hilarious lol
They have a popular restaurant in London Chinatown, they don't care. Best go with the program.
We used to go to Wong Kei a lot when I was a student. When it was busy, we'd be split up and made to sit at separate tables, already part-occupied by other diners. "You sit here!", the waiter would say, and you never argued! My favourite Wong Kei moment was when a drunken pair of yuppies tried to queue-jump, only to be told in no uncertain terms "You go to back of queue!". One of the yuppies rudely replied, "Now, look here Johnny!", which was a big mistake! Grabbing him firmly by the arm, the waiter escorted him away, saying "Don't call me Johnny! Back of queue this way!"
Happy days.
😂😂😂
I had to deliver a parcel there one afternoon. The parcel was addressed to a Mr R. Pong.
When I arrived, I went in with the small parcel and said to the man who greeted me, "Hello, are you R. Pong?"
He replied, "Yessir, we are R. Pong 'til eleven thirty!". 😂
I love that ❤
What went wong?
if you need the abuse you are moron ffs twat
Gary, we used to go late 80's/early 90's when it was infamous for rudeness. They would literally chuck the food down at you and take it away before you had finished. It was part of the attraction of a drunken Friday night out. 😂
That sounds like great fun after a few drinks 🍷
Ditto, it was late 90's when I went for the first time... a brilliant concept! :)
This has been one of my favourite restaurants for decades. The staff are no nonsense, but efficient and leave you alone. There are two hidden hacks for this place - there is a secret menu in Chinese. Almost half the price because you get rice or noodles and main together in one portion / perfect for solo dining. My favourite Ho Fun noodle with beef in black bean sauce. Better than the dish in Hong Kong. Also if you’re dining alone, the ground floor is the place to be. Get a newspaper, a dish off the secret menu, and the staff leave you alone. You can sit drinking tea for hours. When your tea is out, flip the lid and they refill hot water. No problem. Also, the Cantonese food is often as good or even better than the food in Hong Kong where I now live. PS don’t order spicy food from a Cantonese restaurant- the food isn’t spicy
Great tips, thanks. I love Canto food 😊
Glad you like it!!
@@GaryEats I love your videos Gary - many have said, but your straight forward love and curiosity of food is great to see. You over ordered at Wong Kei I reckon - I would have two dishes between two people sharing, again why the secret menu in Chinese only and only on the ground floor is worth checking. PS This is Cantonese style service. It's very common at lower priced restaurants in Hong Kong. You get cheap delicious food, what else do you expect. It goes wrong with drunk customers and over demanding American tourists who are used to VIP service everywhere. One American lady who was cross about the wait, probably called Karen, once said "I want to speak to the manager". The waiter said "No" and walked off. He came back 5 minutes later and said "What do you want to order?". She ordered nicely, humbled a little. The German next to me using his chopsticks like drum sticks had his sticks slammed down by the same waiter who said "Are you a man or a child?". Brilliant. It is a show I think, but then again...
Thanks so much really kind of you. That is a very funny story
Agree ho fun w beef and black bean sauce was my to go meal here too!
We went there in the 90s, we were told to sit on a long table. The couple next to us, asked for a better table, the waiter took away their tea and told to find one in another restaurant !! 😂
I was there when a couple came in and asked for a quiet table. The waiter told them, "This is a noisy restaurant!"
@@geoffpoole483 🤣
I was there when a middle aged city worker came in with his mistress [it was obvious!], the waiter 'barked at them' "Yo sit there" pointing to a half-full large circular table. The man then said "No, we would like a table for two"...the waiters response?..." you no wanna sit there, you £uck off"...that's how notorious Wong Kei's was in the 80s before the refurb/new management.😅
@@geoffpoole483 FACT . NO INSULT !
Lol wow that is incredible
I remember going to Wonky's several times nearly thirty years ago, the staff would make a special effort to insult customers, it was great fun, especially if you were not the one being abused. It's disappointing to hear that the new management cannot even be bothered to provide bad service for their customers.
It’s changed a bit now for sure
That's right. Very famous, especially among students. Those were the days.
I used to love it back in the early 90s. Wasn't there another entrance down an alley way. Or did they move. Anyway, it was absolutely on a Friday or Saturday night. Good times. 😎
Not been online for a while, good to come back and watch a few of you're videos i've missed Gary
How you doing Tommy?
