Canton Cafe, with locations in Eastwood, Burwood, and Haymarket, offers a range of Hong Kong-style dishes, including hot pot rice and baked rice dishes.
Cantonese Hot Pot Rice
- One choice of BBQ: $18.50 with sauce
- Two choices of BBQ: $20.50 with sauce
- BBQ options: Roasted duck, roasted pork, soy sauce chicken, salt-baked chicken, poached chicken, free-range chicken (+$2.00)
- Sauce options: Pepper sauce, mushroom sauce, dried scallop soy sauce
Unlike traditional presentations, the hot pot rice and BBQ meats were served separately. This was unexpected, but given that the meats were prepared at the siu mei counter and the rice in the back kitchen, the separation made logistical sense. The dish arrived somewhat sizzling, and allowing it to sit for a few minutes helped the base develop a crisp layer. However, the crispy layer was relatively thin and would have benefited from more oil to ‘fry’ the rice, as well as less moisture in the rice itself.
Two BBQ Meats: Roasted Duck & BBQ Pork
The portion was reasonably generous for the additional $2.00. The roasted duck was lean but could have used a touch more seasoning. The BBQ pork was somewhat dry and had been sliced along the grain rather than against it, making it tougher to chew than necessary.
One BBQ Meat: Roasted Pork
This was by far the best of the three BBQ meats sampled. The crackling was impeccably crisp and light without being overly dense or difficult to bite through. The skin had just enough fat beneath it to provide a juicy bite without feeling greasy.
Hong Kong Style Mixed Coffee & Milk Iced Tea ($7.50, less ice, less sweet)
This drink had a well-rounded mouthfeel with a good balance of coffee and tea flavours. It avoided the excessive astringency and bitterness that some Hong Kong-style milk teas can have, while the evaporated milk was well integrated rather than overpowering. One of the better versions available in Sydney.
The hot pot rice delivered on its promise of crispy rice, though the base could have been more substantial. The roasted pork stood out as a highlight, and the Hong Kong-style mixed coffee and milk tea was well-executed. A return visit would be worthwhile to explore more of the menu.
Canton Cafe is located at 127 Rowe St, Eastwood NSW 2122.