I have just discovered a local Yum Cha that is comparable to those in the City. Rhodes Phoenix is neatly tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Rhodes Shopping Centre (also home to giant outlet Ikea). It is the 4th child of the Phoenix Restaurants family, the other siblings being Sky Phoenix, Hilltop Phoenix and Manly Phoenix; so I suppose it's success isn't really that surprising.
Marketed to Westerners, among the 500 seats are projector screens of cartoons and sport matches... these are entertaining yet frustrating since the chatter around the restaurant means the shows have to be played mute. The furnishings aren't the usual chandelier with masses of gold and red either... there were dark mahogany cabinets, spotlight lighting and dark drapes. English speaking staff helped a lot also.
First up was the classic Har Gow. These were prepared the traditional way with whole prawns, wrapped in a perfect -not too thick or sticky rice flour sheet.
Another traditional item was the Ham Sui Gok... not as big or crisp as I've previously had, but still it was sublimely filled with a mixture of pork mince, shitake mushrooms, bamboo and black fungus.
The Fung Jeow was absolutely divine. It was so tender and smooth... I think this absolutely exceeded standards... it's the best i've had :-)
Sui Mai... what can I say? It's the usual meaty dumpling... I ordered this dish for the man, as he likes his meats... haha! The prawn toast was a childhood delicacy. Fried on top of toast, I loveee everything about it -the crunch, the prawn paste, the sesame bits... mMmMm...
The desserts at yum cha have evolved in the recent years. Thumbs up to the fusion inspired Green Tea and Coconut Jelly, and the Mango Pudding.
Be sure to go early on weekends as it queues up.
Rhodes Phoenix
Level 5, Rhodes Shopping Centre
I laughed out loud when I saw the prawn toast, because normally when I get it, there isn't actually a prawn on it - it's more "prawn flavoured toast". Looks like it's the real deal there - and all that food looks delicious - except I'd probably not try to chicken feet.
Hey again,
I love Yum Cha just the atmosphere of a busy restaurant and great tiny foods. Its weird I never see Ham Sui Gok on the internet but its very common in sydney as far as I know. Maybe they dont have it much overseas.
Great photos btw.
Hey Katie - Haha! I stopped eating chicken feet for a while because of what it was... but Rhodes Phoenix does it really well so I'd recommend you to give it a try. And yup, there were whole prawns in the prawn dumplings too! :-D
Thanks Daniel - I think the Ham Sui Gok have various spellings... you might even find it under 'fried football'!
I'd eat any chicken feet anytime, they're the best =)
Next time try the mango pancake its to die for with fresh cream
Hi it's me again! :)
I totally had to visit Rhodes Phoenix, I went today (the carpark in rhodes is HORRIBLE). It was close to closing time but all the food was still fresh and great. Had all my usuals plus some really nice shredded beef.
On top of that I visited the sushi place across from phoenix called Tomodachi, it was very authentic and very nice. Also hosting a things like ramen, soba and sake.
Oh and lastly I tried a Taro and Red Bean ice drink, tasted like taro cakes but kinda sickly after awhile.
Thanks again for the great tip I recommend Phoenix to anyone else who is thinking about it.
Hi Jimmy - yes, chicken feet are good aren't they? I have to admit that I've had a few bad experiences with it though! Sometimes they can be loaded with black bean sauce or simply dull and dry.
Hi Mongie - I love the mango pancake too! Haven't tried it at Rhodes Phoenix but plenty of other yum cha restaurants serve this too. Splendid.
Hey Daniel - That's a lot of food for one morning! Haha... I'm glad you've enjoyed Rhodes Phoenix.
I've been to the Tomodachi at Rhodes several times but find that it's Broadway restaurant is a lot better in terms of quality and quantity.
Rhodes Phoenix food is really good but they really need to sort out the waiting/ticket system when they are busy
I have to try this one! i went to the one in the city and throught it was average!
I'm not a fan of Tomodachi, I am always slighly disturbed when i see kimchi on a Japanese restaurant's menu lol!