@@GaryEatsI'm doing fine thanks for asking Gary
Well done for trying it Gary! This place brings back memories as I used to go there in the 80s for lunch, working nearby in Soho. It's reputation for rudeness was forged back then as it was the busiest restaurant in Chinatown - and they could fill the whole place easily each day. So it was a matter of turning the tables quickly with no time for cordial communication! The meals were cheap compared, and they fed you like a horse. It's much better now for customer service and the prices are still relatively low compared to the other options in Chinatown. The quality is very middle of the ground though, so you can't have everything. I was such a frequent customer they stopped being abrupt and rude to me, and one waiter even got me a free bowl of soup each time I visited :)
How dare they not be rude to you. :)
I was such a regular back in the 80s that they always undercharged me.
Thank you so much and it was a funny recommendation in the end
I've always liked Chinese food and some of the soups are great!!!
Congratulations on the growth of your channel, I have been here since the start and it is wonderful to see your growth! I wish you more success!!
That’s really kind and thank you for still watching and supporting the channel 👍👍
@@GaryEats Pleasure is all mine
Another great
review Gary. How could the staff even think of being rude to you the nicest man they could have in the restraint. A true gentleman
Oh Martin, that's lovely of you to say thank you
We’ve got a Chinese take away round my way called ‘Winner’ the lady who picks the phone up is funnily rude, someone once asked for boiled rice, which she replied “Boiled Rice??? You can do that yourself!!”
But only by the absorbtions method . It tastes much better than boiled in water and drained .
That’s a great line!
@@johnsmith-rs2vk Agreed it is the best method for me
I knew we ordered too much Chinese when I got a Christmas card
My local takeaway, the Chinese lady sounds really posh, like she went boarding at Benenden. It’s always amusing to hear her read back peoples Chinese menu orders in her posh accent.
The old school staff who I remember from the 80’s must have returned home during the pandemic as there are new faces waiting now. Favourite memory of Wong Kei was having just left one day a man was thrown out and shouted at for 5 minutes until another waiter came out with his guitar 😂
Wow great memories
Thank you for this great review, i much enjoy watching you . 💙👍
Thank you for watching and have a lovely weekend
Thanks Gary, love your reviews. All the best 👍.
Thank you very much Gary
Ive watched a few videos online about this restaurant, a lot of people were going in to be rude and abusive to the staff, just to get a reaction, so they can film it and put it on you tube. When Im out for a meal, I like not to have the staff come over and speak to me, lol, Great video.
Audrey it’s simple be nice and respectful 🤷♂️
I used to go there during the 1980s when I was working at the Apollo Theatre. As you came through the door they would shout 'what do you want, what do you want???' You had to know what you wanted before you went in! They used to have a wooden drawer where they kept all of their money, no fancy tills, they just added everything up in their heads. The food was lovely though, and the take away portion was huge and a bargain price. So glad you visited Wong Kei Gary, brought back happy memories - thank you. Love from Chirpy and Tania.
I’m pleased it brought back some good memories
Congratulationa on crossong 75K subs. Seems like yesterday that i was congratulating yiu on 50K.
Great going and well deserved.
Thank you so much Gauravi
Kiss ass
Love your videos Gary & the fact you always got sheets on hand my guy
Thanks my friend, good luck to Villa for rest of season
Gary, great review! You brought back happy memories. We used to go there in the 80's after the pub closed after a few sherbets. it was funny getting insulted. We loved it! The funniest was when one of the waiters said "You sit down fish face!". I couldn't stop laughing. I'd give it a 7.5!
That would be about my era haha, great memories. Cheers mate
Thank you Simon lol!!
I used to love going to Wong Kei's back in the 90s / early 2000s. The whole point is that if you go as a group and are all a bit pissed up, then the waiting staff will be brusque, hostile or downright abusive. The supposed disdain for the customers is part pantomime, partly real (the latter if you happen to be complete a**sholes) but it's also highly entertaining. Of course, we were good natured but always respectful yet still got tonnes of abuse! We especially used to crack up when the waitresses brought crispy duck and cut it up at our table. So fast their hands are just a comical blur of action - no group can ever keep a straight face ;-) Cash only of course. And the food is pretty average unless you know what to order. Miss it though! Thanks Gary for bring back some good memories!
I’m pleased it brought back some good memories
Not really from experience chinese, not very polite or friendly
Yep . They don 't like drunks . Bad for business .
The Karen's of their day
Lol
Absolutely brilliant Gary. I was one of your fans that recommended this place. Regular student haunt as cheap. Love the lady saying you have the cash? That is a generous mountain of food. You should have tried the WON-Ton Soup
You did indeed, thank you for the recommendation. Enjoyed it!!
