Chu’s Asian Restaurant, Unley
Vietnamese Chinese fusion that sings!
I’ve written before about Chu’s Vietnamese Chinese restaurant in my Google Reviews.
Had a wonderful evening here with three friends. Food was fabulous, the Pinot Gris was excellent, the host/owner was witty and knowledgeable. Will definitely come back, many times.
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Months later: Have been back many times. Owner Wen and her chef are wonderful. I lived for two years in Penang in the 80s and eat char kway teoh every night from the food carts and I have been searching for authentic char kway teoh in Adelaide ever since. Chu’s dish is absolutely authentic, the first I’ve found in Adelaide. I’m so happy!
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2023
Just had the roast duck dish. WOW! I’ve never had duck taste so good! The food here, and Wen’s care and service, is why my partner and I return here again and again. Seriously, if you want top-notch Asian fusion food, Chu’s is the place.And no irritating and intrusive muzak to spoil your meal or your temper.
The menu is full of Asian delight—entrees, soups, seafood, chicken, beef, duck (oh, the duck!), lamb, pork, salads, vegetables… it’s all here. My partner and I are working our way through the menu and finding joy no matter what dish we order.
My current ‘discovery’ is the hot and sour soup (with BBQ chicken and shrimp, fish cake with vegetables), and to my absolute surprise I have fallen head over heels for the Tom Yum (with prawn, squid or seafood combination). Utterly delish. It makes me want to sing and dance, it’s that good. Just last night we both tried the Vietnamese Mint Chicken (with onion, capsicum, celery, broccoli, carrots, mint leaves, and chilli); wow!
The restaurant has changed hands, but it is wonderful to see Wen, the previous owner, still helping out every now and then, and it’s wonderful to still experience sensational food. The Char Kway Teoh is still the best in Adelaide (and I’ve visited many Asian restaurants in an attempt to find a restaurant that replicates the makanan cart Char Kway Teow I used to scoff down when I lived in Penang).
And the duck is still out of this world. Normally in an Asian restaurant, the duck that’s served up is tiny, like a smattering of flavour, with one or two very small pieces. The roast duck from Chu’s fills the plate with innumerable very large and tasty, beautifully cooked pieces. I’m guessing the kitchen staff have stayed with the new owners, because the quality hasn’t dropped at all.
Chu’s Restaurant
40 Unley Rd, Unley SA
8272 4455
Web: Chu’s Restaurant