Little White Duck at Chadstone Shopping Centre – Malvern East – roast duck restaurant

Tucked away in the bustling Lower Ground floor of Chadstone Shopping Centre, Little White Duck beckons with its promise of tantalising Chinese cuisine. However, while the menu boasts an array of tempting dishes, the overall dining experience proves to be a mixed bag of highs and lows.

Located adjacent to Sushi Jiro, Little White Duck is a popular spot, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings. However, it’s worth noting the surcharges of 10% on Sundays and 15% on public holidays, which may catch some patrons off guard.

Upon arrival, we found ourselves queuing up for a table, with baby prams parked outside the restaurant due to limited space. Ordering was done via QR code, although there was also the option of assistance from a staff member.

The menu at Little White Duck offers a diverse selection of shared dishes, ranging from succulent Roast Duck to Sichuan specialties and dumplings. Despite the variety, our dining experience was marred by inconsistent service each visit. Each time, the staff seemed overly eager to rush us through our meal, leaving us feeling somewhat unwelcome.

Throughout the meal, we had to repeatedly request water, noticing that many tables were left unattended in this regard. While the service left much to be desired, the food itself showcased moments of brilliance amidst occasional disappointment.

For instance, signature dishes like the Roast Duck offerings impressed with their rich flavours and tender meat. You can order their Noodle Soup with Roast Duck to get the experience, but the Noodle Soup itself can be bland. On the other hand, the Flat Rice Noodles with Egg Gravy, paired with either Chicken or Beef, proved to be a standout, delivering a satisfying umami punch with a delicious gravy at $20.80. Similarly, the Chicken Ribs with Honey Pepper sauce delighted with their crispy batter and irresistible sweet-spicy glaze, albeit at $29.80.

However, not all dishes lived up to expectations. Across all our visits, the Noodle Soups fell short, lacking depth of flavour, while dishes like their Drunken Chicken left much to be desired, with its abundance of bones and scant meat proving more hassle than enjoyment.

In terms of pricing, Little White Duck sits squarely in the middle range, neither excessively cheap nor exorbitantly expensive. While some dishes justify their cost with exceptional quality, others leave diners feeling underwhelmed.

Little White Duck offers a mixed dining experience, with moments of culinary brilliance overshadowed by inconsistent service and occasional disappointments. While the allure of its signature dishes may entice patrons, be prepared for a dining journey that fluctuates between highs and lows.

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