Lau's Buffet King - The Classic Chinese Buffet

You can spend all kinds of silly money on extravagant gourmet cuisine these days, but there comes a time in everyone's lives when they simply need cheap and greasy fill. The original Lau's Chinese buffet is the place that will fulfil that purpose. From corporate lawyers to cheapo students, everyone needs an inexpensive Chinese buffet in their lives. They're as a essential as a toothbrush. That's not to say the food is terrible quality, everything is cooked well and all of your classic dishes are available, at exceptionally cheap rates. Although Lau's only undercut the cost of their buffet by a pound or two versus the other 'cheap' buffet restaurants of China town, they deliver a superior standard of dishes that will please almost every diner. Service is always fine and it's very rare to find a dish that's empty. There is, of course, far more exotic and better quality a la carte style Chinese restaurants on this street. But when you're on a budget, you simply will not find anywhere in Newcastle that beats Lau's for cost effectiveness. And when you're as insatiably hungry as the Fat Spoon often is, then this place is the answer to your prayers. 72%

Tiger Tiger Newcastle - Great Food in the Most Unlikely of Venues!

Don't worry, the Fat Spoon hasn't completely lost it. In one of Newcastle's leading stag/hen party hell holes (second only to the Bigg market) lies Tiger Tiger's restaurant. And it really is a hidden gem of great contemporary cuisine, cooked to a pretty decent standard. If your attending on a Friday evening you will have to fight your way through the trolls of society, but once you reach the back of the bar you'll be greeted by a serene and stylish restaurant. The menu would be a rather expensive, if it weren't for the fact that they operate a 50% discount off food and drinks most evenings between 5-9pm. This highly affordable menu covers everything from simple pub classics such as bangers 'n' mash to more decadent features such as rose veal schnitzel and lobster frites. The staff are friendly but possibly drunk, either that or incredibly clumsy, but are happy to accommodate large parties with private rooms and attentive service. All in all, a very satisfying restaurant that is suitable for students and gourmet-seekers alike. 72%

Yo Yo Noodle - Cheap and Cheerful Chinese

Looking for something a little more interesting than your standard boots meal deal or foot long subway for lunch? This noodle bar franchise has exactly what you need. Choose from a range of noodles, varieties of meats, fresh vegetables and sauces; which are then all flash fried in a wok before you. The sizzling delights are then deposited in a trendy noodle box complete with chop sticks that will leave you feeling like you're an extra in an American sitcom. On this visit the quality of ingredients were decent, the sauces were flavoursome and best of all - the portions were delightfully gargantuan. Don't expect authentic gourmet Chinese cuisine here, this fast food outlet is well aware of its standings as a quick and easy lunch vendor. The super chunky Udon noodles with roast duck in a Singapore curry sauce went down a treat with the Fat Spoon. 60%