T-Chow Chinese Restaurant, Adelaide

Article Type: Adelaide Reviews, SA Reviews |

The heart of Adelaide’s Chinatown in Gouger Street sits T-Chow. On of three ‘chow’ restaurants (Ky Chow, Ying Chow and T-Chow) and despite the similar names they are unrelated. This area is also home to the wonderful Adelaide Central Market and numerous other eateries offering (obviously) Chinese but also Thai (Star of Siam especially), Vietnamese and the omni-present Italian.

T-Chow is located on Moonta Street (just off from Gouger Street). It’s large glass entrance and windows offer an interesting view of people passing by with bags and boxes of vegetables and other essentials. Inside, T-Chow looks like a large karaoke bar with tables – it’s even complete with a stage. Be reassured however, in the many times I have visited there has never been a show. The ambience is very casual and the décor is dated. However forget the décor – you are here for the food!

Being open seven days for lunch and dinner (until 12:30AM) is one of T-Chow’s biggest draw cards. When almost every other place in town has closed you’re sure to be able to get a great feed here

A large specials board dominates one wall. The specials are written in both Chinese and English on coloured paper. Typical specials might include steamed wrasse fillets, Chinese delicacies (such as duck intestine) and green pepper crocodile fillets.

On a lazy Sunday lunch, first was the “fresh cooked prawns� ($12.80). The prawns are in shell, poached and served with a soy, shallot, ginger and chilli dipping sauce. This is a hands on dish so prepare to get messy! The prawns were sweet, fragrant and not at all earthy. No finger bowl was offered and with just a paper napkin it was a little awkward.

“Salt and pepper bugs� ($28.80), “Spicy T-Chow Mapo Beancurd� and “Broadbean and minced pork� were enjoyed next. The bugs at almost $30 is one of the most expensive mains offered – and for this is should be almost flawless. Unfortunately, the bugs were not handled well. The meat stuck to the shell, lacking in moisture and there was almost no texture to speak of. If you’re in the mood for “salt and pepper� stick with prawns or the delicious spare ribs.

The beancurd on the other hand was delicious. Flavours of ginger, pork, mushroom, chilli and a chicken stock were well balanced. Soft beancurd melted in the mouth. Stylistically, the broad beans were quite similar to the mapo beancurd. However, the firmer texture of the beans and the refreshing dried shrimp made it an entirely different experience. These two dishes were the highlights.

Admittedly, T-Chow is not the place to go with Grandma, but for great value and fine Chinese delicacies it’s hard to beat. Forget the surroundings and focus on the good food. T-Chow sees me coming back regularly.

 

Summary

Atmosphere: Come for the food, not the atmosphere - casual, noisy and fun.
The Bill: Mains range from $9.00 through to $28.00. Great value!
Award: No roos - but I’ll be back.

 

Contact and Restaurant Details

T Chow
Moonta Street (off Gouger Street)
Adelaide

P:  (08) 8410 1413

Open: Seven days lunch (12-3PM) and dinner (5PM-12:30AM)

 

Added to Rooview on May 8, 2005