Situated in a hotel on the second floor, Lai Wah Heen isn't exactly a restaurant locals would stroll into for a meal. I visited Lai Wah Heen a few days ago for their Spring Equinox event where they collaborated with Sake Kurabu & That's Life Toronto for a set menu with Sake Pairing. Since this is a review for Lai Wah Heen, I will limit my review to the food, as sake is not what they usually offer.
Our meal started off with a cute lobster and shrimp dumpling that was shaped and colored to look like a lobster. The filling tasted good, not amazing - so the appearance was definitely better. This item is usually on offer during their dim sum hours for $5.50 a piece.
A pan-seared scallop with white truffle cream was next - the scallop was perfectly seared (not overdone) and the white truffle cream was a heavenly pairing.
Scambled egg white with dungeness crab meat and silver fungus mushroom - the taste of the crab came through and the dish is on the light side. The egg whites didn't do too much other than adding some needed saltiness
Deep fried lamb rack, with truffles and assorted mushrooms - the truffle didn't really come through, but I like the assorted mushrooms. Deep fried lamb rack tasted ok, but I would have liked it better seared instead.
Pan-seared wagyu beef with raw sea salt and zucchini - I think the wagyu would have benefitted if it was grilled instead (with bamboo charcoal), but it was delicious and tender nonetheless
Briased pork belly - this is my favourite item of the night. The pork belly was very tender and braised well and flavoured well. YUM.
Crispy foie gras and minched chicken wonton, with clear truffle consumme - this was my second favourite dish. I thought the wonton was presented nicely, and the truffle broth was delicious
Black sesame rice ball with ginger syrup - I thought Lai Wah Heen could have given a few more rice balls considering this is probably the cheapest thing on the menu, but alas, one lone rice ball in a bowl lol.
Overall, I think the food at Lai Wah Heen tasted great, although there are elements of their cuisine that are not Chinese (i.e: truffles, wagyu beef). I believe the Spring Equinox menu was good value considering I got to taste a lot of premium sakes that are normally not found elsewhere.
There is very little question that in terms of Chinese food, Lai Wah Heen is probably the best in downtown Toronto. Given the price tag they normally charge however, I probably would not visit Lai Wah Heen on a normal night unless it is for a special occasion for someone who likes to dine in an upscale chinese restaurant.