New Swindon Chinese restaurant Hakka2 reviewed and rated by the Adver

Located next to The Savoy Wetherspoons and at the former site of The Regent Court Chinese Takeaway at 40-42 Regent Street, Hakka2 is in a great spot for an evening meal or a bite for lunch.

I attended the Lunar New Year afternoon banquet on Sunday, January 29, which marked the official opening of the eatery - and was impressed to say the least.

The menu at Hakka2 offers a wide variety of different dishes. (Image: Newsquest)

The décor in the restaurant has been renovated with polished marble style floors and a modern bar, equipped with a wide selection of alcohol and soft drinks.

I made the most of the variety of beverages, initially having a bottle of the Japanese lager Asahi, before having a classic Coca Cola in a glass bottle.

Now the food served at Hakka2 is predominantly the food of the Hakka, a unique ethnic sub-group of the Han and has a distinct dialect and cuisine.

The main menu offers a whole host of dishes from crispy noodles to soups and everything in between but the meals I experienced were from a special set menu to mark the occasion.

The starter consisted of smoked salmon with rainbows and and a variety of saucy condiments. (Image: Newsquest)

My initial starter consisted of smoked salmon with rainbows and and a variety of saucy condiments.

I'm not so keen on fish so I dodged the salmon but the salad was crisp and refreshing, perfectly cleansing the palate for what was to come.

Next up I was treated to a second starter which featured a mix of cooked meats which went down a treat personally.

From crispy beef to smoked chicken with pork belly and fruit salad to boot, I was already starting to fill up from the generous servings that were being bestowed upon me.

Ed Burnett taking on the starter, armed with chopsticks. (Image: Newsquest)

Crab claws also made an appearance and once again I gave these a miss - but if seafood is your preference, then Hakka2 definitely catered for that.

Moving on from the many starters, the main course was brought out or should I say courses as several dishes were then brough to each table.

Sweet and sour seabass was brought to all but one table in the house - a gold medal for anyone that can guess who didn’t opt for that one.

I instead had roast chicken as well as some stir fried seasonal greens, which was all accompanied by some brilliant yang chow fried rice featuring chicken and beef.

The meat platter which featured an impressive smoke affect upon presentation. (Image: Newsquest)

Having just about cleared my plate, I was starting to struggle and feared if the dessert was as big as the other courses, I may have to throw in the napkin.

But what was produced was a selection of smaller, homemade sweet treats that were all individually wrapped.

From small peanut flavoured biscuits to carefully rolled crispy pipes, there was something for everyone on the smaller dessert platter.

Upon finishing a banquet which was fit for royalty, I sat down to chat with restaurant owner and chef Christine Liaw.

Hakka2 owner Christine Liaw with Adver reporter Ed Burnett. (Image: Newsquest)

“I have a long history of running restaurants but this is my first Hakka restaurant as it is slightly different from the traditional food,” she said.

“This is called Hakka2 as I also run a takeaway in Cheltenham called Hakka. People really loved the food there so I decided to bring the Hakka to Swindon.”

The 43-year-old has enjoyed her time in the Wiltshire town so far.

“The Swindonians are very nice and very friendly,” she said.

“The town centre is a bit quiet now though but we still have many different cultures in Swindon and we have a great advantage having the Outlet too.”