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Chinese Cultural Centre Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Chinese Dim Sum Dim Sum [Edit]
88 - 197 1st St SWCalgary, AB T2P 4M4
(403) 457-7806
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
6 reviews for Chinese Cultural Centre Restaurant
6 reviews in English
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Review from Sarah B.
1/5/2012
We went for "Chinese Hot Pot," which is essentially fondue but with flavored broth instead of oil.
I'll tell you, if you're not used to being the minority in Calgary, go here for a healthy dose of minority report! It was nice to be that way for a change!
The food was good, the broths were good, and eating takes a looooong time as you're cooking it all in small portions. The hot pot "all you can eat" was pretty pricy for us at $25, so make sure you're good and hungry, or that it's a special occasion, before going. I see another review says $18. Perhaps we had a higher price because it was New Year's Eve.
We got a special tour and orientation though, as we clearly had no idea what we were doing. Fun experience all around! -
Review from Linda C.
They have $10 dishes for dinner that are very decent (you choose what you want from a large box of items on the menu)
They also have $18pp hot pot w/ bottomless pop and dessert table (unsure prices on a weekend). Both dinner menu and hot pot selection are good. Hot pot can get very busy so make your reservations. For those who don't know what hot pot is (it's like shabu shabu / fondue). Basically there are 2 buffet tables of raw protein and veggies and you grab what you want and how ever much you want and then @ your table you have a butane stove with a pot filled with whatever 'broth' of your choosing (lots to choose from) and you 'fondue' your meat and veggies. At the end of your meal, there's a dessert table with almond cookies, coconut / almond / mango jello, and mango tapioca dessert and maybe even red bean dessert.
Decor is not great, cleanliness is what I've come to expect from Chinese restaurants so it's the norm for me. -
Review from C T.
Calgary, AB
Updated - 10/15/2011
Tried their special $9.99 dim sum buffet only available during week days. I'm not sure how long this special lasts. The dim sum was presented in the buffet but it's all mixed up with no signs. You had to lift the dim sum bamboo steamers up to see what's below or you'll miss it! I didn't get to try my har kau as I missed it! I didn't go back for more 'cos the line was so long.
My conclusion: it's OK, cheap but not finding the things I like to eat! Some of the steamed dumplings had a really thick skin like I reported before. No change there.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/22/2011
We tried the dim sum here. The carts were quick to come once they know you just arrived at the… Read more »
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Review from Wendy P.
1/16/2011
What lies beneath the main floor of the Chinese Cultural Centre here in Calgary? Why, it's a restaurant. In fact, it's a CHINESE food restaurant. Go figure! I know what you're thinking, it was a restaurant once before too. The difference? It's under new ownership.
The Chinese Cultural Centre restaurant may be in a basement, but the space itself is bright and cheery. Red and white are the main colours, with a variety of different pieces adorning the walls. One flat screen tv played kids cartoons while the other across the room was set to the football game. Behind a sliding red and white door there was a banquet room ideal for private functions.
We arrived at 1030 for brunch on a Sunday and did not have an issue getting a table for our party of 6. But by the time we left after noon, it appeared that this restaurant was a popular spot for dim sum.
The food was mighty tasty. Dumplings, steamed buns, tripe, rolls, it all agreed with my belly quite nicely (ok, I didn't actually eat the tripe). Six of us ate for just shy of $60 + tip. Not bad for a dim sum brunch I must say.
The service was above par. Our teapot was replaced a couple of times without us having to ask, the food came out at regular intervals, and the servers were on top of things. The only issue we had was when we asked for another order form. I don't think the woman we spoke to understood what it was we were asking for.
There's no cart service here, but that shouldn't stop you from trying out their dim sum. I know I'll be back.
Four yums up! -
Review from Arc P.
1/17/2011
There are many things to like about this restaurant, which I was lucky enough to visit for Sunday morning dim sum. The decor really works. Red pillars and gold Chinese patterns line the interior. The place is very clean, including the staff. The staff are very professional and friendly. The price is pretty reasonable (paid about $12/person). And it even has a few TVs in the place, which came in handy watching the Sunday morning football game.
However, what puts this place over the top is the food. It tasted fresh, was delicious and even, dare I say it, was well presented and had the right textures. The dumpling whites were snow white and fluffy, the dumpling yellows were golden, the spring rolls had that perfect juicy-crispy texture to it. My sense is someone is paying attention to the quality of the food here. It's one of the few places I've been to where the food looks as good as it tastes. A remarkable feat, hats off!
There is no cart service here, which takes away from the all important visual dim sum experience. However, this may be a place where I don't need see the product before purchase. A first for me ever in a dim sum place.
I know this place has undergone renovations and new ownership, perhaps they are looking to impress. Will be back to see if the quality still persists over time. If they continue this, I'm going to have to up them to five stars! -
Review from Kristy H.
Calgary, AB
1/20/2011
By far the BEST ginger beef I've ever eaten! It actually tasted like ginger! Go figure!!!
I went with a friend for the lunch buffet and it was reasonably priced (about $12 per person).
The restaurant was very clean and the food was hot and fresh, being replentished by the kitchen many times during out brief stay.
They served sushi, classic chinese foods, sweet and sour soup and a wide variety of desserts.
The staff were very friendly and the owner took the time to come talk to us about the dim sum and shabu shabu meals they put on. Cant wait to go back!!!
