Star rating: *** Sharon Walters went seeking a break from Christmas fare and found the ideal solution with an Oriental alternative.
The period between Christmas and New Year can be a little heavy going - you’ve had lots of rich food to eat and may be feeling lethargic.
You want to eat something but nothing too heavy, perhaps something lighter.
The solution? Try a Chinese.
So off we went to Ludlow in the ‘tween time’, to the Top Chef Takeaway and Restaurant in Upper Galdeford.
I have had a number of takeaways from this venue, and have always been pleased. And I have eaten in the restaurant once before, again an enjoyable experience.
The dining room is up above the takeaway and is pleasant if a little minimalist.
While downstairs the staff are oriental, upstairs we are waited on by a young local man - unusual in a Chinese establishment - who can only take orders by the number! Probably the best way in any event.
A large basket of freshly prepared prawn crackers are brought along with the menus. We order drinks and try to decide what to eat from the fairly lengthy menu - decisions, decisions.
I eventually decide not to be greedy and dip out of the starter while son Alex goes for deep-fried, stuffed crab claws (£4).
Four piping hot claws arrived with lemon and lettuce but Alex found that, while they were tasty, they were a little dry. He requested some chilli sauce and a bowl quickly appeared. “Perfect” he said after his first ‘dip’.
Neil had chicken-and-sweetcorn soup (£3) which was served in a large tureen filled almost to the top. A little daunting but it was a perfect Chinese soup, he judged, with plenty of chunks of chicken and just enough sweetcorn.
Into the main courses and I had a chicken chow mein (£7). I love noodles and they did not disappoint in this dish. The chicken came in a light sauce with vegetables including baby sweetcorn, onions and mangetout, and there was a pile of delicious noodles and bamboo shoots.
Alex had to help me out clearing the plate as he also tucked into his own plateful of Kung Po Sam Sim (£12) - a spicy seafood selection of scallops, squid and king prawns.
None of the fish was overcooked and he thoroughly enjoyed the mixture.
He also ordered a portion of egg-fried rice (£2.50), as did Neil. Mistake. The portions are huge and one will certainly feed two healthy appetities!
Neil had sweet-and-sour chicken Cantonese style (£8). Juicy pieces of chicken were served in a light batter and a lovely sauce that was not too cloying, as many sweet-and-sour sauces can be.
Top Chef certainly doesn’t stint on either the quality of its fish and meat or the quantity, and applies a real lightness of touch in the preparation that makes all the difference.
Chinese restaurants often make the mistake of being too heavy handed with various spices and sauces when there is really no need. A hint is enough in the majority of cases - not a whole pot or
bottle.
The pity is we were the only people in there eating, as indeed we were the last time we visited. While we don’t mind being on our own, we didn’t get much of an atmosphere.
There is a good choice of meals for vegetarians and anyone wanting English food can also get a choice including the usual offerings of steak and chips and chicken and chips.
Set dinners are also offered and drinks are most reasonably priced.
Tip: Take the window table if available - you get a great view of the to-ings and
fro-ings in Upper Galdeford and on a
Saturday night it is highly entertaining!
contact details
Top Chef, Lower Galdeford, Ludlow
01584 878886
MENU SAMPLE
Starters
Dim sum platter for two - spare ribs, mini spring rolls, king prawn rolls, sesame prawn toasts and seaweed (£8); crispy samosa (£3.50);
steamed prawn dumplings served with oriental sweet vinegar (£5).
Main courses
Beef with ginger and spring onions (£7.80);
crispy duck with plum sauce (£11);
Singapore chow mein (£8).
Sides
Egg fried rice (£2.50); soft noodles (£3);
bamboo shoots and water chestnuts (£3.50);
stir-fried beansprouts £3.50).
ATMOSPHERE
We visited on a very quiet night so there was little to judge on atmopshere.
SERVICE
Good and courteous.
DISABLED FACILITIES
No disabled facilities.
One Comment
I use the takeaway service at Topchef quite frequently and I have always found the food to be second to none.
I have always been disappointed though whenever I have eaten in. The order always seems to take an age to arrive, 45 minutes from order to starter last time, even though we were the only customers in the resteraunt.
Again the food is fantastic and I cannot rate it highly enough but Topchef do need to work on the service in the resteraunt.