We were looking for a new place to eat and Lugang Cafe caught our eyes because it is full of people. We were just checking the area when a man went to us and assisted us. He showed us the menu and he was so accommodating that we almost went in. But because I heard that it’s a Taiwanese restaurant and I’m scared of trying something new, we didn’t go inside. 😟 We went to other restaurants instead and checked on their menu but since I prefer to eat rice, we still chose Lugang Cafe. 😊
According to its Facebook page, Lugang Cafe is based in Shanghai, a part of Bellagio Management Group.
When we went back, the man welcomed us again. We told him that we need to be somewhere spacious since we have a stroller; plus the fact that me and our toddler are both claustrophobic. He personally took care of us, suggested what food to order, and checked on us once in awhile. Great customer service right? 😄
Now enough of him, let me give you more review per category :
1. Interior and Furniture (9/10) : Yes it looks simple and homey outside but once you go in, you’ll feel the class and elegance of the place. There are mini chandeliers, mirrors and steels everywhere and they were able to incorporate it as an elegant decor. The place looked bigger because of the mirrors. Their chairs are very comfortable and I love how sturdy their tables are (just because I hate moving tables). 😂 I also like the idea that we can see the chefs while cooking. It served as an entertainment for me and my kids. 😁 Their place is cold and approved by my husband and kids. Happy boys = happy mom.
2. Menu and Kitchenware (9/10) : Because I’m OC, I love their idea of having 2 different menus for the main dish and their desserts. Though I wasn’t able to take a photo of the other menu, their food options (both main dishes and desserts) are too many to mention. They have a wide array of food selection to drool over. 😃 They have chopsticks and spoon/fork if needed. The downside is that their glasses are small and we need to ask a lot of times for more water (then again their glasses are not as small as the cups we had in Tuan-Tuan). At least their kitchenware are all made of glasses and looked squeaky clean.
3. Food (10/10) : Let the photos speak for themselves.
Siomai (shrimp and pork in one) : it’s a “one-of-a-kind siomai” : soft, tasty and the shrimps are absolutely perfect! The sauce isn’t that salty and the presentation is too classy to ignore.
Beef with Broccoli and Mushroom Buttons : Ohhh! The best beef with broccoli I’ve tried so far; it’s not salty and it has a spicy taste that I really love. The ratio of the sauce, meat, and vegetables are just right. The beef and vegetables are cooked well. The food is presented nicely since the sizzling plate is placed on another “plate.” Im such a fan of cleanliness and organized things. 😂
Fried Rice : Their rice isn’t that expensive but the serving isn’t too generous as well. It has pork, carrots, egg, etc. I was surprised to see my toddler eat it. Woah! He had 1/3 cup of rice and was able to finish 1/2 glass of their strawberry yogurt shake (Im sorry I wasn’t able to take a photo since my son digged in already).
Kung Pao Prawns (with sauce) : It’s their own version of schezuan shrimp but with lesser and thicker sauce. The sauce is very tasty and again not at all salty. At first I was thinking, “Why is the serving too small?” But when I saw the BIG SHRIMPS — my thoughts started to shut on its own. 😌
I haven’t tasted the wonton soup since I’m not a fan of “hot” food but I was able to try the “siomai” in it, and for me, it’s something worth trying.
4. Servers/Staff (9/10) : Their servers are nice and was able to get the orders accurately and quickly. They greet each customers with “Ni Hao!” then after hearing it my son said, “that’s what Kai Lan says!” Hahaha! 😆 I deducted one point because I didn’t like how some men servers stare at us while eating and I can’t eat with someone staring. Though they may be checking on us if we need anything, there’s this one server who keeps on staring even though our orders are already complete. 😧 One thing I noticed is that another server keeps on getting our plates without even asking if we’re already done eating it. Our helper is still eating when a server took the plate that has a few vegetables on it. But since the server took it, she doesn’t want to make a big deal out of it and let it pass. I just hope that next time, servers would ask their customers before getting the plates. While there were few bad comments, the best about them is how fast they take orders and re-check if you already got it (one thing that Tuan-Tuan doesn’t have). They leave the order slip on your table and check once in awhile if you already got all your orders or if you ordered something new. They won’t stop passing by and re-checking the slip until your orders are complete! This is something new and I’m very impressed. Hands down! 👏
5. Co-Owner (11/10) : Definitely gave us an extraordinary experience. He made us feel welcome, special and his smile is contagious — makes me smile everytime I see him. I remember asking him if he is the owner and he said, “Ummm…” then I said, “co-owner?” I asked again, “manager?” then he said, “sometimes I’m the dish washer, manager, everything.” It made me laugh. 😆 Would definitely go back and look for him again. I wasn’t able to get his name but he’s one of the nicest restaurateur I’ve ever met. I hope all businessmen are like him. He was able to take care of everyone and treated everybody fairly. It’s not everyday that we see someone like him. 😉 Though he is one of the reasons why Lugang Cafe is already our favorite Taiwanese restaurant, their food is definitely as great as his treatment to his customers. I salute you Sir! Overall, we give this experience a 10/10. A perfect experience deserves a perfect rate.
To make the experience even better, Lugang Cafe has a promo for the graduates : “Newly graduates will receive a FREE basket of the famous Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao when you dine at any of their restaurants from March 16-31, 2015 with any proof of graduating this month. This is for dine in transactions only.”
For more details, please visit : Lugang Cafe.
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