Lantern Chinese - Ballina

The food at this restaurant evokes a wonderful sense of nostalgia, featuring delicious, spicy, and fresh flavors that take me back in time. With COVID restrictions now lifted, I really think the restaurant should have fully reopened. While the takeout window was a convenient option during the pandemic, I’ve noticed that the staff can be a bit unfriendly when you approach them. Rather than simply opening the window, they prefer to call your mobile for payment. They claim to accept only cash, yet their card machines seem to work just fine for delivery orders. One staff member, a petite woman, tends to pass the food through the window without fully extending her reach, which can be a hassle for customers. It would be much better if they were more accommodating and handed the food directly. Nonetheless, the food itself is outstanding. The recipes have been passed down through generations, maintaining the same delicious quality as they did 20 years ago, if not better. The food is truly exceptional and absolutely worth a return visit.

It must be the best Chinese restaurant in Ballina! I absolutely love this place.

Update: Recently, the dry, hot, and spicy dish has shown signs of improvement, reminding me of how it used to taste. I hope this positive trend continues, and I look forward to the restaurant reopening.

The dining experience was excellent, just as I had mentioned.

The food all has a similar taste—it's overly salty, which makes you feel thirsty and irritated.