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Atmosphere, value, taste... it's a winner!
Red Door Antiques Cafe 1-3 McIlwrick St, Windsor (off Chapel St)
In a relaxed environment that's the love child of old Shanghai and a chinese laundry with an antique shop as a distant cousin, Red Door Antiques and Yum Cha is a combination of Yum Cha cafe and furniture gallery. Eat from the table then take it home as a memento!
The ambience is subdued with individual settings for 2, 4 or 6 discretely divided by Chinese screens or pieces of furniture the key word is individualism, each setting is different.With the exception of the co-owner (who lived in China for many years) all other staff are Chinese which adds to the oriental feel. All are very friendly, willing to chat and make you feel at home. In fact, that's the feature of the welcoming environment: more like being in a home than a busy cafe.
If you like laid back service in slightly ecclectic surrounds Red Door will suit you well. Service is friendly, efficient and well paced: not too fast or slow. They key is in the style of food: small amounts served regularly.
Specialising in Yum Cha (Dim Sum) there is a wide selection of authentic Chinese dumplings, buns and noodles with other specialties such as steamed chicken rice in lotus leaf. Don't be intimidated, if you are not sure what to order just ask for sugestions or leave it to the chef to provide her selections.
Everything is steamed, nothing fried, and each dish is freshly prepared on ordering. In true Dim Sum fashion, deserts are sweet steamed buns of cocount custard, lotus seed or red bean.
For value it can't be beaten, you'll pay around $20 per head for an extensive selection which will leave you very satisfied. With seemingly little advertising the Red Door Cafe is very busy and guests almost always seem to be returning again and again (myself included). This is always a good sign!
Be warned, booking are strongly advised because of it's popularity and the kitchen closes early... last new orders at 9.00pm.
For Chinese food without the laminex, bright lights and fried food, this is excellent value and highly recommended.
