Review Swallows Inn Chinese Restaurant - Johannesburg

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

Food was great. Parking felt bit unsafe due to the area.

Fantastic food and worth the trip to the inner city

Food is excellent. Not the best part of town. New section opened up - great improvement. Could do with a splash of paint. Prices excellent.

The Oldest Chinese Restaurant in South Africa which serves the tastiest and most authentic Cantonese cuisine in an old timey environment. Highly recommend their wonton mein.

Authentic Cantonese cuisine at very affordable price.

Food is great but service is slow and a supposed renovation is actually only an expansion into the copy shop that used to be next door - otherwise the old decor remains.

We got our usual wonton mein and a few extra specials for a family birthday yesterday! It was awesome. Same quality that took me back to my childhood! Give them a call, you can’t sit down but you can still take out!

AMAZING!! The Food is incredible... the staff is friendly and helpful! It is really something different! The inside is old school and maybe not "up to standards" , but had a great time and enjoyed the food! They have HUGE portions, which is the BEST! One really just has to open your eyes and see the beauty of this place... in China Town. We even walked there from Anderson Street. We are coming back for more!

The food was delicious and very affordable. The ambiance does need some work, however, if you can overlook this then I would recommend this little gem. This restaurant also brings back childhood memories. Had the eggplant hotpot, fried calamari and the sizzling beef

With trepidation we drove into commissioner street .. parking across the road from the restaurant.. we were met and escorted by the car guard into the restaurant. We were promptly seated , menus handed out and subsequently ordered.. we’ve grown accustomed to figuring out the menu and ordering process <br/>We started with the one ton soup which was delicious.. quickly followed by crispy calamari and chicken with fried noodles. I will definitely recommend the calamari which was succulent but well fried and tasted great. <br/>That was follows by the sizzling beef which I can honestly claim was the best I’ve eaten. <br/>The food phenomenal delivering on flavour and taste. And highly affordable. <br/><br/>I just missed a touch of personal service. But would most definitely go back for the food. <br/>FYI .. it’s BYOB .. another saving in our depressed economy <br/><br/><br/>

My rating was based on two tiers<br/>Food - 3.5 /5 <br/><br/>In terms of Chinese/Cantonese style food, Swallows inn has to be my all time favourite ( it is heads and shoulders above all the average Chinese dishes I had) . The prawn dish was well prepared (even though the portions have shrunk from before), the seafood soup was good and the signature dish of crispy chicken was very nice. ( Chicken was moist and not dry and overcooked) <br/><br/>Service and ambience -0/5 <br/><br/>Usually, when it's not busy, service is okay but somehow when it's busy, the problems begin. <br/>We were delayed by 10 minutes as they had to scramble to clear down the table. <br/>Not only that, some dishes on the menu were missing in action and we were not informed upfront. <br/>It took 35 -40 minutes for tea to be served. <br/><br/>Generally speaking, if it is busy, don't bother coming here because you will be frustrated.

Hygiene leaves a lot to be desired... the restrooms don’t ever seem to have been cleaned.<br/><br/>In addition, when we found a worm in the wonton soup, we showed this to the manager/waitress and she did not say a word...

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.<br/><br/>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. <br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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. <br/><br/>The plate of orange wedges arrived just after our food, probably because the staff were wrapping up and on their way out the door. <br/><br/>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.

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.

Well I feel cheated! If you are wondering why I started my sentence with this? Let me explain...<br/><br/>I/We booked two tables for Chinese New Year (30 January 2016). Besides the Swallows Inn having the cheek to charge R195 per person for a set menu excluding gratuity with a total of 10 people per table at two tables totaling 20 people came to R3900.00 and for that, we expect value for our money! <br/><br/>What we got however was cold food (plastic wrapped and seemed prepared the day before), tasteless mass produced sweet corn soup, absolutely disgusting main dishes that were not enough for the table of 10 and maybe could feed 3 people per dish with left over cold tea for dessert. One of the dishes I’m sure used to bark or squeak.  <br/><br/>The service was non-existent and we had to go inside and battle crowds waiting to use the loo and non-patrons to get service. We thankfully brought our own drink/s (wine) for which we had brought our own ice and cups as the paper children’s party ones provided were very cute but not functional. A redeeming factor is there was no corkage fee, not that the management would notice you pouring your own drinks anyway<br/><br/>At the of our evening we settled our bill with management with our empty bellies grumbling and hence feeling cheated as most the table didn't eat the food provided as the fear of chronic diarrhea set in. This wasn't good value at all. R3900 would go a very long way at most restaurants.<br/><br/>The area's fireworks display was amazing but sadly the overrated Swallows Inn is nothing more than a dingy hole stuck on Commissioner Street, raking in their monthly rent on one evening a year from unsuspecting victims enjoying another cultures New Year. <br/><br/>This review was a matter of principle and my own opinion.<br/><br/>I can however recommend the samosa lady who luckily we found on our way out whom made the most fantastic food for a fraction of the cost.

