For reasons unknown I have been bypassing TAN’S KITCHEN on 19A in Parksville since it opened Two or more years ago. Not sure why but since the parking lot is almost always  full I thought I’d give it a try. Glad I did.

Tan’s Kitchen is Chinese, North American Chinese I would say, but surprisingly good. Not as good as my all time favourite, Red CHILI in North Vancouver or Pink Pearl in Vancouver but as good as Capilano Heights, where we went for many years when we lived in North Vancouver. It’s certainly at least as good the venerable Ming’s in Victoria where I have dined many times.
The owners formerly owned a Chinese Restaurant in Port Alberni for 16 years before moving to Parksville and opening TAN’S. So they should know what they are doing and they do.

This restaurant is quite large and quite nice featuring both tables and booths. The decor is classic Chinese with paper lanterns, fans and other oriental decor items.

Open for lunch and dinner Tan’s features a large Buffett. I don’t fancy buffets so when I visited a very sweet young Chinese server brought me a menu. Very extensive as you expect in a Chinese restaurant. They have a number of Combo plates which are perfect when dining alone. I chose the Prawns, Sweet & Sour Chicken Balls and Chow Mein. The latter was delicious! The Prawns were in batter and deep fried, typical fare in most Chinese places but very tasty. The Sweet & Sour Chicken Balls were really good and I loved the flavour of the sauce. The serving was very generous too. $12.95 for it all. Paired it with a Tsingtao Beer.
The service was friendly and very efficient and the food was nicely presented and piping hot.

I took a good look at the Buffet on on the way out and my server suggested I try the buffet next time. “It’s very popular, you should try” she proclaimed proudly.  Sorry, I’m not doing the Buffet. However, there are quite a number of Szechuan items on the menu that might be worth trying for those of us who like 🌶 Spicy. They claim no MSG added too!

Tan’s also do Take Out, of course, plus free delivery within 4 kilometres. I’m thinking our gang of refugees from the mainland may choose Tan’s for our next at home event.  Perhaps the Dinner for ten at $128.  Not bad.

Free WiFi is available. Perfect if you can use your iPad and handle chop sticks concurrently.

Tan’s is at 332 Island Highway West in Parksville. Reservations and Delivery 250-586-8828. Open Tuesday through Sunday.

If you have not tried Tan’s and if you like Chinese Food, and who doesn’t, drop in and try it out.  I certainly plan to return. I think my favourite girl will like it too!

Just saying…