Just found this channel love it gonna binge now on all your uploads 🔥🔥👍👍👍
That’s really appreciated Chris thank you 👍
@@GaryEats thanks for the reply mate all the best
Thanks again for giving it a go, Gary!
Thank you 👍
I ate in Chinatown twice a week for twenty years, and I always got the same business-like service, wherever I ate. That's just the Chinese way. I'm getting all nostalgic remembering the long-gone Mr Poon's in Lisle St.
The fave place for me and my late wife was Leyons in Wardour Street, massive place. Was gutted when it closed down
I’m pleased it brought you great memories Bob
@@forearthbelowsorry to hear of your loss mate
😅😅@@jasonantigua6825
@@jasonantigua6825😂
Very interesting video Gary, looked decidedly average such a shame as I guess the service overshadows the food. Massive congrats on 75k mate!!
Thanks Matty 👍
Nostalgia for me from the 80’s. The rudeness was fun and I think especially reserved for the inebriated (me and my mates). One time we were sat right by the door and it was cold day, and the busy entrance door kept opening. We politely asked for a different table at which point the waiter drew a chefs knife from his belt and slammed it pointy end into the table where it boinged menacingly and he just said “you sit here or you go”. Needless to say we went back many times for similar levels of abuse. Love that place. Great review as always Gary, I envy you for your asbestos mouth. Fast sit-down decent Chinese food for the busy and the one hour for lunch community probably sums it up.
I wish I went a few years ago
Gary, they were a lot ruder back in the 1980s! When I was a student I used to go there with friends. In those days, it was very cheap, but the service was abysmal. If you said you wanted further time to decide what to order (especially if there was a group of you), the waiter often got exasperated and said, "f**k you!" before stomping off. I once witnessed an American tourist who complained about the rudeness getting punched in the face by a waiter. On another occasion, a punter who attempted to sneak off without paying his "cash only" bill was chased down Wardour Street by kitchen staff wielding meat choppers. Happy days. I have not been there for many years. These days I prefer to pay a bit extra for better service. Still, you are right. Most of the abruptness stems from the desire to maximise turnover. These guys get them in and then turf them out.
Finally, there is another dimension to Chinatown in Soho, namely, there is a strong triad presence. I am not saying that this restaurant is connected in any way, but many others are. There is always a lot of stuff going on under the surface in that area, and the Chinese folk who work there have to live by the rules.
Thanks for the great review. I think you deserve a medal just for having the courage to film a review inside this restaurant.
I think the 80s was Wong Kei's heyday. My brother visited with some mates and another customer was complaining. Someone from another table told the guy complaining that he was out of order and punched him on the nose. Blood all over the place. The waiter's reaction:" Excellent customer!"
@geoffpoole483 Very funny, Geoff! Loved your tale. Yes, the 1980s and early 1990s were indeed the golden years of Wong-Kei's. We always pronounced it "wonky's" or "wong-keys" back in those days.
As soon as you walked in the front door a waiter would ask for the number of your party. You would tell him, and he would shout back, "Upstairs, upstairs!!" The moment that you got seated, they would plonk the tea pot on the table and bellow at you: "What you want?" You hadn't even had time to take your coat off.
There was a darker side sometimes. I did see members of staff being quite racist to both white and black customers alike. Some held non-Chinese people in some degree of contempt. We forget that racism is pretty strong in parts of the Far East. Still, that was then. Funny how we look back at the place with such nostalgia. I did not even realise that it was still going.
Another place from that era was a funny old Indian restaurant on the Aldwych near King's College. Again, you went upstairs from the street. They used to do Indian railways cuisine. It was very cheap, but not the greatest quality. You used to queue up at a serving hatch to place your order. It was called the "something club" from memory. Of course, the Indian staff were unfailing polite, but you ran the risk of dangerous loose bones in the curry!
That is why many places are cash only and the big round table in the corner on a Sunday evening is always reserved for the bosses . Have the envelope ready Mr . Woo .
I'm relieved I didn't go then lol
@@user-ue8nw6ln1u The India Club, permanently closed now, very mediocre food.
Love Wong Kei my supervisor used to bring me here regularly and yes the waiters were (amusingly) abusive to customers usually on a Friday or Saturday evening, especially to loud drunkards. The seating arrangement on these busy evenings was interesting as you might be sitting anywhere but with the people you came with. The best thing I've seen is the waiter calling one of the chefs to help him deal with a particularly unruly customer, who promptly scarpered when the said chef appeared with a cleaver in his hand.
My supervisor was well known to the staff and was allowed downstairs where the locals sat and played Majhong and drunk tea. As i recall the menu was different and the Beef Ho Fun was superb.
