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Eastside - Hanlin Tea Room restaurant
5.5

Hanlin Tea Room

  • Eastside
  • $$
  • Casual
  • Food
    great
  • Vibe
    great
  • Perks
    great

Food: Bland and brackish bites

With a triumvirate of top dishes that promise a culinary delight, the reality is nothing short of disappointing. The oyster omelette, Taiwanese sausage with sticky rice, and individual hot pot seemingly fell flat in execution. Culinary creativity is choked by the blandness that pervades the dishes, leaving a sour taste and a sense of regret. Also, the perception of the freshness is marred by a strange taste, reminiscent of canned, preserved food. Even the portions are noted to be dismally small, creating a value abyss that isn't filled by the overall food experience.

  • Okay Taste

    Food not bad, but taste was forgettable, nothing stood out.

  • Small Portions

    Portions described as small, containing lots of tiny pieces.

Top 3 dishes at Hanlin Tea Room

  1. 1

    Taiwanese Sausage with Sticky Rice 🏆

    Most tasty taiwanese sausage in the states, authentic with traditional flavors.

    Taiwanese Sausage with Sticky Rice dish
  2. 2

    Oyster Omelette

    Generous oyster quantity and a sweet sauce balance flavors wonderfully.

    Oyster Omelette dish
  3. 3

    Individual Hot Pot

    Spiced just right, offers variety and perfectly customized for one.

    Individual Hot Pot dish

Vibe: Elitist ambiance allure

In contrast, the ambiance of the restaurant seems to be a silver lining in an otherwise grey cloud. The place is appreciated for its modern, clean and cozy atmosphere. It's constantly buzzing and the charm of the decor does not go unnoticed by the diners. The drinks are decent and do balance the ambiance albeit with a slightly higher price tag.

  • Great Buzz

    Place has an undeniable hype and long wait time; very popular.

  • Okay Drinks

    Drinks are decent, quality noted, but pricey compared to others.

Perks: Perks in partiality

While finding ample parking can be a delightful surprise, the overwhelming experience isn't great. The outdoor dining experience feels tarnished with smoke wafting off patrons, making it uncomfortable. Service is another area it falters with slow, unorganized, and at times, rude responses, making the whole experience one to remember for all the wrong reasons.

  • Easy To Park

    Plentiful and easy parking consistently highlighted in customer experiences.

  • Okay For Groups

    Clean, modern restaurant with adequate seating for groups overall.

  • Bad Service

    Service frequently criticized as slow, unorganized, and sometimes rude.