Comments on: Lotus Floating Chinese Restaurant, Crossharbour

By: Helen

Helen — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 20:43:14 +0000

I’ve actually been here a couple of times as I used to live about 5 minutes away. I have to say that nothing we had was ever that good. I also really hated the spot lighting (do they still have that?) – it was like they positioned a spot light directly above every seat so that it shined just so in your eyes. Did my head in. I never felt comfortable there.

By: An American in London

An American in London — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:22:41 +0000

Kelly - I *really like* El Faro! I ate there pretty often when I used to work in that area. So give it a try and let me know how it's doing these days: http://rwapplewannabe.wordpress.com/2007/07/31/el-faro-at-turnberry-quay-canary-wharf/

By: Kelly

Kelly — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:22:00 +0000

The floating lotus is close to where I live. We used to go here when the Jubilee line was constantly shut. The regular dinner options are good too. The spicy shredded beef is nice (not spicy though). Not spectacular food but it’s nice. El Faro by Crossharbour station is supposed to be good.

By: Krista

Krista — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:18:51 +0000

We did get some noodles and they weren't very special. But damn if I didn't think the dim sum was pretty good. That being said, I am not an expert!

By: An American in London

An American in London — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 18:06:50 +0000

I used to work in that office complex (Exchange Harbour). Let me tell you the DLR is NOT fun when that’s your daily commute. I also used to eat lunch pretty regularly at the floating Chinese restaurant. We never ordered dim sum, but what I found funny is that most of the food they served was pretty awful, and over time, I learned to order only (1) dou miao (the sauteed snow pea shoots); and (2) some sort of sizzling beef-and-onion dish. That became a staple.

Anyway, like Su-Lin, I never thought I’d see a blog post on the place. I was super glad to leave the Docklands for Spitalfields, that’s for sure.

By: Wild Boar

Wild Boar — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:44:09 +0000

Been there a couple of times, thought it was ok but not great. Only really went there coz I have a bunch of friends living nearby who’re too lazy to travel to central.

Think the prices are fairly reasonable.

By: Krista

Krista — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:13:56 +0000

I wish I could comment on the prices. Am guessing they must be low-ish if you went here when you were a student?

By: Su-Lin

Su-Lin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:42:13 +0000

Hey, it’s the dim sum on a boat place! Never thought I’d see it in a blog post – a lot of us students used to go there back in the day. Don’t know why seeing as most of us were based in the west!

By: Mr Noodles

Mr Noodles — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:09:35 +0000

The white spherical buns are probably steamed custard buns (lai wang bao) but I can’t be sure without seeing the filling.

The one below that are cha siu sao, which is bbq pork in puff pastry with the same filling as the cha siu bao.

The croquettes underneath the taro ones are salt-water croquettes (haam sui gok) and are filled with pork. Not as good as taro imho. They’re often described as mixed meat croquettes on dim sum menus.

The ‘parsnip’ cakes are actually mooli or turnip cakes (lor bat go). In fairness, the Chinese word ‘lor bat’ covers a whole load of root veg, so I’ll let you off on this one!

I should stop reading blog at lunchtime. I’m now starving and in need of dim sum!

By: Lizzie

Lizzie — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:01:21 +0000

The golden flaky triangles are char siu puffs. The parnsip cakes are actually turnip cake – loh bak goh. Called mooli, or daikon, it’s the same raw shredded white stuff you get with sushi.

I’ve always been very nervous of floating restaurants, but this does look lovely.