Gingeri Chinese Cuisine (2025): Nostalgic Dim Sum Marred by Service Issues
Walking through Lansdowne Mall in Richmond, it’s hard to miss the imposing facade of Gingeri Chinese Cuisine (金如意粵菜精華). Located in Unit 323, the restaurant exudes a classic, high-end Cantonese vibe before you even step inside. The exterior is framed in dark, textured granite, and the large, 3D gold lettering of “Jin Ru Yi” gleams under the mall lights, promising a dining experience steeped in “Cantonese Excellence.”
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With a head chef hailing from Hong Kong’s East Ocean Seafood Restaurant and a team from the former President Seafood Restaurant, the culinary pedigree here is undeniable. They claim to blend traditional flavors with creative monthly updates, and we had heard good things about their nostalgic dim sum. Naturally, our group of four decided to give it a try.
The Atmosphere and The Menu
Entering through the glass doors, we were greeted by a “Gingeri” branded podium and a clean, professional interior. The atmosphere feels established—perhaps a bit too established. We were seated and served tea from classic white porcelain pots. Unfortunately, our pot was showing its age; it was leaky, dripping tea onto the table every time we poured. A small detail, but a warning to check under the spout before serving your guests!
The menu is extensive, featuring approximately 100 numbered dim sum items. We were there for a standard brunch, ordering staples like Siu Mai, Chicken Feet, and Spring Rolls.
The Food: Visuals vs. Value
When the bamboo baskets arrived, the presentation was admittedly on point.
- Siu Mai with Chinese Mushroom ($10.75): These arrived four to a basket, looking plump and vibrant. The yellow wrappers were bright, and each dumpling was topped with a generous garnish of orange roe. They looked fresh and moist.
- Steamed Chicken Feet with Black Bean Sauce ($10.75): The feet were coated in a thick, glossy reddish-brown glaze that looked deeply savory and succulent.
- Shrimps Spring Rolls ($10.75): These were fried to a uniform golden-brown, served on a lace doily with a sprig of parsley. Visually, they promised a perfect crunch.
However, as we dug in, the experience was mixed. The food was… okay. It wasn’t bad, but it certainly wasn’t impressive enough to justify the price tag. At $10.75 for four pieces of Siu Mai, you are effectively paying nearly $2.70 CAD per bite. For that price point in Richmond, I expect something spectacular, not just “passable.”
The “Egg Tart Incident”
While the prices were steep and the tea pot leaky, the deal-breaker for me wasn’t the food—it was the service.
Halfway through our meal, I realized we had accidentally ordered two dessert dishes. I immediately flagged down a waitress to cancel the Egg Tarts. I assumed this would be a non-issue; egg tarts are a batch item, sitting in a warmer or on a tray, ready to be plated. They aren’t made-to-order steaks.
The first waitress asked me to wait. A second waitress did the same. Finally, a male manager Benny came over. Instead of simply voiding the item, he started an interrogation: “Why do you want to cancel it?”
I explained that it was a mistake and I didn’t want my child eating too many sweets. He countered by claiming the kitchen was “already preparing it.” I called his bluff—we all know egg tarts are pre-baked and just need to be put on a plate. It’s a trivial item to resell to the next table.
He then shifted gears, stating flatly that it is the restaurant’s policy that once an order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
The Verdict
This rigid adherence to “no-cancellation policy” over a $9.98 item was baffling. It is a terrible way to conduct business. They forced the sale and earned their extra ten dollars, but they lost a customer forever.
While Gingeri offers convenient mall parking and apparently has a 20% early bird discount if you order before 11:00 AM, I cannot recommend it based on my experience. There are too many incredible dim sum options in Richmond to settle for average food at high prices served with a side of hostility.
How to get in touch
- Phone: (604) 279-8833
- Address: Unit 323 – 5300 No. 3 Rd, Richmond, BC V6X 2X9
