When we first moved to the Kitchener-Waterloo area, we spent a great deal of time and energy looking for places to satisfy our cravings for various styles of Chinese cuisine.
At one point, I actually went through the yellow pages, inquiring if any local establishments served congee, a savoury rice porridge. One person who answered actually laughed at me, and said "nope, but my grandma makes it." Helpful.
One fortunate day in our first winter here, we noticed a small unassuming establishment just down the plaza from Argie's favourite tech haunt, Canada Computers. Jia Jia Lok Chinese Restaurant is a tiny place, but its bustling!
Packed with regulars from the nearby universities, Jia Jia Lok serves HK style casual meals, such as Fried Pork Chops on Spaghetti $7.95, Beef and Preserved Egg Congee $6.99 (a bit much for congee if you ask me, but worth it if you're really jonesing). My favourite dishes at JJL are Deep Fried Pepper Squid $7.99 and Chicken and Salted Fish Fried Rice $9.95. The squid is served hot, not too oily with a salty spicy coating on top of a light, almost sweet batter. The portions are enough for two people, we usually order the two together, along with a veggie dish like Pan Fried Chinese Broccoli with Garlic $7.95 (mostly for the health/guilt factor).
The couple who run JJL are very friendly and helpful, often singing and making jokes as they prepare and serve your food. Make sure you have cash though, because they don't have a debit machine!
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Jia Jia Lok (519) 888-9926
255 King Street N, Waterloo (just north of the University intersection)
Friday, March 28, 2008
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