Unless you live in the area or are visiting the ExCel Centre it is highly unlikely that you’ll ever stumble across China Palace ExCel; however, it’s a good lunchtime spot if you’re entertaining clients during one of the many trade and consumer shows hosted here.

The Venue
Neighbouring the ExCel Centre, nestled against the Docks, the setting for China Palace ExCel is an appealing one. The restaurant itself is tucked down some stairs, sitting just below the ExCel Centre and is located through a rather dour, nondescript doorway. Once inside, however, you’ll find a large, airy space that’s been styled to complement the theme of the cuisine. There are plenty of white, crisp tablecloth-bedecked tables scattered around of varying sizes. Whilst settling in, you may spy one of a handful of signs advertising the karaoke but luckily you won’t be ‘treated’ to a rendition over lunch.

The Atmosphere
As one of only a few restaurants located within a stone’s throw of the ExCel Centre, during the shows the dining room is busy and has a pleasant buzz about it. Trade shows pull in groups schmoozing clients over a meal whilst consumer shows dictate the types of people eating in – be they car enthusiasts, golfers or fashionistas. There is also a contingent of Chinese diners, which recommends the quality of the food on offer.

Unfortunately, the staff aren’t the friendliest and sometimes can act like you’re doing them an imposition if you ask for a refill or an additional dish. Service is also on the slow side and you may be waiting a while between your starter and main course if you’re in a large group.

The Food
The food at China Palace ExCel is good, the portions are large and the prices are reasonable. There are two menus, one with traditional Chinese dishes and the other comprising entirely of dim sum. There are also a selection of set menus that offer good value for money.

For appetisers, the spring rolls (£4.50) are crisp and generously filled without being too greasy. The prawn toast (£6.50) is equally well cooked with a strong depth of flavour from the prawns and sesame seeds. The seaweed (£4.50) is well portioned and can easily satisfy a group. The duck pancakes comprises a fatty but flavoursome portion of moist duck (from a quarter to a whole) with a sweet but not sickly hoi sin sauce and thin pancakes with cucumber. Again, a half duck is more than sufficient as a starter for a group as the portions are on the bigger side.

For main courses, there are some unusual options like sea cucumbers and abalone, lobster and frog legs alongside dishes more commonly found on Chinese menus like chicken, pork, beef and vegetarian dishes. If you’re playing it safe, the sweet and sour chicken (£7.50) is a little too sickly sweet but there is a good amount of tender chicken pieces in batter and the portion is large. Eaten with fluffy rice (ordered separately) it’s a filling dish. For something more exciting, the scallops with ginger and spring onions (£10.80) is an excellent dish with lots of large, plump scallops cooked well to avoid any unpleasant jelly-like texture in the middle. The ginger is subtle and works well with the crunch of the spring onions to bring out the flavour of the scallops.

Also good is the squid with chilli and black bean sauce (£9.50). The squid is perfectly cooked to the ideal texture and isn’t at all rubbery and the chilli adds a nice heat to each mouthful, although the sauce is a little cloying. However, the highlight of the menu is the steamed sea bass with ginger and spring onions. The whole sea bass arrives, and the meaty white flakes of fish come away from the bones with ease. It’s certainly the way to go to evoke food envy in your fellow diners.

The Drink
The wine list is comprehensive with most bottles priced under £20. Beer, a strong choice of spirits including some premium bottles and the usual soft drinks, teas and juices make up the rest of the selection.

The Last Word
China Palace ExCel is a good option if you’re heading to the ExCel Centre or live nearby; however, it’s not a destination venue and it’s not worth making the trip especially to visit. It’s enough to satisfy clients when out schmoozing.

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