Worst meal was a Friday night after a hard night out with friends, the noodles were crunchy and i ordered Assorted Meat with Noodles and what came back was quite a sight. Best thing was the waiter called my friend a 'Tatty woman' something she never lived down and we are never slow to remind her.
An institution.
I wish I got to witness the staff from years ago
Tatty woman 😂😂😂😂
A articulated review as always by a real nice man
Really enjoy your stuff thank you
Thank you very much Mark
Subscribed. This is the second video I’ve watched today (Jimmy’s) and this is already one of my favorite food review channels.
Thank you so very much that’s really awesome and appreciated 👌
Me and family love this channel.
Gary you feel us with joy with you views and details
Glad you enjoy it!
I have been going to there since the mid 1970’s. If you accept that you do things their way it’s a great place
I agree Howie just be nice
Another superb review. Regarding your question - I would rather have great food and lousy service than great service that the food doesn't back up. Give me a fantastic 3-course meal served by someone that couldn't give a .......any day!
I’m with you Phillip
Great review really enjoyed Thanks for all your hard work regards Greg
Top man Greg, thank you
Nice light hearted review Gary 👍 thank you.
Top man, thank you Julian
Mate, been there loads of times. They’re not rude at all. It’s a combination of culture, staff on minimum wage, and turnover of covers. Chinese people can appear abrupt, but they’re not rude. It’s just efficient communication! And I quite like to be left alone once I’ve got my food - if I need anything, I can always just ask. Food is always consistently good, but not excellent. It’s reasonably priced, but don’t expect haute cuisine. It’s a solid 7/10. Great review as always, Gary. Cheers, mate!
I haven't been for years but it's probably based on workers' canteens in China. You go in, order, eat, pay and leave. That's its function. If you want haute cuisine go elsewhere. On one visit I was on a table with some regulars who were practically on first name terms with the staff.
Yep, they're abrupt but wouldn't say rude. More than welcome anytime
@@GaryEatswhat u want
Since when has culture been an excuse for bad manners ? If you’re in hospitality, you need to not be rude or not bother at all .
@@geoffpoole483 good manners don’t cost anything
'Excuse the fingers' should be on a t-shirt.
Another great review
Thank you 🙏
Thanks once a gain Gary. I tried this one a year or two ago when in London. Food was Ok, but very busy when I was in there, and as you say, in and out. Staff were Ok though. Agree with your grading, not my 'go to 'Chinese, but acceptable I think...Great review as always. take care!
Welcome anytime Malcolm. Thank you for watching and have a lovely weekend
Hi Gary, I know it might sound as exaggeration but it's not. You have become such a familiar person. I usually watch your videos in the evening when i return home from work, while having dinner. Your videos offer some comfort after a long day at work, and when Iam having dinner alone, eating, while watching your video gives the impression that i am not alone. You are sitting on the other side of the table. Believe it or not , behind your reviews there is a lot more that you offer us. You offer us company, you help us forget loneliness, you are some friendly comfort for many of us. We live in lonely times so rest assured that we really appreciate your efforts to always come up with new reviews, travelling around and presenting a wide range of foods. You are a good man Gary, I hope life treats you well and your hard work on youtube is rewarded. A big THANK YOU
I resonate. Gary’s videos/narration are like a kind and familiar face/presence 🥹. I also appreciate that he’s genuine and not annoying like many other YTers
I agree definitely the best food review channel on You tube , hope this channel gets thousands more subscribers and grows and grows for him .
Wow Angello, those are extremely lovely words and actually made me quite emotional which is why I took time to reply to this comment. I'm glad I could be helpful and that you enjoy the videos, if you'd like to send me an email I would appreciate it - thank you.
Thank you
Thank you Kevin
When I was living in Prague, I used to read an English language paper called the Prague Post where they talked about a Czech restaurant I think in Finchley, frequented by the late but great Nigel Hawthorne. Had a good rating back in the day 👍🏻
The PP is still going. Used to read it for the job listings. Doesn't seem to have that section now.
@@garrycrystal6244 I thought it stopped about ten years ago
@@johntvrdy4533 Haven't read it in about 10 years, but it's still going online.
Is it still operating John
@@GaryEats tbh it's been ages since I read it. I hope it is
The last time I visited this place was well within the 20th century, when the price was almost one third but the quality of food was not bad at all, and of course the legendary rudeness was in full-swing. If you waved your hand for attention, the nearest empty-handed waiter would make face nearly grumbling "Why me of all the waiters around? I am busy." Customers were basically enjoying that as extra entertainment.
