I've been going to China Court regularly for 'brunch' with friends and family over the years. As I have mentioned in some of my other reviews, it is difficult to find a good for value Chinese restaurant that is good value for money, and serves authentic Chinese food, outside of London.
China Court is an exception. Downstairs there is a Chinese bakery, which serves a delight of fresh cream cakes, beautifully designed with fruit, chocolate or cream. The smaller cakes cost around 8.00, but serve around 5 people, and the sponge inside is delightfully light and airy, you won't regret buying it and leave you wanting more!
The bakery also serves various traditional Chinese pastries, such as pineapple buns, egg tarts, curry buns, coconut buns, pork buns, sausage buns and various others. These are approximately 1.00 each, and are freshly baked everyday. This makes a change from the cakes you receive in the Chinese supermarkets which have been sitting on the shelf for a couple of days. Going to China Court, is worth it for the bakery alone, and is the best quality and cheapest out of the 2 bakeries (the other being on Cathay Street) in Birmingham's Chinatown.
The restaurant upstairs is a family friendly - Mainly Cantonese speaking, but helpful staff all the same. In the mornings and lunchtimes is probably the best time to go, as you have fresh dumplings and various 'dim sum' type menus with around 50 dishes. Dumpling dishes are around 2.00 -4.00 each, and sharing between 3 people, expect to spend around 25.00 to 30.00 (so about 10.00 each).
Inside it is decorated traditional style with phoenixes on the back wall. A bar at the entrance and the kitchen tucked away at the back, with tables altogether of various sizes, with lots of boisterous Chinese families about. If you're not used to the noise and the social networks, and large numbers of people, I would not advise coming on Sunday mornings, as it becomes extremely busy. I would say, if you prefer a little bit of peace and quiet - try Monday or Tuesday mornings.
In reference to the food, it comes quickly and piping hot, and the staff efficiently fill the complimentary teapots with hot tea throughout your meal, as well as take away any empty plates and dishes. The prawn dumplings -Har Gao and the Shanghai dumplings - Siu Long Bao are definitely worth trying!
I would say this is the best restaurant for Dim Sum in Birmingham for quality, speed and variety, as well as price. read more