Everyone has their favourite Chinese takeaway . For me, it was an incredible restaurant about 5 minutes drive from where I lived in my early 20s before I met J (when I was young and carefree!). It was delicious; super flavoursome, catered really well to my allergies at the time, and was fresh, tasty, no MSG, and incredibly friendly staff, all taking their friendly lead from the owner, Choy Chan.
Luckily, at the time, I lived in Kings Langley. Luckily, I now also live 5 minutes away from the same place. I will never admit this to J, but the proximity to Pin Wei in Abbots Langley played a large role in why I agreed to live here. The large restaurant -which offers a karaoke room for hire in normal times- opened in 2006 and thankfully, continues to trade to this day! So, we've been here a month now, it's time to check out if it's as good as I remember and review it for you lovely people.
We waited until we were super hungry and had my parents over for childcare (in the bubble, innit) while we both worked, so that we could try as many dishes as possible. We ordered (deep breath): Squid in Black Bean Sauce (no garlic), Prawn with Spring Onion & Ginger (no garlic), Egg Fried Rice, Pork in Honey and Black Pepper, Veggie Spring Rolls, Chicken with Cashew Nuts, Shredded Chilli Beef, Plain Chow Mein, Seaweed, Salt and Pepper Squid, and Stir Fried Mixed Vegetables (no garlic). Phew. This all came to £60 which is pretty reasonable (or do we just think that because in London this would be £100?)
The "no garlic" thing was for my mum, and as they were back in 2011 for my allergies at the time, Pin Wei were again really accommodating of this request. They checked everything with the chef and again before packing it away upon collection. Worth noting here that it's collection only, they don't seem to be on Deliveroo or Just Eat. But there's a big forecourt so there's always handy parking, and in Covid times, you can wait outside if you want and they'll bring it out for you.
It's always the smell of the Salt & Pepper Squid that gets to me on the drive home. I can't help but prize the foil container away from the lid and sneakily eat one perfectly crispy, garlicky piece with my fingers when I'm stopped at the traffic lights. Don't judge- you'd do it too if you knew how good it was!
The meat is always tasty, tender and juicy. I wouldn't say it's organic or even a high quality meat, but it's always lean and non-processed (isn't it sad that I have to point that out as a good thing-surely it should be standard by now that places don't use shitty meat?), marinated and cooked really well. The sauces and vegetables aren't slimy and salty, instead they are fresh, light and truly brimming with flavour. Often with Chinese food, I find it quite oily and salty needing lots of napkins and a gallon of water afterwards, but Pin Wei is naturally tasty and not at all over salted.
Nothing at Pin Wei is groundbreaking or terribly innovative. There aren't any regional or chef specials, but what they do, is the "takeaway favourites" but really really well. When you crave that sweet/sour contrast that Chinese takeaway gives, but without a heavy belly all night afterwards, I would recommend Pin Wei anytime.
Quality:
Seriously fresh, tastes homemade, light and not over salted. Very good.
Value & Price:
We had a shit-tonne of food for £60 to feed 4 of us, could easily have fed 5 I reckon. and they throw in prawn crackers for free which is laverlaaaay!
Overall:
EXCELLENT - Great quality, delicious food, and generous portions. This is our go-to Chinese and it should be yours too.