@movernie
Kwan Kee Bamboo Noodle is now opened in Markham, Ontario. I heard it’s famous in Hong Kong and it currently creating lots of buzz about this place via social media and heard of the long lineups and all the hype.
I happened to be in the area today at around 5:30 PM and there was no wait, no lineup, so I decided to give it a try.
I ordered a $16 CDN + tax “3 of a kind” bowl of soup noodle and the friendly staff recommended that if I add $4, I can choose an appetizer from the list. Since it’s a reasonable $4 CDN, I chose the fried wonton.
Overall: I think this place is overrated, over hyped by social media or YouTubers.
Good & the Bad:
Good:
– soup has a good flavour of “Big Land Fish”, you can taste and know how much the chef put the fish into the broth.
– abundance of the “nine yellow” garnish that adds flavour and visual to the broth
– fried wontons appetizer comes with 8 mini pieces (good value at $4), it’s ok, as the filling is small but crispy and nicely battered
– the home made chilli sauce was fresh and nice, it’s not as spicy but I give top points for making it on their own with nice ingredients in the sauce
Bad:
– They are famous for the bamboo noodles, unfortunately, I know taste is subjective, and everyone’s taste buds are different, I am NOT a fan of the bamboo noodles. It’s not thin enough for me, it has an unique flat surface. It’s not “song” or “bouncy”, it’s on the soggy or soft side.
– You could tell the noodles are freshly made, but it’s just tastes like fresh pasta but on the soft side and lack texture
– Wonton wrap is too thick for my taste, wonton has more pork ratio than shrimp and the filling lacks flavour or texture
– Same goes to the dumplings (water gao), again, it’s “mid” and lacks flavour and texture
– Beef tendon has nice texture but wish it has more pieces and some sauce on it
I think $16 is overpriced and not worth the hype. I came here expecting more for the noodles in particular and it wasn’t my cup of tea. I think many places such as “Wonton Hut or Big Trio” has better noodles texture and “song” factor and more pieces of meat than here.
I do have to say I like the service here. The staff worked hard, friendly and courteous.
I am glad I came here to experience myself as I don’t like to rely on Youtubers telling me whether it’s good or not. This place maybe awarded Michelin rated in Hong Kong, but that doesn’t mean it shares the same top quality here. Ingredients, processes and management are differ.
Kwan Kee Bamboo Noodle – Markham, Ontario, Canada
Website
Located in: King Square Shopping Centre
Address: 1CF8, 9390 Woodbine Ave, Markham, ON L6C 0M5
Phone: (365) 654-5926
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pvxXAzDbXJsHJcwj8
