While heading for Shangxiajiu Road (上下九路), we alighted at Changshou Lu Station (长寿路站) and exited via Hengbao Plaza (恒宝广场). Hengbao Plaza, located along Bao Hua Road (宝华路), is a shopping mall with interesting retail mix. We had our lunch at a restaurant called Man Fu Cheng (满福城), which we thought were the best in the building.
A waitress greeted us, ushered us to a table and served us hot chrysanthemum tea. At that time, the restaurant was very warm. Because of the hot tea, we were feeling hotter. Drinking the chrysanthemum tea did not make us feel any cooler.
After a short while, we were ready to make an order and tried very hard to attract the waitresses' attention by raising my hands vigorously. Finally, one of the waitresses noticed us. Subsequent experiences made me feel that it was a norm for waitresses to be unfriendly. We ordered five dishes, mainly dim sum and waited excited to try the first Guangzhou dishes since our arrival. We spent a total amount of RMB111 for two persons.
Beef Brisket vermicelli (牛腩米线) was served first. From the first look, it looked very simple - a few slices of beef brisket, vegetables, vermicelli and wonton soup. At first bite, I was totally swooned over the rich broth and al dente noodles. I loved it immensely. After this dish, I was looking forward for the rest of the dishes. (Food Rating: 4/5)
I love fried carrot cake. Without fail, I had to order a plate of Spicy Fried Carrot Cake with XO Sauce [(辣的) 彩丝XO炒萝卜糕] at Man Fu Cheng. Unlike our local carrot cakes, this carrot cake had white carrot cake strips. It gave a crunchy texture. The spicy XO sauce (mainly made from dried scallop and chilli) was then cooked with the carrot cakes. It was perfectly cooked - crispy on the crust and soft in the inside. (Food Rating: 4/5)
In-house Celery Shrimp Dumpling（满福城芹香虾饺皇) was a disappointment. Having eaten shrimp dumplings in Singapore restaurants, we came with higher expectations. We thought that the dumplings would definitely blow our minds away. When it was served, the prawns were tough and did not taste fresh. I could not taste celery too. (Food Rating: 2/5)
Fresh Prawn Crab Shao Mai King (鲜虾蟹子烧卖皇) was another disappointment. When I read some websites and blogs, shrimp dumplings and shao mai are two of the popular snacks that we must try. Apparently, both shrimp dumpling and shao mai were below our expectations. The prawns at the top of the shao mai did not taste fresh. Instead of minced meat, fish paste was used. The Shao Mai somehow lacked taste. (Food Rating: 2/5)
Top-notch Egg Custard Bun (皇牌流汁金沙包) had the similar taste as any regular Egg Custard Bun. I liked the taste of the sweet steamed bun. The egg custard made from duck yolk. It was equally delicious. (Food Rating: 2.5/5)
If you think that the Barbecue Pork Bun will be the same as in Singapore, think again. We ordered a serving of Honey Barbecue Meat Bun（蚝皇蜜汁叉烧包). When the buns arrived, we realised that it was different from back home. Looking at the picture, it was as much meat as you get. It was sweet but the sweetness was indescribable. I must say that it was an interesting bun. (Food Rating: 2.5/5)
Man Fu Lou Restaurant (满福城)
✓ ijustwantfood Critics’ Pick ｜ ★★
★
133, Baohua Road, Hengbao Plaza, Level 3, Liwan, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, 510175
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Atmosphere A simple restaurant with many locals having tea with dim sum.
Sound You can chat with your friend without losing your voice. But you can also hear your neighbour's conversation with shouting.
Recommended Dishes Spicy Carrot Cake with XO Sauce
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Price $ (affordable)
Open -
Reservations No reservations allowed
What the Stars Mean Ratings range from zero to four stars. Zero is poor, fair or satisfactory. One star, good. Two stars, very good. Three stars, excellent. Four stars, extraordinary.
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