Filling up on Cantonese favorites

If good food at reasonable prices is what you seek, checking out Royal Palace Chinese Restaurant is a must.

Open for more than 20 years, the Stadium Mall eatery offers a la carte and buffet Cantonese-style cuisine that will fill your stomach without emptying your wallet. Perhaps no better example of the restaurant’s affordable approach to dining is its Steamed Fish on Tofu ($12.95).

Served on a large, decorated platter, the delicate white fish weighs in at 12 ounces and is paired with 1/2 pound of tender tofu. Both ingredients are steamed to retain their natural flavors and textures, while the house-made shoyu sauce adds just the right amount of acidic bite to the dish. Steamed Fish on Tofu is a new item that does not appear on the menu, so be sure to ask about it when you visit.

Another tasty and shareable dish is Honey Glazed Walnut Shrimp ($13.95). Averaging between 14 and 15 shrimp per serving, this massive plate of food features naturally sweet seafood that is battered and deep fried until golden brown. The honey-coated walnuts provide a bit of sweetness and a pleasant texture you’ll enjoy.

If you prefer affordability of the four-footed variety, Capital Pork Chops ($9.95) may be the way to go. One pound of tender pork is sliced thin, deep fried and topped with the eatery’s own sweet and sour sauce.

Chef and owner Jin He Wu has extended the value concept beyond the regular menu items. Royal Palace offers a lunchtime buffet special that starts at $6.95 (any two items). Three pieces of manapua are just $3.50, and the full buffet is $12.95 for lunch and $15.95 for dinner. A la carte lunch specials are $6.95 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. and feature 10 dishes, including Chinese Chicken Salad, three fried-rice options, mixed veggies, chow mein, cake noodles and other tasty options.

If you celebrate your birthday at Royal Palace, you’ll get a free Lucky Fish dessert consisting of mango Jello; just show your ID and enjoy. Also, don’t forget to bring in your coupon (see page 17) for other specials.

Royal Palace Chinese Restaurant

Stadium Mall
4510 Salt Lake Blvd. Suite C1
487-6662 or 486-7410
Daily, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.