Chikayan

I have been to a few all you can eat Chinese restaurants in my time…in fact a lot more than a few. The usual deal is the classic buffet, you take a plate and fight with other customers over the last slightly mauled bits of your (and everyone else’s) favourite dishes. Even worse I would be staring at an empty dish with other hungry diners waiting for it to be replaced.

Chikayan is a refreshing change, their all you can eat offering is served plate by plate, fresh and to order at your table.

And what a difference it makes!

The all you can eat menu is a limited version of their a la carte, but there is plenty on it to get your mouth watering and satiate your Chinese craving.

I started with BBQ spare ribs but didn’t get those tiny little ones you expect in Chinese restaurants, oh no, I got two full size ribs mildly flavoured and falling off the bone with a sweet dipping sauce. Good start so far.

As a lover of all things smoky I ordered the smoked chicken which was tasty with a good (not greasy) batter sprinkled with chopped spring onion and green chilli. I got a decent size portion too.

My partner ordered the Chiu Yim tofu, tofu pieces with a lovely crisp tempura style batter again with chopped spring onion and green chilli. A very tasty veggie-or-not option.

Next was a must have classic duck pancakes. Again a good portion size (about a quarter of a duck) with fresh steamed pancakes and the usual accompaniments. You really notice with duck if it’s been hanging around too long getting all dry and scraggily, but this was definitely not the case here. Moist meat and crispy skin…you really can’t argue with that!

Moving on to the main course I went for crispy shredded beef with red chilli, this was the only thing I ate which didn’t get me excited. A bit dry and although I know with this dish you normally think “where’s the beef” but this was an extreme case, mostly batter but I admit still tasty.

To counter this I picked from their “mix and match” main course list, prawns in Szechuan sauce. Instantly on feeling the texture of fresh cooked prawns in my mouth, my faith in Chikayan was restored! It is a rare thing indeed at an all you can eat to not end up with chewy overcooked or precooked prawns.

My partner opted for aubergine in black bean sauce and it was delicious. A real classic for me and they executed it very well indeed.

The egg fried rice we ordered on the side was easily enough for two people and was perfect.

Washed down with a couple of Tsingtao beers (not included in the price), it was a very good meal and for the price, £16.00 per person available daily (£18 on Saturdays), you really can’t go wrong.

The atmosphere and service was very good easily matching the quality of the food, I had no issue paying their 10% service charge.

So Chikayan has changed my perception of what all you can eat could and should be.

To think all that great freshly cooked food with attentive staff and a warm vibe and I didn’t have to get up out of my chair once.

Very good I like Arts, buffet restaurant quality of food for a Chinese Oriental restaurant mediocre, but you pay for the quality you get something from the in a list of à la cart dishes, you can order as many times as you like starters, soups, middle courses and main meals Particular member of staff needs to improve customer service skills. Seems like I had gone back to restaurant in Chinatown where they are rude to you on purpose. But I would recommend anyone in the North London, Bushey Harrow area, looking for a cheap and cheerful Chinese meal to come here

Food was excellent, service efficient, helpful and discreet. Friendly atmosphere that is calm and relaxing. Definitely going back.

Love Chikayan, Connie and small her team work hard to keep guests happy. The food is great and special needs and requests are always met. A lovely experience in Bushey.

I have only tried their take away, food is good and portions very decent. Looking forward to a dine in experience.

Really nice food. Fair price. Good staff. I would like to go again.