Overall - 2.0/5.0
Located where Chingu Korean BBQ used to be; Goubuli recently opened its first restaurant here in Canada which is known for its steamed buns originating from Tianjin, China.
Walking into the restaurant you will notice a very clean cut and elegant layout though not as grand as Yu Seafood.
Expect an average wait time of 15-30 minutes on weekdays and even line ups that span outside the front door on weekends. However, this place does not deserve the hype nor line up that they are getting.
We first ordered four different variations of their famous steamed buns. At around $2.50 each depending on which one you get, these buns were quite mediocre. Filling was lacking in general and underwhelming. The lobster filled bun was bland and looked as though it was mixed in with some filler items.
Secondly we tried the kung pow chicken which was just alright. Most of the menu items were pretty standard and uninspiring. In fact, the menu is not like what you would see at their other locations overseas. Similar food can be had elsewhere with better taste, quality and pricing.
Again, this place makes an attempt to present itself as a upscale restaurant but definitely falls short. If you want to feel like a baller and don't mind paying a premium for mediocre food then this is just the place!
We will not be coming back.