Kaifeng - Barnet

We were in London for a few days and we were really looking forward to eating in this restaurant. I had been previously many many years ago but not with my family. On arrival, we were ‘greeted’ by this sour bunch of three ladies, one who confirmed our reservation, one who took our coats and one who showed us to the table. We were put off by this but we were looking forward to our meal so we simply ignored this. Once we saw the exorbitant menu prices (around £29 per dish), we decided to just order a main course only to be asked by the waitress, “is that it? That’s all you are going to order?” What we decide to order is our choice and do not expect to be ‘judged’ by a waitress! Again, we decided to ‘brush this off’ and ordered our meal. To describe this as a ‘meal’ is an understatement! The chicken in black bean sauce had maybe 6 small pieces of chicken, perhaps 50g at most. This was spongy and with no texture at all. I can honestly say that if I ate it blindfolded I would never guess that it was chicken! The spare ribs came absolutely drowned in a thick gloopy sauce and the meat was like a rubber boot and again with not enough to feed a kitten and the fried rice was way undercooked and hard. At this point I had had enough and decided to ask for the owner/manager. Two or three servers came in turn before the actual owner decided to grace us with his presence. At no point did I raise my voice as I had no intention of disturbing other diners. The owner, Norman his name was berated us in a loud voice that he had over 40 years experience in the restaurant business and that no one had ever complained about his food and that he only served prime cuts. He also said that this was kosher food and that we had no idea what kosher food was all about!! We eat kosher at home and when we eat out and he had no right whatsoever to judge us like this! All the other customers were now staring at us making the situation highly embarrassing to say the least! HE then literally threw us out of the restaurant. Looking at the reviews here on Tripadvisor I can clearly see that other people HAVE complained and rightly so, and shared similar experiences to ours. Norman, if you ever read this (and I think you should) please take heed. I will post this review on Tripadvisor and on all Kosher restaurant review sites I can find! Shame on you and shame on your establishment!

We went for a family lunch on 25th December. The service and food were excellent. The restaurant was full but not crowded. The decor was light and elegant. The service was wonderful, despite there being 4 sittings, we were not rushed and the food for each course arrived in good time. We ordered from the set menu and supplemented it with some a la carte items. Nothing was too much trouble for the team serving us they were very attentive but not intrusive. I can highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely add it to my list of favourites.

We have been coming to this restaurant since the late 1980s. This visit was very disappointing. The prices had gone up substantially the portions had shrunk inversely to the increase in the price. The signature dish, fried chilli beef was All batter and had no meat in it at all, at least that could be identified . The noodles were mediocre. The other two main portions were very good. Prices have gone up generally, but this restaurant has taken advantage of the fact.

Service was excellent .Food was delicious and plentiful. Prices were a bit high but well worth paying.

I was there last week ordered with 5 other people 6 dishes they were perfect and not dry as others have commented! Staff were great! Mr Hans was perfect! Ambience was excellent. We received a discount! I believe without a doubt this is the best chinese kosher restaurant in England!