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Much as there's a time and a place for fine-dining and high-end restaurants, there are certain cuisines that are best eaten in genuine, authentic establishments (at least that's how I feel). Indian, Turkish and Chinese food all fall into this category - which is why we loved Swallows Inn.
After having it on our eating "hit list" for a while now, we finally got to visit late on Friday night. By late we mean about 8:15pm and with a massive storm overhead and the restaurant closing at 9pm, we were the only patrons there.
It was much smaller than we anticipated - perhaps 5 tables. It has absolutely no air of pretentiousness about it, again, something we love. The table have plastic coverings, the interior is dingy and it's like winding your way through a rabbit warren to get to the bathroom [which a) flushes b) has toilet paper and c) the hand dryer works]. The crockery is unashamedly chipped and no plate matches another plate.
But frankly, who cares? The food is why we came in the first place and the food is why we will return, again and again.
We ordered the beef and crispy noodle and the chicken-prawn chow mein, with a pot of jasmine tea. Within the space of a few minutes, we were presented with *mountains* of food.
The beef and crispy noodle was outstanding. Tender beef marinated in oyster sauce (my guess), with carrots, onions, bean sprouts and bok choy ladled over crispy fried egg noodles.
The chicken and prawn chow mein was generous with the chicken and you didn't have to hunt for the prawns either. The egg noodles were a lot thinner than at many other Chinese restaurants, which we prefer.
The plate of orange wedges arrived just after our food, probably because the staff were wrapping up and on their way out the door.
Personally, we loved it. It's not going to be to everyone's taste, but if you're a genuine lover of food and not a pretentious northern suburb poser, this place will satisfy your Chinese craving every single time.
Zizi “Zed-I” Dlamini
+3.5
This was definitely an unexpected treat. The portions were enormous and the food was really tasty. I appreciate that the food is prepared for the table to share; makes one feel at home.
I have to vote Swallows very high in quality of food and price. But as per all other reviews the area, decor, ambiance is all dodge... We drive through for pre ordered take outs. No other Chinese restaurant can match Swallows. Portions are huge and flavor is out of this world. I highly recommend the special fried rice, crispy beef and chicken with cashews. Their card machine never works so be prepared with cash on hand... Enjoy!!!
One of the most authentic Cantonese restaurant in Joburg. If you can overlook the slight aged decor, their wonton mien and crispy chicken is a must try! Definitely worth a visit.
I live just up the road from this little gem can't believe it took s long for me to find it. I am agreement with the rest of the reviews that the spot is quite an eye sore and service rather impersonal. However one does get the feeling that the folk running this joint are as old as the walls and the flow of local community members through the place definitely gives you an out of the norm feeling, old school Jhb old school china town.
Food is awesome did not want to pay much attention or thought to its hygiene but it's delicious. I recommend ordering before hand use it as a take out spot if you live locally.
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I've heard about Swallows Inn from a number of people before, & today was the perfect day to take a walk down Commissioner Street give the place a try. As per some of the reviews from the outside it looks a little dodge, but then again so are most places in the CBD. If you look past the exterior appearance and walk in I promise you will be treated to delicious Chinese cuisine.
My colleague ordered the vegetarian spring roll, which is jam packed with veggies and a lovely crunchy outer crust; these are not your conventional 2" spring rolls but rather at least 6" long.
I ordered the authentic Chinese Sweet and Sour Pork, with a bowl of Egg Fried Rice. Firstly the portion is enough for 2 people even with a small bowl of the rice. The pork was lovely and crispy and the sauce was tangy and sweet; and was everything I expected and more.
To end off we were presented with a, complementary, little plate of fresh oranges (not that we ordered it) as, what I'm going to assume, was a dessert.
There are no card facilities so be sure to carry cash with you.
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Swallows Inn is one of the oldest restaurants in Jhb and you can clearly see that from the outside. Yes, it looks dodge and not a place someone would just walk into, but this must not turn you away! Inside the decoration is poor, well there isn't really any decoration a few Chinese features and fake flowers. Despite the fact that my comments seem negative it truly has divine, original Chinese food, which is different to the westernised Chinese food we normally eat. It is full of flavours and the portions are massive! We are taking more food home than eating. One meal for 2 people is perfect. The food is generally reasonably cheap but the prices on the menu for Zomato are not correct. They had a nice touch by bringing us oranges after our meal. I would highly recommend the chicken chow mein and the egg fried rice! They were divine. The chicken cashew was also delicious. The food was extremely good and definitely made up for anything else. There are no card facilities and many take aways. A must try for food lovers
Been going my whole life and the food is amazing I recommend the crispy chicken. The the 1tun soup is also fantastic!!!! You won't be sorry every meal there is divine
I was a bit scared walking into this old restaurant. Nothing impressive and very small but the food is really good. Big portions, not dodgy at all. Exactly what you'd expect from a traditional Chinese restaurant.
Finally got a chance to go to this place of legend. Heard and read lots about it and decided I just had to give it a try. This isnt a fancy restaurant by a mile so dont expect any fancy deco etc.
Food was really good..portions are massive, definitely enough for 2 people. I ordered the Special Fried Rice..a mountain of food was placed before me. Ended up taking almost half of it home.
The old ladies at the counter were really sweet and friendly and the waitresses made some passing conversation seeing as I was the only person there. Didn't realise they were closing at 3pm after the lunch sitting and were going to open again at 5. Nonetheless they waited till I had my fill.
Definitely going back there and plan to take some friends as well.
Food is really amazing but the decor is nothing to write home about. You can catch a glimpse of what the place might have looked like in days gone by, but I have my doubts whether it will return to this greatness any time soon. The fact that phone orders are taken at top volume over speakerphone is a little disruptive, but if you can look past all that, the meal is actually amazing- not to mention the history that is apparently part of this establishment.
For Sunday lunch, we visited Swallows for one of my favourite cuisine. The food was first class all the way, it's 10!
Really sketchy neighbourhood but good food and good service, I was surprised! Loved the sai woo beef soup. Also the curry chicken was incredible, the bbq porc a little dry but still good ! They are also locking the gate at the entrance so it look close but it’s not it’s simply for security reason.
If you love Chinese food you'll love this place. Great value for money. One major gripe is that this place is dirty and possibly needs an upgrade to the interior. They don't even take the time to clean the carpets. Some basic maintenance to make the place look more inviting will go a long way. I can only wonder what the kitchen looks like. The food was great though and I enjoyed every meal so I have no complaints about the food, it's actually really good. I'm removing points for cleanliness and the fact that it could do with a facelift to look more inviting. The food is 4/5. Big portions as well and great value.
Great and amazing food, just the feeling around the area was dangerous abit. I would highly recommend there food, just ensure you go during the day time
Situated in Jhb First Chinatown in Commissioner street it still boasts genuine Cantonese style cooking!
Favourites are Chui Pee Kai ( Crispy fried chicken)
Steamed spare ribs in black bean sauce
Deep fried calamari
Spicy garlic fried prawns
Sizzling beef
Spicy chicken wings
Still the best wonton and sui kow in town!
Amazing amazing food! I recommend the soup dumplings, wontons and crispy chicken. This is definitely a hidden gem. It does not look the greatest from the outside and you need to be careful because its in JHB CBD. I highly recommend this.
The best chinese food in Gauteng for sure.
I placed orders to collect mostly on sundays and the food is ready in 30 minutes.
Fresh and tasty.All meats are tender .
Restaurant needs a bit of upgrading ,but other than that 5 star !
The finest Chinese food you will eat in Joburg. I simply cannot eat at any other Chinese restaurant again.
Food was excellent, back to their Best
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