Lol thank you for watching
When there was an incident involving waiters and a customer, the customers would nearly always take the waiter's side. All part of the fun.
I have just come across your channel and I love it.i totally like your reviews of various restaurants and their prices. I am definitely a new subscriber I am going through the whole of your channel.great! Positivity peace and love ♥️
Thank you so much and have a lovely weekend
@@GaryEats you too. and thank you for such a fabulous channel I love it! Positivity peace and love ♥️
The special of this restaurant is their rude attitude toward customers. It shows how the old China looks like, not the rich but poor to average classes. The interesting thing is that the son (now he is the boss) isn't as rude as his father and this actually causes the restaurant losing money in recent years. Tourists like to experience the old China.😅
Yep, wish I went ages ago
I took a friend of mine from Cyprus here years ago. My mate asked for a fork, as he'd never used chop sticks, the waiter bought the fork and quite literally threw it at him from across the table. Meanwhile a group of guys behind us were forced to put their coats on, with a little help from the staff before being booted out of the restaurant..... hilarious!!!!
That’s sounded like a fun night lol 😂
'Plumb sauce off the bone.' Is this a euphemism?😐
Yes they do it with plates and cups too, if they are very busy. They throw / slide them across whilst walking past, moving quickly on to the next table. They don’t even pause to see if it ‘lands’ properly.
No fork no payment
Gary, here in the USA, Chinese restaurants are notorious for the rudeness and lack of language skills of their employees. Even in high end Chinese eateries, that reputation carries over. Still, millions of folks still patronize Chinese eateries because for the most part, the prices are decent and the food generally good.
My favorite dishes are all Szechuan and Hunan in origin.
Another great installment, as always.
Thank you Paul they need to look at the customer service I think lol
*Another brilliant video! I would love to see you review Oodles chinese. They are a chain but amazing!*
I'll see what I can do Mikey
Aww this takes me back! When I was a student back in the *cough* early noughties Wong Keis was a great Saturday meal out! The bossiness was the icing on the cake 😂
Great memories hopefully
@@GaryEats Absolutely! Great video as always Gary!
Uks rudest restaurant and the internets nicest guy, can't wait
Matter vs antimatter.....
All was good Maurice and a very kind comment
Not as rude as Karen's 😂
@@GaryEatswas enough for three people!
@@GaryEatslook up Karen's Diner for rude experience Gary 😂😂👌👌
I went regularly to the Won Kei (rhymes with key) in the early 1990s. It was cheap and great food. The pot of tea came to the table straight away back then. Inside we always sat somewhere new it seems because I rarely recognised the territory. It’s big inside of course but drink also played a part! The waiters were mostly ok and I never had a problem. They definitely weren’t going to be your best mate or give you the old silver service but that was just fine. The rule was that you ordered when they asked what you want and none of that … just a few more minutes please. The rumour was that if you did that they wouldn’t come back again! The second rule was cash only and thirdly, when you finished, you slung your hook. Very fond memories of the place. Just finished the vid. £45 is a surprise. That’s not a bargain. Back in the day it was very cheap. The sparse service never bothered me as I always regarded it as a place to fill up. We used to go to a place called Mr Kongs if we wanted the service. But they charged for it in the food prices! Is the Won Kei now charging for it in the food price, but not delivering I wonder.
He did order enough for 4 though.
The pot of tea was already there by time I'd sat down. I've heard some very interesting stories lol
Fascinating review Gary.
I have been going to Won Kais for over 30 years.
It used to be very rude and very very cheap.
That had changed of course.
Quite a few people get caught out on the cash only thing though.
The best item is thiet hot and sour sou llp
Thank you Steve, I heard it used to be worse than now
Hi Gary, you have so many comments so you may not see this but, I wanted to comment how entertaining i thought this video was.
You are very genuine with your opinions about the food which I like. However, I especially enjoyed you trying spicy food and the hot sauce. Absolutely fantastic. Your reaction was priceless.
I look forward to watching more of your videos. Warm regards, from Australia.
I always try to reply to everyone Daniel as I really appreciate everyone watching and commenting, you have made a lovely comment thank you so very much 🇦🇺🇦🇺
love this one. I took my girlfriend(now wife) to Wong Kei's. She was not impressed. I loved it.
You married the right woman.
😂😂😂 and she married you 😳😳😳
My dad used to love that place, he would always take me there when I was kid, it was known for being cheap back then and he used to love the beef with tomato in there. I've always wanted to go back so thanks for going here it brings back some good memories. And he always used to pronounce it the wonkie
I’m pleased it gave you some great memories
I am in awe regarding how you manage to eat these ginormous meals, usually enough for three, while giving a commentary to we viewers, and yet still manage to finish them before they go cold!
