Regarding the double tip scam, they include service charge but it appears as though it’s part of the food items, under ‘SC’ – you just don’t notice if you don’t examine the bill properly. Then they have the cheek to ask if you’d like to leave a tip! D:

American in London: In terms of service, I’ve definitely had worse too – both in Chinese restaurants and non-Chinese restaurants. In a way, I think I’d be happy to suck it up for the bad service if the food was exceptional. And if the price is good too – just as you mention!

C+J: I haven’t been in Chinatown for a few weeks but I’ll make a point of checking out the status of the place when I’m next there! Glad to know it was actually recommended by Taiwanese people!

Leong’s has become one of my lunch/dim sum favorites – for the food, the price and the location (for a variety of reasons, I pass through Soho often on weekends). I agree that I don’t expect much from service in Chinatown, so as long as the prices and food stay what they are, I can overlook the service issues. [And I've had much worse service at much more expensive places - take Cellar Gascon, for example - which is mostly a comment on how embarrassed those expensive places should be!]

I and my friends have just been to Leong’s Legends last month. Their “Siu Loung Bao(soup dumpling)” was indeed very good but the ginger in the soy sauce should be chopped much finer.

Their “Sticky Rice with Shredded Pork” was not bad. On the other hand, “Diced Beef with Garlic Slices” was too dry. The natural flavor of beef was covered up by the spices and eventually none existent.

We also tried Steamed Bamboo Rice which was made in Cantonese style rather than Taiwanese and tragically far too wet. “Yen Sue Jee (Deep Fried Chicken)” – arguably the most typical Taiwanese snack in night markets – was not at all Taiwanese! The size of the diced chicken, the seasoning, the color of the batter and its side dish were all misleading. Please do try it when you visit Taiwan!

“Leong’s Legends” actually refers to a CHINESE novel, “Water Margin”, which was written in 12th century. No wonder both its décor and much of the food are CHINESE, as the name of the restaurant already suggests.

Charmaine: Oh my goodness, I don’t recall it but I hope I didn’t get cheated by the double tip thingy either!

Loving Annie: I adored their fried pork chop especially but it’s starting to look like I’ll have to learn to cook my own!

Helen: True true…but I had been waiting for a taste of Taiwanese food in London for a while. And it looks like I have to wait again for my next chance!

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