Chef's Gallery, Hurstville

To tempt and satisfy the locals of Hurstville, Chef's Gallery has introduced a new regional menu of authentic Southern Chinese cuisine.  Chefs Gallery in Hurstville is located in Westfield (on the Forest rd entrance) and you will have to enter via the stairs or lift down into the downstairs venue. Downstairs, you'll see their signature open window where you can see the chefs working in action. I love watching the chefs working on the long strands of hand made noodles.

All your Chefs Gallery favourite dishes (and my faves - like the dumplings and noodles) are still on the menu at Hurstville but there's a few additional Southern Regional Chinese dishes to enjoy at this one particular venue. Matt and I travelled in China last year and noticed the significant differences in food depending on the province and region.

Above is the Spicy Sichaun 'bobo chicken' with corn fed chicken cooked in a hot chilli oil sauce ($18.90). The chicken is served up cold and sits in a spicy and mildly sweet bath and is topped with coriander and onion. For those who like chewing on bones, you'll enjoy this dish. The sauce really brings the dish to live with vibrant and bold spicy sweet flavours.    

This has to be my favourite dish which is a sichuan-style silky steamed egg which you topped with Chef's Gallery signature spicy sweet sauce and you add other toppings such as coriander, pork, radish and crushed nuts ($11.90). The addition of the toppings adds additional texture and flavour. In particular the radish and nuts really cut through the smooth silky egg and spicy sauce. I don't think I've ever had steamed eggs before but I love the softness of the eggs.

Above is the sampling platter of braised delights including chicken gizzards, pig trotters, pig ears, duck wings and beef tripe ($20.90). Many of my friends are very comfortable eating offal. Matt will try anything once but I personally don't feel comfortable with offal. I don't even eat chicken feet at yum cha. So I remain ignorant while the more cultured people at my table enjoy this offal! I can see happy faces chewing on the bones.

I focus on the cabbage instead. Below is the cabbage strips which are wok fried with diced pork belly and garlic ($12.90). You can taste the  light soy sauce and has spicy tones as there are chunks of chilli in this dish. This a nice side dish if you are looking to add vegetables to the mix.  

Then there's slow cooked beef in a chinese-style gravy with pickles, seasoned with herbs, spices and garlic ($14.90). The roast beef is full of soy sauce flavour and is additional spice.   

Next up is the bass fish which is topped with a mild chilli and pickled capsicum ($16.90). The steamed fish is incredibly soft and tender - melt in  your mouth. Watch out for fish bones and don't worry as the pickled capsicum and chilli is not too spicy. I really like this dish. Lots of packed protein.

The flash fried medium wagyu beef cubes are served up with crushed pepper and a black pepper dipping sauce ($27.90). The pepper beef is incredible. The high grade quality beef and accompanying peppery sauce will delight your senses. This one is perfect with rice. Me thinks this one will go down well with some wine or a refreshing beer.

Make sure you save room for dessert. I can't resist the emoji custard buns. They are so playful and I love the sweet custard center. A great way to finish a meal. I highly recommend the emoji dessert.

Summary: Chefs Gallery in Hurstville goes all authentic with Southern Chinese cuisine to delight the senses. This menu is sure to please the locals who love sichaun dishes and their offal. My fave was the steamed eggs and the steamed fish! So soft, silky and melt in your mouth!

Price: $20ish per main dishes

Location: Forest Rd, Hurstville Westfield

Opening Hours: 
Monday to Friday 11am to 3:30pm, 5:30pm to 9:30pm
Weekends 11am to 9:30pm

Weekend Food Escapes dined as guests of Cardinal Spin. All photos, opinions and words are my own.