Queen Chow

The Verdict

Replacing one Merivale joint with another is just a classic Merivale move. The latest and greatest addition to the Merivale family (these guys just don’t stop, nor would we ever ask them to) is their mod-Cantonese concept, Queen Chow. Yep, the hospitality juggernaut has canned the Manly smokehouse Papi Chulo and given us pure royalty.

Located on Manly Wharf, this place is making like the original Queen Chow in Enmore and delivering a menu full of all the Canotense classics right here on the Northern Beaches. With an array of flavoursome dishes, guests can start with the handmade wonton soup and BBQ Peking duck pancakes, then follow with their mud crab, wok fried lobsters & pippies in XO sauce; sticky honey king prawns and Mongolian lamb san choi bao. On the dessert front, finish off with their deep-fried ice cream with butterscotch sauce and you’re definitely rolling home satisfied. 

More of a dim sum fan? The dumpling menu has been expertly crafted by Eric Koh, one of the greatest dim sum masters in the world (we’re talking a man that has made the art of dim sum his life-work, people). You’ll find all your favs from the famous prawn siu mai to pork xiao long bao and prawn har gau. There’s also egg custard tarts (do you even yum cha if you don’t get these?) and an array of other dumplings that have been steamed, baked or fried. 

It’s an elegant yet casual space. The Manly venue has spectacular views of Sydney Harbour, while still offering remnants of the OG Papi Chulo that graced this space before. Seriously if you’re looking for something to satisfy your Chinese cravings, this is your go to.

Also, black food is a thing now.

Image credit: Supplied