Luckily I can share them or take them home for later Alan, always helps
Another enjoyable review, not been here for ages!
For me, would be a bit of both the food/service combined!
How long afterward did you have your doggy bag food leftovers??
Thanks Mike, I had them in the evening
(129) I find overly attentive wait staff more annoying than ones who are off with the fairies. If I feel neglected, I go to the bar area, tell them where I'm sitting and what I want, then go back to my table. Bit of free entertainment when the staffer cops the borax from his superiors.
That’s a little naughty lol
Gary I liked the meal. I see no complaints about service. I once went to a restaurant when waiters and waitresses over attentive. After being asked for the 3rd time if meal to satisfaction I felt like saying "do you want a seat at table??" Great video as always
That is so true I e had it a number of times, in the last two minutes the meal is still good 😳👌🤷♂️
Well done Gary you had patience of Saint class always rises to top keep great work 👍
Thank you Paul
not problem gary all best
Thank you Gary for yet another great video review. I haven’t been to Wong Kei for years: no one really went for the quality but it quick and stayed open late and served Chinese beer long after closing time. The atmosphere was always electric- the waiters could a tad fiery if were dragging your feet. As you said,, bish bosh in & out and what do you expect at those cash prices. If you’re looking for a for a quality Asian experience there plenty choose from in that neck of the woods. As ever- keep em’comiing!
You are more than welcome Jamie, top man
She saw you jogging in and had you down as a "runner" 🤣
lol very good Carol
That's a fair score, Gary. I winced when you ate the chicken!
It was bloody spicy Pauline 🥵
@GaryEats well, I hope you didn't pay the penalty the next day!
I felt worried for you Gary😟but as always, you gave it a go....very entertaining!
Thank you June x
Gary, as a recent subscriber i must say that I’m enjoying your content 👍
In terms of the importance of service to the dining experience my wife and i appreciate good service and reward it accordingly. It complements the meal. If service is poor then it doesn’t detract from the day but we don’t return. There are too many good restaurants in Glasgow for that…!
I really appreciate that Martin, it means a lot
Banks charge restaurant fees when using cards. Cash keeps them in control, and I agree.
Banks charge 1.8 % to bank the cash
Debit card fees are 1.2 % paid the next day and 80% of people pay by card nowadays.
I used to think like that but running our ice cream parlours id prefer card only
Card processing companies/banks charge every business fees, being a restaurant is irrelevant.
Pop it in the pocket and stop paying taxes to these corrupt freaks that run Our planet
@@Taylor40667 So, if you deposit £1k cash in the bank, they will charge you £18.00?
They probably use the cash to pay their staff.
That duck skin looked rubbery Gary.
Gally
😳😂
Fantastic review Gary fair play for giving it a go fantastic range of dishes food looks lovely great food review channel mate keep up the super content
That’s very kind Jack thank you 🙏
I used to go there regularly when I worked nearby, I never found the staff to be even remotely rude and the food was great.
Patrick I didn’t either
@@GaryEats You should have tried their liver with ginger, it was delicious, I still make it at home.
Cash only…. Love educating there kids… love the health care. Love the pensions….. just don’t like paying the taxes…..🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
👍
Why to pay taxes, for the lazy people who not working and stay on benefits, no thanks, no offence
I would guess it's to avoid paying credit card processing fees. I doubt a restaurant that does this much business could get away with tax evasion by not reporting income lol
@@Falcon-um7vo TRUE ! I am sure that HMRC keeps a close eye on them ! 🤔
Another outstanding review on this outstanding channel also must say a massive congrats on reaching 75k subscribers outstanding achievement and well deserved Gary
Thank you so much 😀
Great vid btw Gary! I really think you should try Steak & Co (the hot stones are crazy cool - not literally)
I’ve already been but it’s very very pricey. Should I go back and review it?
@@GaryEats I think so! The steak stones are really cool!
Upstairs downstairs lol
lol 😂
Cash only because cash is king Gary. I will never walk into any restaurant or shop or any sort of paying establishment if it's card only..if I'm paying lol.
I understand completely Ryan
Same. Keep cash going.!!
Cash is not king, it’s very outdated. You’re just stubborn, in denial that cashless payments are more popular and afraid of change. Pathetic!
