Niagara Falls has lost one of its most authentic Chinese food restaurants.
Lai’s Restaurant Tavern, billed as Lai’s Chinese Restaurant on its menu, closed the doors for good last night as the owners decided to retire after serving a very loyal clientele for the past 28 years.
To alert their customers, the restaurant had a note on its front door that said, “We enjoyed serving you at Lai’s for the past 28 years. With great sadness, we have sold the restaurant to enjoy retirement.”
“Our last day of business will be September 29th.”
The note was also posted to remind customers, “Please claim any gift certificates beforehand.”
The outpouring of affection from loyal customers for the restaurant was instantaneous on the post.
“Visited here last week and the food was amazing! Service was quick, and the portion sizes were great. Ordered combo plates and egg foo yung. The chicken balls had a large piece of chicken in it which was great because most places have mostly batter,” said one poster.
They continued, “The chicken wings were crispy, sesame chicken delicious and the egg foo yung perfect. Highly recommend this family restaurant for dinner in Niagara falls instead of all the chain places in the tourist area. Will definitely be back anytime I’m in Niagara.”
Said another, “The BEST Chinese food in Niagara Falls! Authentic Cantonese, fresh ingredients and large portions. Highly recommend ordering a dish or two from ‘The Lai Family special features’ – Cantonese chow mein and Sizzling Peking Beef are to die for. Lovely family run business. Clean, comfortable, can’t say enough!”
One poster had a soup they remembered fondly. “Awesome little Chinese restaurant in Niagara Falls. Food was delicious and the owners were very friendly. The Hot & Sour soup and the Lai specials were my favorites. Will definitely visit again next time I’m here!”
Another commented on Lai’s authenticity. “Surprised to find authentic Chinese cuisine tucked within Niagara Falls. The owners were nice and were able to recommend us some dishes and they tasted rather authentic!”
Finally, another remembered both the food and the ambiance. “I was visiting my family in Niagara Falls from Northern Ontario and we decided to go here for supper. I knew as soon as I saw and opened my egg roll, I was going to be happy with my food. I ordered the Peking beef. It was awesome. I also tried stuff on my family’s plates – the taste and flavour awesome. The owner was cool, joking with us we all enjoyed ourselves and our food.”
So for an authentic Chinese restaurant, here, according to Google, is an authentic Chinese goodbye – “zài jiàn”
