18. China: The China Brasserie

The China Brasserie‎
7 Sussex Rd,
Haywards Heath,
West Sussex,
RH16 4DZ‎

01444 441466‎


Out looking for 60 wine glasses for work, the Vicar and I happened upon the China Brasserie in Haywards Heath. We were enticed in by the two courses Lunch Special for £7.95. Leaving the uninspiring utilitarian shopping row behind we entered a very pleasantly, very smartly orientally decored room. We were very cordially met and seated.

The Lunch Special consists of 12 starter and 24 mains choices, served with your choice of noodles, plain or egg fried rice. There wasn’t much seafood (my favourite food in any restaurant) on the Lunch Special menu, but the variety on offer is very good and would keep omnivores and vegetarians quite happy. We chose to start with the vegetarian Spring Rolls and Mandarin Ribs, pictured left and right respestively. The spring rolls were wonderfully crisp, fresh and filled with a great variety of veggies; they were some of the best I have ever tasted. We gleefully tucked into the ribs, greatful for the finger bowl of lemon water. They were well cooked and were so good that I’ll return just for them!

Our Kung Po Chilli Chicken with noodles and Stir Fried Beef with Black Bean Sauce and egg fried rice, (pictured left and right) were yummy, fresh and cooked just right. I particularly liked the beef as it was very tender, lightly cooked and came with plenty of vegetables. The hot and sweet flavour of the chicken was the Vicar’s favourite.

Often set menu special portions can be a little mean but the Vicar and I, no strangers to food, were pleasantly full and very happy with the whole experience- one we’ll repeat soon. A perusal of the regular menu showed lots of choice and reasonable prices: soups around £3.00, meat dishes for £5.50ish, seafood dishes between £7.00 and £8.00 and veggies around £4.50.

With Chinese tea, sparkling water and coffees the bill was £19.70 plus tip- especially good value for me as it was the Vicar’s turn to pay!

Rating
Ambiance: 3
Food Presentation: 3
Food Quality: 4
Service: 4
Value for money: 3