Review: Rhodes Phoenix, Rhodes

Once upon a time I read a newspaper article on how much lard goes into make all the individual dishes at yum cha. Being a young woman growing up in the 21st Century, I should be madly taking mental notes in order to live up to my supposedly image-obsessed self. To that article, there is only really one thing that could describe my reaction.

"Meh."


In fact, that's my reaction to most articles about which blame obesity on possibly every other factor except the one thing that really means - self-control. That's not to say that informative articles are a waste of time altogether - in fact, I think exactly the opposite. It's always good to know what you're eating, but when it comes to controlling obesity, I really think people should stop pointing the finger at KFC and Maccas and spend more time encouraging people to manage their eating habits and doing more exercise (something which I definitely need)...

/rant

Steamed Tripe

To be honest I don't know why I went on that rant. Perhaps someone could gather up some sort of quasi-Freudian explanation for me so that life makes a little more sense. Either way, some things just don't need that, much like steamed tripe. This is my mother's favourite dish. Chewy and slightly crunchy, it is little wonder why this is considered a delicacy to most Asians.

Steamed Rice Noodles with Prawns

Steamed Rice Noodles with Prawns makes the usual appearance on our table. The noodles are slippery and soft, and the prawns inside perfectly bursty. When done right, it's just one of those few things you can't really get sick off.

Eggplant with Minced Prawns, deep fried in Tofu Skin

This was actually my favourite for the day. It is eggplant with minced prawns, wrapped in tofu skin and deep fried. It bursts with a wonderful amalgation of flavours with every bite.

Deep Fried Savory Dumplings (Crescent Dumplings)

The Deep Fried Savory Dumplings are also regulars on our table at yum cha. I find the ones at Rhodes a tad poor with the dough-to-filling ratio. The dough is also sweeter than most other yum cha's that I've been too. Nevertheless it's still delicious.

The Banquet of Yumminess

This stuff I can only call Kuih, even though that's the Malaysian name and I could be very misinformed about the minor differences between real Kuih and what is presented here. Oh well, what's in a name anyway? Despite the green in this glutinous dessert, it is not made from Pandan, but actually Green Tea. For those who have followed this blog will note my strange lack of fascination for sweets in general, but AW and my mother both loved this very much.

Rhodes Phoenix once again did not disappoint. Being so close to where I live, this place will undoubtedly be revisited many times on future Sunday mornings.

Rhodes Phoenix
Level 5, Rhodes Shopping Centre
1 Rider Boulevarde
Rhodes, NSW 2138
Tel: (02) 9739 6628