663676 Sat Oct 31 04:45:11 -0700 2009 8 42 U.K./Ireland 0 5144686 Had dinner with 5 others at Baozi Inn - first visit for all of us. We started off with three baozi, which I am sad to say, were pretty disappointing. The pork baozi had a tough exterior dough, with an unattractive lump of meat inside, reminiscent of an overcooked hamburger. They had clearly just been microwaved, so some bits were quite hot, while others were only lukewarm. The egg/chive baozi was not great either - same heat evenness problems, and the filling was just kinda boring. I imagine that when these are fresh, they are better....or at least I would hope so, given the name of the restaurant. From here, the food got better. The best thing we tried were the crescent dumplings with chili oil, which wasn't very spicy, but had a good balance of salty and sweet, and the dumplings were cooked perfectly and fresh. Cold mung bean noodles were also good, and pretty spicy. The combination of flavors here was very reminiscent of what I ate in China, although flavors overall were a bit more muted. Dan dan mein was decent, and if I was in the mood and in the area again, I'd certainly go back for it. Cold noodles with sweet sauce were pretty nice as well, sauce also included peanuts. The non-spicy beef noodle soup was pretty good, and serving size was generous. The broth was reminiscent of Vietnamese beef pho. Finally, I also had a bite of the Beijing style noodles, which had a sweet brown sauce. These were pretty good as well. Based on what I tried, and what I saw coming to other tables, it looks like the best things here are the noodle soups (we didn't get to try the Sichuan Beef Noodle Soup, which the waiter had recommended) and other big noodle dishes, which provide the best value. We *were* in Chinatown on a Friday night....but, even considering that, service was RUSHED. After we ordered, our food came out in less than 5 minutes. They attempted to clear plates before we had finished all the food (at one point the waitress asked if we were done with a dish as she reached out to take it away, and I had to exclaim "No!" so I could have a chance to eat the rest of it) We were not asked if we wanted anything else, or dessert, and the check came immediately. First time ever in London that I've been provided the check without requesting it. We were in and out of the restaurant in exactly 25 minutes. To be fair, there *was* a queue of people waiting. But I do think it's reasonable for a restaurant to allow a party of six to spend more than 30 minutes eating their meal. So, I probably wouldn't rush to go back, but if I wanted a quick and inexpensive meal in Chinatown, I might return. Dave MP Sat Oct 31 04:45:11 -0700 2009 21930 Dave MP 1 5145706 Having read some pretty good reviews of this place,we made a brief visit straight after a very good meal at Ba Shan, another part of the group. It could not be classed as a proper meal as we only had the one dish to get a flavor of the place, so to speak. One thing that came across was the brusque service, followed by the sticky tables and hard uncomfortable stools to sit on. The place itself is pretty basic with Chairman Mao prints on the wall and poor quality fixtures and fittings. The Hotpot dish we tried was ok, but nothing like the quality of the Ba Shan dishes we had just eaten,even though the pricing is similar If you want a QUICK fix of sezchuan food, give it a try although I have to admit that we won't be rushing back there. Sat Oct 31 16:01:29 -0700 2009 5144686 281034 fat boy slim 2 5146214 Who was their interior designer? Mao prints on the walls??? Combined with how the service sounds, I'm staying clear of this one. Sun Nov 01 00:09:33 -0700 2009 5145706 11939 zuriga1 3 5146270 I wouldn't write it off...I took my Mum and son as Szechuan novices and a) we had a good time and b) managed a full hour! That could have had something to do with Mum charming the staff though...we had the baozi which were OK (though I probably prefer the ones from the little street stall opposite), crescent dumplings in broth which was LOVELY and we were given spoons on request to drink the stock afterwards, dragon dumplings in chilli (good), ma po tofu (not as a good as mine, natch ;)) and dan dan mian (good). It's fastish food, yes, and the staff are probably incentivised to turn tables, but a little bit of engagement pays dividends. Or just adopt a Scottish granny for the day... Sun Nov 01 01:55:58 -0700 2009 5146214 1088742 helen b 4 5146278 It sounds like a Scottish granny might just do the trick. I'm an American granny, which seems to come in handy here at times. Maybe I'll give that a try... sounds like you had a good meal. I won't rush to judgement, but I sure do get annoyed by those 'rush jobs.' Sun Nov 01 02:16:28 -0800 2009 5146270 11939 zuriga1 5 5146310 Hopefully it's better if you go on a weeknight. Sun Nov 01 04:06:20 -0800 2009 5146278 21930 Dave MP 5 5146316 Yes, I think you just need to think of them as the equivalent of the ex-Yau bunch. So Bar Shu = Hakkasan ie the fine restaurant, Ba Shan = Yautcha, so the dumpling place, Baozi Inn = Wagamama, so fast noodles, done well. All good, but of their type. Sun Nov 01 04:08:25 -0800 2009 5146278 1088742 helen b 6 5146352 I like how you think and write, helen. This puts everything into very good perspective. I love noodles... even Wagamama doesn't put me off. Sun Nov 01 04:40:49 -0800 2009 5146316 11939 zuriga1 3 5146314 "Disney-fied" Mao themed restaurants had a trendy phase in China. The dumplings (sichuan style ones in a red chilli oil; hong2 you2 chao2 shou3) were quite good at Baozi Inn but I remember most other things to be ordinary. Sun Nov 01 04:08:11 -0800 2009 5146214 10076 limster