Tai Pan

oxymore

One of the best chinese restaurants in Liverpool 13th October 2008

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As I chinese myself, I'd say I was pretty impressed by the food. There aren't a lot of good chinese restaurants in Liverpool but this is one I wouldn't mind going to. If chinese people go to a chinese restaurant, you know that it must be a good one. Great for dim sum, tasty food, it's how chinese food is supposed to be. Reasonably priced as well. Big and spacious, but can be busy on the weekends. Also has a big chinese supermarket next door.

Just outside town, it is fairly easy to get to on the dock roads if you have a car, otherwise you would have to take a train from Central Station and get off at the first stop Sandhills.

Definitely recommended.

jamtart6

Best chinese I've ever eaten 11th September 2008

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Unsure about the cost of this huge restaurant as it was a work night out but the food is absolutely amazing! Sweet and Sour Battered fish is a taste experience, loads and loads of food for the banquet and quite honestly the best chinese food I have ever eaten. Large round tables can seat around 12 people so very sociable and plenty of space between tables! We went with Chinese people who also wowed over the food. There is a Chinese supermarket below this which is open throughout the day. Loads of free parking as it is on the dock road, so not a busy area of town. Amazing chinese!

mikej

a taste experience 3rd September 2008

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The Tai Pan is a huge restaurant (seating about 400) on the first floor of a purpose built building in a rather drab industrial area with similarly drab interior decor. It's certainly worth a visit for the food though!
The ground floor houses a large Chinese supermarket and wholesaler, have a wander around to spot the weirdest ingredient on offer (our top spot is frozen curled up pig's penis...) or get some bargain spices or kitchen implements.
The Tai Pan food is mainly Cantonese and the choice is vast, and that's just the English menu - there is also a separate Chinese menu with far more adventurous dishes, ask for it if you dare. Great veggie selection and lots of different banquets. Personal favourites: the Chilli Beef is great, as is the braised aubergine.
Business lunch is particularly good value, £5.50 for 2 courses or £8.50 for 3.
If you want to savour the full experience you have to come on a Sunday though, for traditional Dim Sum, very popular with Chinese families. Get here early, people start cuing before the restaurant opens and there is never a spare table to be had. NB you cannot reserve a table for Sunday lunchtime.
Staff comes around with a huge array of food on trolleys and you pick from the trolley or put in a specific order. Delicious!