Jia Jia Lok - Waterloo

Didn't think I would have luck finding soup in the midst of summer. I caught a cold and wanting something to help me feel better. Jia Jia Lok didn't disappoint ... not only did they have the soup ... it was very hearty and excellent taste.

We ordered delivery from here this weekend and were not overly excited about the food. I appreciate the fact that they have both a Chinese and an English menu, and we ordered mostly from the latter. The food seemed to lack flavour, especially the General Tsoa. I was particularly disappointed with the boiled dumplings. If we try from here again, we might try the other menu. It did arrive quickly and was hot.

I had their satay chicken friend noodles, noodles not bad, satay sauce, awful. The complementary sour and hot soup was acceptable. But value was excellent. $10 pp all in for lunch, no booze, this place is worth another visit. It is located in 'downtown ' waterloo, as opposed to the university area, so I suspect there is more of a lunch crowd. Original owners might have been trying to gear to a Hong Kong 'cha chan ten ' idea, but nowhere close to the Toronto versions. New owners probably from mainland but are pleasant. Will have to return for their seafood chow mein or their ribs with rice.

My wife and I love jai jais for its great food and friendly staff. My wide is cantonese and has always loved going there, because the lady at Jai jais is also Cantonese, so they chat up a storm. My wife says the food is what she grew up with, so she always gets it for comfort food. Not to be missed, just overlook the decor.

This is the quin-essential Mom and Pop shop. The owner/operators are friendly and hard working. I really like the soup that is included with the weekday lunch specials. Food is always great. Only concern is the blast of cold air that will hit you if you sit near the door in the winter.