Old Chang Kee was on my list of “to try” restaurants for a long time. I love trying things I never have before, and curry puffs was definitely on that list. Nestled in one of the cobbled streets of Covent Garden, you could easily walk past it. But I think the curry puffs alone are worth the trip.
I was pleasantly surprised that almost every section of the menu had a vegetarian option. I love this for many reasons. One, I don’t have to have my decision made for me in what I have and two, it makes me feel like I’m eating as authentically as I can whilst avoiding meat.
I chose the Vegetable Curry Puff, the Aubergine Cold Noodle Salad, and to try something new- the grass jelly drink, which sadly looks like it’s been removed from the menu.
The highlight was (unsurprisingly) the puff. The pastry was buttery, and the flavour of the curry really came through. I’d go out of my way to try this again (especially if I ever make it to Singapore!)
The noodles were also surprisingly tasty. I was a little hesitant at first, as cold noodles don’t sound particularly appetising, but the satay sauce alongside the flavourful aubergine made all the difference.
I was…unsure about the Grape Jelly drink. The flavour wasn’t bad, but I don’t know if I necessarily liked it? It tasted somewhere between caramel and popcorn- very intensely sweet. The jelly element was like a firmer boba but I don’t think I’d rush to try it again.
However, overall I’d recommend Old Chang Kee. It does what it says on the tin. Relatively quick, relatively fairly priced (for London) and flavourful dishes.
Singaporean cuisine, tick!
