Located in the hub of Colmore Row, the recently opened Chung Ying Central is the only Chinese restaurant in Birmingham’s thriving business district. Offering high-quality dim sum, pan Asian noodles and a selection of cocktails and oriental drinks, the eatery has inherited an exceptional reputation from sister venues Chung Ying and Chung Ying Garden, both of which are located in the city’s popular China Town.

Owner James Wong hopes that, by moving business out of the Chinese quarter, he can bring Chinese culture into the wider community.

On arrival, we were welcomed by hospitable waitresses who promptly took our coats and guided us to a cosy booth in the heart of the restaurant. Whilst waiting to order, we took in the modern yet authentically oriental atmosphere that Chung Ying boasts. The walls draped in Chinese lanterns and tables littered with tea lights gave the room a warm and inviting glow.

The a la carte menu showcases an extensive but not overwhelming list of Chinese dishes, and the staff were more than happy to guide us through them.
To start, a choice of thirty-two dim sum. The steamed chiu chow, along with pork and king prawn dumplings, were the obvious choice - and one that we most certainly didn’t regret.

Mouths still watering from dim sum, we eagerly anticipated the mains - and were not disappointed. We were presented with a banquet of fried beef in Cantonese sauce, sweet and sour pork and deep-fried duck in plum sauce; all very different but equally delicious. To accompany, we sipped a fruity pinot noir which managed to complement every single dish.

Chung Ying Central seems to have struck a unique balance between quality, quantity and variety. It should do well. Very well.

Reviewed by Laura Scott