Open for more than 60 years, Wok N Roll is a true institution in Quebec City. It was one of the first Asian restaurants to open its doors in the capital. It was Guy Sang Woo, who came from China in the late 1950's, who started it; before being taken over later by his son, Napoleon Woo, whose daughter, Jamie Kate Woo, took the helm.
Traditional Asian cuisine? Not quite! This is classic Asian-Canadian. Comfort food that bridges the gap between the two cultures. From talking with Ms. Woo, I learned that the first restaurateurs had to modify the cuisine to the tastes of the time and adapt the recipes to the ingredients available at that time. Even though Chinese noodles with macaroni are only found in America, we have become so accustomed to them that they are now part of our culinary heritage.
If you like retro decor, you will be served, you will have the impression of taking a trip back in time when entering the restaurant. But it is this aspect that makes the charm of the place even if the dishes steal the show royally.
On the menu, we find everything to satisfy our cravings for Chinese food. In order to try everything, I opted for meal A composed of won ton soup, egg roll, chicken fried rice, pork noodles, garlic ribs and a fortune cookie. I love the simplicity of Asian menus. It seems to come together! It would never occur to me to go there and order just a noodle dish.
As I choose to take it away, they give me everything in the pretty little New York style boxes! What a treat!
We sit down as a family and it's a party. The won ton soup is first of all a delight. The filling is meaty, the dough holds together well and the broth is delicious. I have often tasted bland won-ton with softened noodles. Here, I appreciate the firmness! The children then take out the chopsticks and each one fills his plate with the quantities of his choice. The fried rice is delicious, just as I expected. Special mention for the chicken, present in good quantity, with generous pieces. The noodles are my favorite! They take me right back to my childhood, when we used to order from the Asian restaurant near our house, only better! Once again, I emphasize the firmness of the noodles and the quality of the meat. I then attacked the egg roll with some reluctance. It is a dish that I generally do not like. Too much cabbage, too much spices. I try a croquée and...surprise! A delight! For the first time in my life, I like egg rolls! I would have gladly had a second one! Quite a feat! The cabbage filling versus the meat is well balanced, the spices are well balanced and the pastry is very crispy. Hats off to you!
I am delighted with this meal and so are the kids! The only dish that doesn't win our hearts is the garlic ribs. We like less the too sweet side with the pork.
We close this meal in beauty with the classic Chinese cookie! My son gets the message "It's time to unplug." Well, even fortune cookies agree with me!
Enjoy your meal!
Score: 8 /10
What impressed me the most during my visit: The retro decor
The specialty of the house: Egg rolls and Chinese noodles
The most expensive main meal on the menu: Chow mein cantonnais, $24
The cheapest main meal on the menu: Chop suey with pork, chicken or vegetables, $10.75
Would I recommend this restaurant: Yes
What time of day did I visit: Dinner
Pros:
- Quality of the dishes
- Generous quantity
- Traditional take-out boxes
