Empire Garden - Langley, British Columbia

Well… empire used to be a favorite of mine. Now I won’t go back. Here’s what happened last night. For context I have tried Xiao Long Bao all over different places in the lower mainland, and so when I called empire I asked if they sold them. She said “yes ... it’s the juicy pork dumplings in the dim sum menu” I looked and clarified they are the pork dumplings with the soup inside. “Yes” she replied. Ok I’d like 2 orders. I arrive 25 min later, then I drive home and I get them open and go to eat them realizing the dough is all torn up, they put plastic containers of vinegar in with the hot dumplings so the lid melted and the vinegar spilled all over, and there was not 1 single dumpling that was sealed. When you see these pictures, I wouldn’t even serve them to my dog! This is not even the biggest piss of though. This is WHY I’m writing a review. I called the restaurant and told them I would send pictures. She stated I needed to return the food in order to get a refund. The restaurant is a 40 min drive. Then she proceeded to tell me I did not order Xiao long bao and that those are Chinese not Cantonese, when we CLEARLY had that EXACT conversation on the phone. It wasn’t until I wasted my gas at almost 2$ per liter to drive the dumplings back up to her, that she gave me back my money. Not 1 penny more. I told them I would write a review and they seemed to careless. Would you eat these. Spilled vinegar from melted plastic containers and mushy dough? Read more

We don't find ourselves out in Langley very often and we were pleasantly surprised by this spot. From the outside, you couldn't really tell you could find good Chinese dim sum. Inside, the interior reminded me of your typical well appointed Chinese restaurant. We tried their beef meatballs with bean curd sheets. ... While the texture was a bit firmer, it was still pretty good. I really liked the deep fried squid in spicy pepper sauce - nice crispness and a good bite. We also ordered the beef and cilantro rice roll (which fell apart easily but wasn't bad in flavor), the Empire prawn and chive dumplings, and their stir fried vermicelli with beef in hot spicy sauce... liked the spice level of this sauce. Overall, a definite good find in the area for dim sum. Read more

We used to eat there all the time and raved about it. But that was years ago. My wife is sick and loves won ton soup and chop suey. For two dishes it was $60 with tip! We ordered delivery and my wife asked what was in the chop suey ... and it wasn't even close. 75% broccoli, 2 pieces of pork, 2 scallops and 2 prawns..and when we called to ask them about it (my wife can't eat broccoli and that's why we asked) we were pretty much told that's the way it is and the gal on the phone wouldn't share her name. Very defensive and it's frustrating. That's certainly not what their photo of house special vhp suey looks like. Very disappointed as this is not the restaurant it used to be. It wasn't great last time but we thought we'd give them a second chance. Read more

I've eaten here 3 times, and now producing this review. Each time the food was fresh, tasty, and served timely. The service was speedy. The food isn't revolutionary, perhaps a tad bland, but not overly salty, or full of MSG. For what you pay it's very good. Remember that ... we're in a new era now, and while they charge $18 for a combo meal, consider yourself lucky. A Big Mac combo is now what, $13? Remember that this food is being served to you in a clean setting. Remember to respect a place while it still exists. Go anywhere else for Chinese takeout and you'll get half the plate and pay twice as much. Trust me, this place is still rocking it old school. Thank you to the cooks and servers of Empire Restaurant. I will see you very soon again. Read more

My first time visit to have dim sum at this Restaurant. Great location from carvolth exchange. Great food and servers. They are very friendly and as not too busy on weekday, we had a chat too. Dim sum are at good price point. I have no hesitation to ... recommend and come back again to try out other wishes. Read more