💕💖💜🩵💙💚💛🧡❤️ Gary and lovely Cameraman! Reviewjng the Rudest restaurant.. wow. That very unique. 😅 Great question btw! Great food with bad service or Bad food with great service. I'd have the first one, because service is momentarily but the food you spend more time, happily indulged with. You both are gorgeousness!!
Glad you enjoyed it Mona. Thank you for watching and have a lovely weekend
Ive eaten there. Proper cantonese cuisine, you sit where you are told, likely to end up with strangers on your table. Deeelish. Basic furnishings but so what? Quick conveyor belt service
Its cash only. For a reason....
Gary,
I don't blame them being cash only!!
The inland revenue rang myself the other day, they said...
"You owe us money.!"
I said...
"I don't owe you a penny i live at the seaside.!"
Its true i do live at the seaside😂
Lol that's brilliant Tel, gave me a good laugh
They're of course going to declare every penny made to the IRS. Can't think of a reason for why they would be cash only though. 🤣
Well, aside from That, it's quicker and cheaper (no card fees)
@@starilvaracash is NEVER quicker 😂 I always internally groan when someone gets their purse out in Asda
@@PotatoPirate123 It's all about control tho if you pay by card within milliseconds they know everything about you
I don't think British restaurants pay American tax.
@@ryandunbar6507 it's not really all about control though is it Ryan, it's about convenience. I LOVE them knowing everything about me. My bank app is my favourite thing and it's helping me save and budget like nothing else. Cash can go to hell for me, but it's my personal opinion. Only time I ever use it is for Chinese. I lost 20 quid the other week because it blew out of my pocket thanks to those stupid new banknotes. Never lost digital currency.
This brought back memories. Back in the mid 80's we had just travelled back from Greece and went into Wong Kei to eat cheap, no frills Cantonese food with edgy service. As usual we were queuing up the stairs. 2 Italian guys who were in front of us , excitedly pointed to their friends on a table and wanted to join them. The waiter replied "That is not your concern, go upstairs!!!" The Italians were very upset is putting it lightly
That’s shocking but funny 🤣
Great review! I personally prefer 'efficient' service in a fast food restaurant, and 'great' service in a fine dining experience. Thanks for posting.
Really Andy I’m the other way food first then have a conversation after lol 😂
A lot of people in the UK misunderstand that it's very normal for service in some Chinese restaurants to be 'abrupt' and it's down to cultural difference. Don't take it personally! As long as the food is good, that's the most important thing. In fact, there's a common joke amongst well travelled foodies that if the staff are shouting orders and being impatient, then you know the food is really authentic and good. Can't speak for this place as it's central London in a tourist hotspot, but I've certainly experienced this before at other places and you get used to it.
When in Rome, do as Romans do!!!
Yes, I travelled in China and noticed the service is brusque in popular restaurants. The country is so rammed, there are so many people, it’s just the way of doing things there. Trying to get on public transport, I remember missing 2 busses, as soon as one arrived, people rushed it, pushing past. I thought it was rude, and then thought, if I’m polite, I’m never going to get on and rushed the next one. When in Rome and that.
I always laugh at the cultural difference between polite attentive service in Japan with the complete opposite in China both in the country and overseas. I always wonder what the Chinese make of it when they visit Japan it really is chalk and cheese.
I prefer abrupt waiting staff, i want good food, fairly quick, not for them to stand round chatting, not there to make friends.
That's fair enough, thank you for watching
#1 here for rude service.
Loved your reaction to the chilli oil. It reminds me of when me and a mate were in a similar "fast" Asian restaurant a few weeks ago and he picked up what he thought was the soy sauce out of a similar condiments tray to this one, and poured loads over his main meal then only realised it was chilli oil when I tried to stop him pouring but was too late by then. He tried continuing eating and his mouth was on fire for the rest of the night 🙂
I should really stop eating spicy food on camera
Great video Gary - very fair as always.
Glad you enjoyed it John
*How to properly eat Chinese:*
With these and most other Chinese dishes you are supposed to put the rice in your personal bowl, then use it like a "plate", taking single bites or smaller portions of the different dishes to eat above or with the rice.
That way the juices of the different dishes, which are usually chosen to synergize with each other, drip into your rice.
And that's also why they normally don't add serving spoons.
Telling people how to eat. What an endearing quality. And you spelt synergise incorrectly.
@@nickmoranis2865
I can't tell if that's sarcasm or not.
I didn't mean to tell people "how to eat" but rather explained "how to eat Chinese like the Chinese".
And it's the American spelling.
@@j.d.4697 The American spelling is wrong.
And you are patronising. With a s not a z.
