Waldorf, or more properly, Liu’s Waldorf Restaurant, has been consistently serving good Chinese food for about three decades now. Situated close to the main gate of the IIT, it started out by being a hit with IITans, (who used to refer to it as "waldies"), before its fame spread far and wide and it became one of the most popular Chinese eateries in Madras.
Tasty Chinese food served in very generous portions in a reasonably decent atmosphere is wjhat makes the place tick. It is one of the few places in Madras which lists beef and pork on the menu.
We have been going there off and on for nearly a quarter of a century and have rarely, if ever, been disappointed. A recent visit convinced us that it is as good as ever.
The prices are very reasonable and the portions rather large. The noodles and fried rice are listed at between Rs 85 and 140, with most variations around Rs 100/110. The regular soups are Rs 55 for a small bowl and Rs 140 for a large, which serves three or four people. The special soups, which include Tom Yum, Manchow come at Rs 10 or so more. Its only when prawns find their way into a dish that the price goes up to rs 145.
My favorites are the fried roast pork(Rs 110) and the Chicken Quaitho, (115). Unfortunately on that day both were sold out and we went for the Sezchwan Beef(110) and a fried chilly pork(110), with noodles and fried rice, washed down with jasmine flavoured Chinese tea.
The food was as tasty as ever, though health freaks would not have approved! Five adults with appetites that can be described as moderate and one normal youngster had their fill fior a bill of Rs 800!
The decor is "Standard Chinese" and nothing to get excited about. The now familiar Chinese horoscope is printed on the place mats and you can check out if you are a dog or a rat or whatever while waiting for the food to arrive.
Will we go again? of course we will! we have been doing so for 25 years, havent we?