Lai Wah Heen

What Reddit says

Upscale Cantonese dim sum restaurant in a downtown hotel. Long-time fans remember it fondly, but recent visits get mixed reviews. Redditors mention a standout scallop mapo tofu, weak decor and poor value compared with nearby Chinese options.

Paraphrased from the comments below.

What to order

• 4.7
  Dim Sum14 Redditors
  Worth trying
• Peking Duck4 Redditors
• Fried Rice3 Redditors
• Cantonese BBQ (char siu & roast meats)2 Redditors
• Dumplings2 Redditors
• Tasting Menus1 Redditor

In their words

Short excerpts, each linked to the full comment on Reddit.

• “there were some highs (the scallop mapo tofu especially), some lows (ambiance, decor) and some WTFs”

• “If you come here, do not expect the same old LWH.”

• “it did feel a little steep considering the wealth of other excellent and more affordable Chinese options nearby”

• “the value is missing - not just quantity, but also quality and technique. I will not be back.”

• “when they drop the dry ice on you, you know it's a restaurant that is more about looks than substance”

• “Lai Wah Heen is utterly delicious but man it's 2-3x what it used to cost.”

• “There's a nugget of something incredible in the restaurant but I'm not sure the management is up to the task of uncovering it.”

• “Fun, interesting, good at times but overall underwhelming.”

• “My favourite spots in no particular order”

• “Plus Pearl is no Dynasty, Moon Palace, Yu seafood , Lai Wah Heen”

• “The old Lai Wah Heen was my favourite Chinese restaurant in Toronto. Amazing service, and the Peking Duck was the best in the city.”

• “not a fan since they did the massive reno and pivot to overly fancy dimsum”