@@j.d.4697 And you literally said “how to properly eat Chineze “
@@nickmoranis2865
Oh dang, for some reason I thought I was replying to Gary and started wondering if he hit his head.
Didn't realize I was wasting my time on some random troll, my bad.
Oh hes never been to Karens I see
Yes, but Karen's restaurant is a gimmick. Much the same way as Faulty Towers type establishment's are. This lot 😢😢😢😢Allan&Family
Karen's is hilarious, however you are quite right it's a gimmick restaurant
It’s on a list 👍
So many great stories of this place in the comments! Having a laugh reading through them.
Absolutely brilliant
Flying up the subscribers! well deserved!
Thanks so much Richie, still shocked everyday
When you see that many items on a menu and the food comes out in 10 mins, you know the food is mainly pre prepared, frozen and processed. Would be good for you to acknowledge these topics in future
I was thinking that too. The menu was far too extensive. I’d rather have a smaller menu with food cooked to order.
The whole art of wok cooking is pre preparation! This doesn’t usually mean frozen or processed.
Watch some video’s on Chinese wok cooking. Everything is pre chopped, sauces ready to go. Their wok burners are ridiculous, they are like jet engines, food cooks in a few minutes.
Having said that, they will velvet their meat with baking soda, use tons of MSG, loads of seed oils. Wouldn’t say it’s healthy.
It's definitely not,
Howay Gaz 😀
Hi Wayne
I went to this place years ago as a student because I'd heard about the rudeness. They brought the wrong order and when I told the waiter he said "eat it anyway". Then when I paid the bill he said "don't come back!". It was a bit of a laugh because we were expecting it. Overly attentive service can be just as off putting as bad service. When they keep topping up your wine, interrupting your conversation to ask if everything is ok etc. It makes me remember a scene in a film called Butterfield 8 with Liz Taylor where she's having a conversation with a guy and the waiters keep fussing over them until the guy finally snaps and shouts "GET LOST WE"RE TALKING!".
Great story but I haven’t seen that film Jason 👍
No income tax no vat no money back no guarantee.......
Haha 😂😂 very good ! OFAH
😂
Great review as usual
Glad you enjoyed it
Enjoyed, that video thank you Gary!
Next time try Dim Sum and Duck in King's Cross!
I highly reccomend, amazing Chinese food!!
Thanks for the tips!
It's probably been 28 years but as soon as I saw the 1st 5 seconds of this video I knew it had to be Wongkei's.
I remember they threw our joke tip back at us when we were teenagers. Another thing i remember is looking out the back window from one of the top floor toilets, i can only assume i was looking at bins full of compostable leftovers.
One thing people need to realise when walking into a place like this is that it is "fast food" People expect classic restaurant service but really it's a fast food place with service. Consider this when eating in such an establishment. The food is always great, the service depends on how busy they are, which time of day / week and how you and other customers are "acting" Rude, drunk etc.
You should give it extra points for affordability and accessibility. They almost always have a table for you and it's right in the middle of Soho!
I’ve heard it was hilarious before
Good honest review. Great vid.
Thank you very much
I saw 'deep fried intestines' as a chef's special on the menu board on the outside window and was hoping you might choose that! The food you ordered looked alright to me.Good review.
Lol I didn't even see that Adrian wow
@@GaryEats It just boggles the mind to think how any chef could make that dish look appetising and edible to any customer that's all.At least liver,kidneys and tripe can be served on a plate with some finesse but intestines is a whole new challenge!
I've had the deep fried intestines as in this place. They're really t good when they are piping not and crispy but as they cool down the texture isn't great. I'd have them again as long as there were 3 or 4 people sharing that dish. That said there are are loads of things on the menu that I prefer.
Great Video,i hope more places insist on Cash,contacless payment works in cities(sometimes) but in the sticks connection issues can affect it,Take Moolah to Cornwall Gary.
I'm happy with either Ian and can't wait
Thanks for the review Gary. It does matter to me that the staff are polite and welcoming but it is an interesting question you ask - is it really that important? I think I would feel uncomfortable if they were rude and it would spoil the experience. I'm glad your visit went well though. 😊
Completely understand that 👍🏼
ive got to hand it to you gary you definately try a varied array of places to eat. i remember wong kei from when i lived in london in the 80s/90s...its famous for its rudeness (ie in/order/eat/out) and great affordable food with big portions.....i wouldnt want it any other way and hope it never changes
Thanks Annie, a completely new cuisine coming tomorrow/Sunday
Fair play for giving the chilli oil a go Garry🙊
I’d like some of that with crispy duck myself. Nice review bud. Phil.
Thank you and have a superb weekend