Cha Cha over to Cha Cha Moon at Whiteleys (Cha Cha Moon)

Member Name: Homer213

Product:	Cha Cha Moon
Date:	10/06/09 (46 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap authentic Asian food, impeccable service, superb restaurant

Disadvantages: If anything, staff can at times be a little too attentive!!

Cha Cha Moon has recently opened in Whiteleys in Bayswater, London and it's a strong competitor to an area which has many Chinese restaurants.

---Decor & Ambience---
Whiteleys can appear a little "empty" at times, and to get to Cha Cha Moon you need to go the third floor where the movie cinema and other restaurants are, but don't let that deter you!
Staff are ready to welcome you on arrival, and I've never had to wait to be seated!
It's furnished in a similar manner to Alan Yau's Wagamama - long benches and seats - communal eating. If you've ever been to Asia you will know this is a common way to eat - seated at a table with others you don't know.
The restaurant is quite long, and they've used mirrors well to make it light and appear bigger than it actually is. It has a wonderful ceiling of bamboo poles and every now and then you see a spay of mist come out.
The kitchen is also on full view so you can see the chefs hard at work!!

---Menu/Food---
Cha Cha Moon has a fantastic Asian menu of noodles, rice, dumplings and some more unsual dishes such as turnip cake.
It's one of those restaurants where you want to try a bit of everything and simply don't know what to choose as it all looks so good. Better take some friends so you can sample theirs!!
Peering over your neighbours shoulder to work out what they are eating is also a great way to confirm your choice!!

Food is delivered piping hot to your table within 5-10 minutes of ordering. You can see it being made in the kitchen and the staff bringing it to you.

I've been told, but not as yet sampled their non alcoholic cocktails and I'm led to believe that they are amazing!!


----Service----
When a restaurant has good service they really should be complimented! And Cha Cha Moon gets full marks! Staff are extremely attentive! Drink orders are taken when they give you the menus, and appear not long after. Food orders are taken quickly and accuratley. They ask if you want everything at the same time or not.
Empty plates are cleared away discreetly and quicky, but I don't feel like they are pushing you out the door either. There is still time to finish your drink, digest your food and finish your conversation.

---Price/Cost---
Dinner for 2 with softdrinks, including 2 main and entrees, comes in at under £20!
Mains hover from £6-10.

---Overall---
I'm impressed that Alan Yau didn't just create another version of Wagamama. Because as good as Wagamama is, sometimes you just feel rushed and it's not a relaxing as it could be or should be.

Cha Cha Moon on the other hand, has managed to maintain a level of intimacy in a relaxed setting!

But the proof is in the pudding or rather the noodles! And at Cha Cha Moon the food is excellent, the service faultless and my pocket not completely empty!

Summary: Cha Cha Yum!!!