Royal Treasure Chinese

Ottawa, Canada

It was a cold and wet day in Ottawa when Nathalie and I started looking for food markets in Ottawa. Ottawa Tourism had given us pointers on one in a neighbourhood outside the downtown core but to be honest it was mediocre with everyone selling the same five vegetables.

Unfortunately we have both be spoiled with visiting so many vibrant markets around the world that we were jaded and bored.

Calling it a day we headed to Chinatown where Nathalie knew a great place for Chinese food. It ended up being the highlight of the day, not because of the food but because we laughed through the entire experience.

Royal Treasure is a very small restaurant and when we arrived we noticed that everyone was Chinese, except a small table in the corner almost tucked away out of sight.

With only one woman serving the entire restaurant she sharply told us to wait by the door, despite there being other tables open. While waiting a larger group came in but she barked at them to wait outside.

After ten minutes or so the white people left and she pointedly told us to sit in the corner where they were. Nathalie laughed remembering that the last time she ate there she was hidden behind a column but while the service was questionable the food was great.

When taking our order we asked what she recommended and she said everything was good, Nathalie tried to probe again and ask what she liked but of course she liked everything.

But after we ordered the first dish she smiled and said “Oh that’s one of my favourite dishes.”

 

Why didn’t you say that?

 

Needless to say Nathalie was right. The food was fantastic and the service amusing.