Before every Sydney suburb had its complement of Thai eateries, Chinese restaurants reigned supreme.
Kensington Peking Restaurant
Kensington Peking Restaurant has stood the test of time. Located along Anzac Parade adjacent to the Kensington Post Office, it has been serving Chinese and Pekingnese cuisine for nearly twenty years – nobody I have asked can verify exactly for how long.
Soup
The interior of the ground floor could do with a lick of paint but that doesn’t stop locals and visitors to the area from packing the two-level restaurant on most nights. A couple of older Chinese gentlemen run the floor and depending on their mood, they could either serve you in sign language or with a side of dry humour – bless them, it’s all part of the charm of the dining experience.
Kensington Peking Restaurant is known for its Peking Duck, Shantong Chicken, Szechuan Beef, Sizzling Beef in wasabi sauce and a variety of specials handwritten on pieces of paper stuck to the wall. Come around Chinese New Year and you’ll be treated to a special menu and dishes you may not have seen before. The restaurant is BYO and has a takeaway service.
Here are some of the dishes enjoyed over the years:
Steamed Dim Sim ($6.80)
Shanghai Sliced Noodles in XO Sauce ($9.80)
Garlic King Prawns ($17.80)
Deep Fried Duck (half) ($21)
Peking Duck, Whole ($41)
Special Fried Rice ($10.80)
If you’re after comforting Chinese food that is tasty, consistent and served with minimum waiting, Kensington Peking Restaurant ticks all the boxes. The venue is often busy and if you believe that the number of Asian customers is an indication of popularity, then the patronage has spoken loud. It may not be the best Chinese food you’ve had in Sydney, but it’s good and comfortable. Just like your favourite old pair of jeans and sweater top.
Kensington Peking Restaurant
172 Anzac Pde
Kensington NSW
Ph: 9313 7100
Mon to Thu, Sun: 11am to 3.00pm; 5pm to 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 11am to 3.00pm; 5pm to 11.00pm
Closed on Wednesdays
