This place still pulls in a big crowd of Chinese students and locals, and portions remain huge. The spicy dishes can still deliver flavour when they’re on form, but my latest visit (Sunday, first customers of the day) was a real disappointment.The food: Beef noodles and special Lo Mein were over-boiled and mushy, broths watery and oddly bland.
Lamb skewers (£2 each) and chicken wing (£2) were under-seasoned and forgettable.
It tasted nothing like previous visits either the chef has changed or standards have slipped badly.
The service:
The infamous “angry waitress” is unfortunately still there. My friend politely asked for two glasses of water and was met with a glare and an audible huff. Even her own colleagues seemed to keep their distance. The attitude was genuinely unpleasant and set a sour tone from the start. Large portions mean nothing when flavour and quality are missing. With far better options just a 5-minute walk away (Yeye’s, for one), there’s no reason to put up with sub-par cooking and hostile service.
Had dinner at My old place Chinese Restaurant (Liverpool Street, London). The food itself was quite tasty and authentic, but the overall experience was affected by slow service — dishes took about 50 minutes to arrive, and the serving order was mixed up, with later orders arriving before the earlier ones.
It seemed the restaurant was short-staffed, and unfortunately, no one came to explain or update us about the delay. While the food was enjoyable once it arrived, the long waiting time and lack of communication made the experience less pleasant.
It’s a good option if you’re not in a rush, but probably not ideal when you’re very hungry or short on time.
The twice-cooked pork was also a bit disappointing — it didn’t taste authentic, as it lacked garlic and was cooked more like a spicy chicken dish with cured meat instead.
As true Northeasterners, of course we ordered these dishes:
special cold noodles, sweet and sour pork, and stir-fried potato eggplant and pepper.
Our kid couldn’t wait to dig in.
This place has been around for over ten years, and the taste is just like a school canteen from back in the day.
We ordered quite a lot, but the average per peddrson was only about £30.
Everything is freshly cooked, no pre-made dishes, and it really tastes like home.
They don’t charge service fees, but the service is excellent!
When our kid wanted fried rice, they even made a special version with less salt just for him.
Authentic northen chinese food at My Old Place, a short walk away from Liverpool Street Station.
The portions were huge and all dishes were amazing value for money!
Loved the service so quick, we will definitely be coming back!
My favourite was the aubergine dish, full of flavour!
If you're craving truly authentic Chinese food in London, this place is a hidden gem! The flavors are spot on — rich, traditional, and absolutely satisfying. The portion sizes are generous, so come hungry (or be ready for leftovers!).
What really stood out was the service. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home. They even gave the kids lollipops at the end of the meal — a small gesture, but one that absolutely made their day!
Whether you're dining with family or just looking for a cozy spot with great food, this restaurant is a must-visit. We'll definitely be coming back!
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