Restaurant: Legend House
Location: 140-1169 Pacific Street, Coquitlam
Cuisine: Northern Chinese, Szechuan, Dim Sum
Price range: $10-15
Date of visit: August 25, 2014
Atmosphere: 4/5
Staff/service: 4/5
Food variety: 5/5
Food quality: 3.5/5
Buck worthy? 3.5/5
At any of these places I just must get Shanghai Pork soup dumplings (XLB) ($5.95 for 6 or $7.50 for 8). I was very pleased with them as the wrapping was chewy, and kept all the juices in. The pork was fresh and not too salty/sweet. Quite pleased with these little guys.
Next, Dan Dan Noodles ($6.95) were hit/miss based on the two very different experiences I had. The first time, the noodles were thicker and chewy (less busy lunchtime). The second time the noodles were thinner, making them softer and less al dente. Well, first time it was quite good, it had the right amount of kick to it with spiciness and the peanut butter "soup" (there's not a lot, moreso a mix noodle) was very traditional. It gets to be a bit much if the noodles aren't chewy =(
The Sweet Rice Wine Fish ($13.95) was an utter disappointment. The taste just didn't agree with my family as it was sour and the fish was just your normal frozen fish fillets. Quite a small portion for such a price too. I could probably make it at home.
Mandarin Mu-Shu Shredded Pork ($11.95) with Wraps ($3.00) was a highlight, too salty for our liking but then we figured out it was the egg that was the culprit. Everything else tasted delicious except for those salty eggs (which had soaked up the sauces). When mixed with noodles or rice the next day, perfection.
I really loved their Braised Pork Knuckles ($13.95) and ordered it less spicy. It came loaded with peppers and intimidated me. Aside from some pieces being too spicy, the flavors were great and the pork skin was chewy and a little crispy. The insides were tender and melted in my mouth.
Onto another wrap dish, a Beijing Sweet Bean Sauce Pork ($11.95) with Wraps ($3.00). This was tasty, but super oily. Forgot to tell them to decrease the salt and oil =P
Flavors were all there, could taste the fresh pork and seafood sauce. Not too sure about the bean though...
Everyone enjoyed the Legend Beef Rolls ($6.95) a lot. They reminded me of Peking Duck but with beef xD Probably because of the seafood sauce and scallion combo! The wrapping was crispy and the beef was just the right amount. Solid staple dish.
We ordered two Threaded Bun Roll ($3.50 each), one was deep fried and one was steamed. The deep fried one was cold in the middle,
but the steamed one was fresh and great. Went very well with the sweet bean sauce pork.
More carbs, we ordered a Shanghai Fried Rice Cake ($11.95). Chewy rice cakes and nice flavor. Well-rounded dish of carbs and veggies. Again, being too oily was my problem.
Legend House Stir Fried Noodles ($11.95) was recommended to us by the owner, who was very kind and mentioned to us that for any dish we could ask for modifications to the level of spicy, salty, oily, etc as she was very keen on healthy eating. Another hit or miss dish as it was great the first time we had it, chewy and flavored well. I like the mild spiciness and the noodles were packed with seafood ingredients and meat! Second time the noodles were softer and not as chewy.
Lastly of this long post, Lamb Dumplings ($6.95 for 10 pcs). I love lamb and this was done well. Decently portioned and lamby, it was great =D Wrapping was chewy but I think a bit thick (traditional though).
Phew! That was too long! However, my final words of advice for this place is to go during less busy hours (like weekday lunch). Their noodles are made fresh in house and unique style of food in this area!
It has potential if they are able to maintain the quality of their food during busy hours too. Staff are friendly and have good teamwork.
Cuisine: Northern Chinese, Szechuan, Dim Sum
Price range: $10-15
Date of visit: August 25, 2014
Atmosphere: 4/5
Staff/service: 4/5
Food variety: 5/5
Food quality: 3.5/5
Buck worthy? 3.5/5
