China Star — Review by Eating With Tod
Edinburgh, United Kingdom — Chinese, Hong Kong
The reviewer visited China Star in Edinburgh to support a struggling family restaurant with three months to save it. The food was outstanding, featuring expertly prepared dishes like crispy duck, homemade dumplings, and signature Hong Kong chicken made by a nearly 80-year-old Hong Kong chef. The reviewer was so impressed by the family and food quality that they offered a £500 tip to help the restaurant's survival.
What was great: Crispy duck shredded tableside that was juicy with excellent skin crispiness, homemade dumplings, sizzling fillet of beef, signature Hong Kong chicken with fresh daily curry sauce, affordable lunchtime menu at £9.75 for three courses
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The culinary experience at China Star was nothing short of exceptional. The crispy duck was the standout opener - shredded tableside with impressive technique, it featured beautifully juicy meat complemented by perfectly crispy skin that delighted with every bite. The homemade dumplings lived up to their artisanal promise, delivering authentic flavors that felt genuinely made in-house rather than mass-produced.
The sizzling fillet of beef arrived as a show-stopping main, while the restaurant's signature Hong Kong chicken proved why it deserves its prominent billing. What elevates these dishes beyond standard Chinese takeaway fare is the commitment to quality - the curry sauce is prepared fresh daily, a detail that speaks volumes about the kitchen's dedication. The lunchtime menu offering three courses for just £9.75 represents exceptional value for restaurants struggling to attract customers.
The Experience
There's a palpable sense of family warmth running through China Star. The owner Lisa and her mother, who manages the business while playfully claiming to be younger than her actual age, welcome guests with genuine hospitality. The head chef, a nearly 80-year-old wizard from Hong Kong who has come out of retirement to save the restaurant, brings decades of expertise to every dish prepared downstairs in the kitchen where ducks are prepared fresh daily.
Value and Pricing
The £9.75 three-course lunchtime menu is genuinely impressive value, making authentic Chinese cuisine accessible to budget-conscious diners. This pricing strategy seems crucial for the restaurant's survival mission.
Notable Moments
My mom is in her 70s but she lies and says she's 50.
The curry sauce is made fresh every day.
I want to support you guys, you're amazing, the food was amazing, and I wish you the best of luck.
The Verdict
China Star deserves your visit. This isn't just a restaurant review - it's a call to support a family business with genuine passion for quality Chinese cooking. The food quality rivals any established Chinese restaurant, and the story of a retiring chef coming back to help save his daughter's business is deeply inspiring. Visit for authentic Hong Kong-style Chinese cuisine and to support a family fighting to keep their dream alive.