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. <br/>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.

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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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. <br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>There are no card facilities so be sure to carry cash with you.

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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>Definitely going back there and plan to take some friends as well.<br/>

The Swallows Inn...a place of legend. One of the oldest restaurants remaining in Old Chinatown in downtown Jozi. It's no frills dining at it's best. Don't expect a romantic setting but the food is just unreal!<br/><br/>We went through quite late on a Saturday night. The area is pretty dead and walking there from 1 Fox (or whatever the new hip joint around the corner is - they're slowly re-doing this area as well) is okay during the day but you might think twice at night.<br/><br/>The decor inside is rather dodge. But you expect this. The restaurant has been around for longer than your parents. You're not getting brushed new paint or modern decor. Take in the ambiance and go with the flow. You're here for the food.<br/><br/>And the food. Wow...<br/><br/>The portions are HUGE and will fill you. If you're not that hungry, get one and share. You get a LOT of tasty noodles with your dish (if it has noodles) and you will be satiated. I ordered the beef hot pot and my gosh, the food was just amazing. Succulent, juicy and perfectly cooked. The gravy also went spectacularly with the fresh vegetables which were rustically cut and added so much flavour. The pork noodles and the prawn noodles were equally as tasty with generous amounts of meat sprinkled in the dish. Finally, the chicken (I think it was crispy chicken in a sweet sauce) was to die for! The portion was big but it disappeared way too quickly.<br/><br/>Get a pot of jasmine tea to complement the food.<br/><br/>I was very, very happy with the choice of restaurant. I'm not fully convinced that this was the best Chinese-styled meal I had in Jozi but it gets pretty close. <br/><br/>But do remember, the decor is dated, if you're going to use the bathrooms, you walk past some weird crates and the service is just okay. But you KNOW this prior to eating here so it really is just part of the experience. And its cheap. Other than that, I love it!<br/><br/>Put Swallows Inn on your to-do list now!

I ate at Swallows during the Chinese New Year celebrations on 1 Feb 2014. I haven't been here in years - quite strange since this was the Chinese restaurant of choice for SA-born Chinese like myself. <br/><br/>Knowing what to expect (or not expect) from a décor and service point of view, I always knew that we are only going for the food. And it was actually quite good, cooked in a Cantonese style which I am used to. And even better given that they were serving ten courses to over 100 tables, and managed to get it all out on time before the new year celebrations took place! Quite amazing! <br/><br/>But that said, this restaurant is a shadow of it's former glory... and it actually shocked me at how dingy this place has really become. Quite sad. <br/><br/>However... I actually will go back to support this community favourite! <br/><br/>Let's hope that this year's lion and dragon dances have scared away enough of the evil spirits and have brought much good fortune on this ailing establishment. It will be sad to see this place close down!

Swallow's Inn is one of the last surviving restaurants in the original China Town in downtown Johannesburg. Long gone are the days of splendor, the restaurant has no frills at all, and actually looks rather dodgy. If you take a visit to the toilet (and there's one unisex toilet) - you get a glimpse into the kitchen and I wouldn't fault you for getting a fright. <br/><br/>However, this restaurant still manages to output good tasting, authentic Cantonese food. Because of its location, they've managed to keep their prices down - but this place is lacks any ambiance at all. If you're in a large group, you'll most likely be seated downstairs, and don't be surprised if you're there on your own. There's not even music playing most nights and it is eerily quiet. I think most of their trade comes lunch time takeaways from the surrounding businesses and the banking precinct. <br/><br/>Service is absolutely bare minimal. You'll get your drinks and food but the staff have little interest in providing anything else. Eating here really is just about eating and nothing else. <br/><br/>Swallows Inn shines once a year during the Chinese New Year when they pump out food for hundreds of people. This is the Swallows Inn I remember of old, where many weddings were catered by them. If you can overlook the lack of everything but good food, I don't think you'll regret it.