After making it through our salsa classes, I figured we deserved a reward of some kind. Logically, we headed to Double Greeting Wonton House.
Exterior
Situated in what Mack referred to as “the ghetto”, the restaurant was just a block away from where our classes were held, so it made sense to make the most of the neighbourhood we were in. The exterior (and the building’s rundown neighbours) weren’t promising, but a few people had told me good things about Double Greeting.
The fluorescent interior was brighter than I had expected to find, and dare I say cleaner as well. Multicolored handwritten signs papered the front counter, while a television tuned to Newsworld maintained the rapt attention of a few older patrons. I liked the wooden fixture that divided the room in half, though Mack couldn’t figure out why.
Yes, they’ve probably never replaced the fabric lining the booths…
We picked a booth near the back of the restaurant and mulled over the menus we were given – the selection was absolutely massive. We both laughed at the front page that read “today’s special”, which, given the laminated nature of the menu, was probably more like “everyday’s special”. That night, I was in the mood for small plates, and decided to choose a few dim sum items to make a meal. Mack said spring rolls were a must ($5.50 for 6), and I added on steamed BBQ pork buns ($3.75 for 2) and pan-fried pork dumplings ($7.50). To round out our dinner, Mack decided he had to try their ginger beef on rice.
The dishes came out at a fairly good pace, and our tea was refilled promptly, so I had no complaints about the service. The quality of the food was another thing, particularly because the prices reflected an amount very similar to other (better situated) Chinese restaurants. The best of the bunch were the steamed pork buns, and even they weren’t that great – the diced meat wasn’t distinct, and the dough was more crumbly than fluffy. The spring rolls were nothing special, and the dumplings were depressingly tiny (Happy Garden’s dumplings are easily three times that size).
Steamed Pork Buns
Spring Rolls (they always get a thumbs up from Mack)
Pan-fried Pork Dumplings
The ginger beef on rice was the most disappointing of all – overly sticky and artificially sweet, Mack, the supreme lover of ginger beef, couldn’t even finish the plate.
Ginger Beef on Rice (angle inspired by are you gonna eat that)
Based on that visit, I likely wouldn’t return again, particularly when a ten minute walk would yield many more viable eateries in Chinatown proper.
Double Greeting Wonton House
10212 96 Street NW
(780) 424-2486
Sunday-Thursday 10am-12am, Friday-Saturday 10am-1am
Only Here for the Food 
OMG we got attacked by a hobo here while getting takeout!
You need to eat the noodles and fried rice dishes here. The chicken and pineapple rice is a family favourite.
I agree with the above.
This place is as good as any other (and better than most) for rice and noodle dishes. And, the seats weren’t always fabric–they were vinyl once.
I haven’t eaten there in ten or a dozen years. It used to be quite good. I’ve often thought to go back and see how it was holding up, but I don’t that will happen any time soon.
I agree, re: rice/noodle dishes. Also, their Wor Wonton is really good.
Some people may not realize they’ve actually sort of been to Double Greetings already — in the form of their sister restaurant, Sam Wok. The same food is served in both, the owner is the same. One is just in the “ghetto,” the other used to be just off Whyte and popular with teachers and students alike. I think Sam Wok moved further south b/c the rent at their location was too high.
You definitely ordered the wrong dishes, Sharon. Double Greeting is a favourite of mine, but it really depends on what you order. Rice and noodles are where it’s at. Dumplings, pork buns, and so on are generally poor choices at the DG.
Sure, there is better Chinese food in the city, but DG is very good (in my opinion) and very cheap. I mean, you can feed 4 people for $20 or less if you pick the right items. Often, you’ll even have leftovers!
I’d recommend giving Double Greeting a second chance before you write it off altogether. If, after the second try, you still don’t like it, then at least you’ll have given it a fair shake.
I agree with all of the above, you didn’t order the right dishes there. I still remember when I first came to Edmonton and that was the only place with food similar quality to what I used to eat in HK. I say you should go back for another try! And order the rice/noodles the next time.
I’m in agreement with the others. Double G, as we affectionately call it, deserves another try. Try the beef and green onion hot pot or the satay beef chow fan next time…oh! and the long donut rice rolls are delish too!
It always amazes me how some of the most non-assuming restaurants have the most popular fan bases!
Based on the comments, it sounds like I will have to return – I do think most of the other tables around us did order rice and noodle dishes, but I just wasn’t in the mood that day.
Yippee! You’re going to give Double G another go!
I just found out about this blog after reading the latest blog entry by Lianne Faulder of the Journal. And being a complete blog freak, once I started, I had to keep on going – so you can imagine my surprise that you gave DG a negative review!! It’s my favourite restaurant in the city, the price is right, and the rice and noodles are to die for. I guess I’m simply repeating what everyone has above – please give it another chance, and stick with the rice and noodles – you won’t regret it. I’ve been eating there for over 20 years now, so that should tell you something right there – I wouldn’t be patronizing someplace for so long if it wasn’t worth it. And even my highly picky little boy adores it.
Thanks for reading, Grace!