Lim’s Chinese Restaurant

The staff are lovely. I believe that’s why Lim’s is quite popular still.
I changed my review from 2 stars to 4! Why? Let me explain…
I don’t eat meat or dairy, so that does cut down my choices a lot in this little restaurant. The dishes mostly based around seafood, chicken and beef and there aren’t many vegetarian options.
The first time I went there, I explained to the waiter of my dietary needs and he was obviously unsure what ingredients were in the dishes, as he answered both «yes» and «no» to the same «does this contain egg or dairy?» questions. It made me nervous and I felt annoying, but I was starving and wanting to enjoy dinner with my friends. I waited for a waitress and she told me I could have a dish which contained oyster sauce. At this point, I wasn’t feeling confident to order at all as no one seemed to understand what I was asking. I believe it was Lim himself who ended up telling me he’d make the vegetables in garlic sauce dish vegan for me.
That’s the really great thing about going to a small restaurant like Lim’s. Lim will get involved, serve, educate you with his culture and joke around.
I wasn’t annoyed that the staff didn’t seem to understand me. I was more concerned if someone had an allergy and their questions weren’t answered correctly.
The dish itself wasn’t the greatest to be honest. The mushrooms were overcooked and the sauce was a bit bland with the rice.
Now let’s fast forward to my most recent visit!
This time I ordered a vegetarian curry with steamed rice. I’m so glad I asked Lim what ingredients were in the curry, as he told me they cook it with chicken stock! So if you are vegetarian, please ask even when the menu says «vegetarian»! They will happily make it without the chicken stock if you ask. The dish was really enjoyable this time. I think I’m going to choose it every time I go there: P

Lim’s Chinese Restaurant at Glenelg is a veritable icon of dining when it comes to Chinese food at the Bay. Granted, its not traditional Chinese but its good nosh if you’re hungry or you’re after a feed for the family.
I have eaten in on many occasions over the years but I do have a history of takeaway dining and always order their Special Fried Rice with a side serving of Satay Sauce and a couple of steamed dim sims — what can I say, I like a gourmet cookup as much as the next person but sometimes a girl just needs basic food.
Love the fact that when you are dining in, Lim nearly always visits tables later in the evenings and shouts drinks for his patrons. It’s a nice gesture and if nothing else is a very clever marketing touch. The staff at Lim’s must be a content bunch because some of them have worked there for years. There has been a considerable change in the size of the restaurant over the years and it use to be twice the size it is now.
The best Lemon Chicken going around.

Lim’s Chinese Restaurant
One of the friendliest eateries down Glenelg way. As you enter the affable staff greet you, however I failed to notice their immediate politeness due to being distracted by the mass amount of lanterns. I compliment the hostess and managed to spry a free drink.
I’m a big fan of Chinese food, unfortunately their food is nothing special. You can basically get the same flavours from a food court in the Central Markets. However the service is fantastic which makes me want to go back for another plate of Singapore Chilli Lamb. They are also very considrate of people with allergies and affirm that their food is without that dreaded MSG.
If you’re looking for a family friendly dine out, Lim’s is a great choice.

Not being a great fan of «western» Chinese food anyway, my expectations are not particularly high. I have been to Lim’s a few times as it has been around for a very long time. Each time I go (never of my own choosing of course) I hope to eat something worthwhile but sadly this hasn’t happened. The food is barely passable and most meats are heavily battered.
The restaurant itself is quite lovely, spacious airy and very red, of course. The service is its one redeeming feature. The staff are attentive and the hot hand towels before the meal are a pleasant touch. Lim, who owns the restaurant is a local celebrity and always has a great float in the Glenelg Christmas Pageant, complete with the «human» dragon. He is very good at front of house being very attentive to every customer. The oldies love him as he offers them free drinks on special occasions.
It is a great shame that the food is so bad because they have got most of the other components right. I hope that I don’t have to go back too soon!

Good, honest trad Chinese! Lim’s is a Glenelg institution and worth a visit if steak in blackbean sauce, sweet & sour dishes and noodles are your bag