Everyone loves a Chinese takeaway – especially on a Friday night – but how often do you eat out at a Chinese restaurant these days? I can’t even remember the last time I did, it’s been so long! So, last Friday night we decided to head out for a Chinese and eat at a restaurant for a change – and we headed to Kams Palace, somewhere I’ve driven past for years but hadn’t tried.
If you’re local to Southampton or Fareham you might recognise the pagoda style building that houses Kams Palace, giving it an authentic Asian feel that lures you inside.
If you’re not too local, you’ll find Kams Palace in Park Gate, about 5 minutes drive from the M27 junction at Whiteley – so it’s nice and easy to find. Plus, they’ve got a huge car park so no worries there.
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I was a little surprised when we first stepped inside as the feel was a little town hall-esque, but it had traditional decor throughout and is clearly a multi-functional space. One huge open room, bright lighting and plenty of round tables to choose from.
We were ushered to our table and swiftly presented with menus, prawn crackers and our prompt drink orders. We were very impressed, and a little taken aback, by how efficient and busy all of the staff were. Sitting at our table and watching the staff rush around was like watching a well rehearsed show – unlike any other restaurant I’ve visited!
The menu is very extensive and a tad overwhelming, so to keep things simple we opted for on of the set meals. I liked the choices on the set meals at Kams Palace, and how different they were to many Chinese takeaway restaurants we have used.
Our first course arrived very swiftly, presented with no frills and in a generous portion. A large sharing plate with satay chicken skewers, fried spare ribs, vegetarian spring rolls, prawn toast and crispy seaweed.
All of the classics you’d normally order in your Friday night takeaway, freshly cooked and very satisfying. The prawn toast and crispy seaweed were excellent, and we enjoyed it all.
Our intermediate course was the crispy aromatic duck, always a treat and something we always try to order if it’s on a menu. This was, without a doubt, the highlight of our meal.
Crispy duck is one of the ultimate comfort foods, especially when eating at a Chinese restaurant, and Kams Palace cooked up an excellent one. Spiced and deep fried, the duck was succulent and crisp with plenty to share.
The pancakes were clearly freshly made, unlike the pre-packaged ones I’m used to seeing from a standard takeaway, which made the duck even better. the crispy duck was delicious and we’d definitely order it again.
Our main course was a selection of sharing dishes with special fried rice on the side. First we have the crispy shredded beef, one of T’s favourites and it was very good. Again, it was a generous portion and the beef was well cooked.
Alongside the beef were stir fried chicken with seasonal greens, king prawns and cashew nuts in a yellow bean sauce & lamb in a Japanese barbecue sauce.
Before this dinner, I hadn’t actually tried any of these dishes before – and I really enjoyed the chicken. The vegetables were refreshing after our starters, and the chicken was well cooked. The king prawns were big and well cooked, but the sauce was a little sweet for my liking – although still tasty. I didn’t personally try the lamb as I don’t eat it, but I’m assured that this was very good too – something that we hadn’t seen on a menu before.
We had a very enjoyable, leisurely dinner at Kams Palace unlike any we’ve had in a long time. The service was incredibly efficient, the dishes were all well cooked and the staff were friendly (but may come across a little abrupt as they are so busy).
I enjoyed that Kams Palace was a no-frills establishment, while still maintaining an excellent level of service – something that is hard to achieve! It’s probably the best Chinese restaurant we’ve tried in Hampshire so far, and we’re definitely planning another visit soon. Kams Palace are also popular at lunchtimes for their dim sum, which is served from 12pm to 4pm while their special dim sum chef is in the kitchen – so we’re going to book a table for a Saturday lunch soon!
If you’re local to Fareham, Portsmouth or Southampton and you’re in the mood for a good Chinese this weekend, head to Kams Palace for a meal. They also offer takeaways if you’re planning an evening in, which looked very busy while we were there.
Find out more on their website here, and make sure to book to avoid disappointment!
Where’s your favourite Chinese Restaurant in Hampshire?
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I’ve never visited before but all looks delicious!