Dexiang Tea House is a popular Cantonese restaurant in Nanjing, and even on weekdays, there are still many people in line. The restaurant has put a lot of effort into the decoration and the shape of the dishes, but the level of the dishes is uneven, and the pricing does not match, which is quite flashy.
The design of the restaurant is based on the Xiguan House, which was a characteristic building of Guangzhou in the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China. The blue bricks and white walls add many iconic structures of the Xiguan House, such as glazed Manchurian windows and sliding doors. In addition, there are Lingnan characteristic elements such as octagonal tables and Jingquan god cards, and there are also "step by step" patterns on the steps, and the details are attentive. The bronze fans and metal screens in the hall add a bit of luxury, and the boxes are called by the names of Guangzhou places such as Yuexiu and Liwan, and the murals of plantain and bamboo bonsai are added, which are more fresh. However, the private room is small in size and only covered by a curtain, so the sound insulation effect and privacy are poor. The regional customs are also reflected in the tableware, such as teapots, dinner plates, and dishes, etc., which are printed with patterns such as Miss Xiguan, jade earrings, and folding umbrellas. And the waiters are also dressed in Republic of China costumes.
The setting is sophisticated and distinctive, and the dishes are full of creativity. Shrimp dumplings are a must-order dish for almost every diner who likes morning tea. Dexiang's three-color shrimp dumplings taste acceptable, and the ingredients are quite solid. Colored crystal leather replaces the traditional translucent skin, which looks cute, but the taste is not significantly different. The most unique is the mini test tube inserted into the shrimp dumplings, which is filled with red vinegar. The classic Cantonese durian crisp is also eye-catching, with a swan shape, one black and one white, and a red dressing box as the dinner plate, which is exquisitely placed. The puff pastry is crunchy, the filling is very thick, and the durian fruit is rich. In addition, pineapple buns in the shape of a turtle, coconut jelly in the shape of a white rabbit, and cuttlefish dumplings in the shape of a black cuttlefish are creative in shape and have a decent taste.
Claypot rice is a well-known Cantonese staple food, while another casserole-type dish is claypot. Gel clay pot refers to the stir-fry of raw ingredients directly with ingredients and sauces in a hot casserole. This type of dish is known for its heavy pot and strong flavor. There are not many jelly clay restaurants in Nanjing, and Dexiang Tea House is one of them. The bullfrog jelly prawns are made with fresh ingredients, the frog meat is firm, and the shrimp are also fresh and sweet. The heat is a little overheated, but it doesn't affect the taste too much. The sauce is thick, the meat is salty, fragrant and slightly spicy, and it goes well with rice. The old firewood of the lamb belly pot with bamboo and the eggplant pot is salty, and the fishy smell of the yellow croaker pot is slightly heavier, and the overall level is not high.
Dexiang's exquisite environment and presentation are quite fashionable in Jiangsu and Zhejiang cuisine, but the service is not satisfactory. During the peak dining period, manpower is tight, and basic services such as reception and pouring water are slightly lagging behind. The clerk is also not very service-minded, has a cold attitude, and even occasionally has a verbal conflict with customers. Overall, the design and menu of Dexiang Tea House are unique and outstanding, and the price is higher than that of most Cantonese restaurants, but it does not match the taste quality and service, and the form is more important than the content.
