Ten or so years ago, I began writing restaurant reviews. One of the first restaurants I reviewed was a great little find, Westhill Restaurant. This was one of my favourite places to eat. The previous owners, Leonard and Florence moved to the island to retire but opened up Westhill to share their passion for authentic Malaysian cuisine. Florence uses their family recipes. Roong Whibley came to work 3 years ago and quickly became their student and the two owners began to slowly turn the restaurant over to her in 2008, Roong made Westhill her own.
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Here is the condensed version of what could quite possibly be the best Malaysian Chinese food on this island. Three times they have won recognition by ‘Where to Eat in Canada’ as one of the Best Buys in Canada’. Nothing is cooked until you order and they use the freshest and finest ingredients available.
![]() Crispy Prawns ($8.50) Eight succulent prawns dipped in panko and fried to crispy perfection. The canola oil is changed daily. I defy anyone to find grease on these tasty treats. They use only the best of everything even the fine plum sauce has chunks of plum in it. Egg Rolls ($1.95 each) Stuffed full of vegetables and pork, these crispy morsels are deep fried in a special casing but you would think they were baked - so light and delicate.
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![]() Westhill has earned a reputation for having the best won ton soup on Vancouver Island. From the artistic presentation to the hand-crafted won ton and the huge variety of fresh vegetables (corn adds a special sweetness), you will simply swoon over that stock. This is a large bowl for only $8.50 and so good for you. “We took the peanuts out of everything because some people are very allergic.” Respect and consideration are atmospheric conditions here.
Honey Garlic Pork ($9.95) Tender morsels of the leanest part of the pork chop are coated and fried to tempura-like delicacy. Sweet Chili Crispy Chicken ($9.95) add any sauce to tasty pieces of coated chicken breast but do try the Sweet Chili. This was a favourite of mine 10 years ago and it still is. Noodle in House Sauce ($7.95) This one will have you coming back for more, topped with two kinds of meat and many vegetables, these skinny noodles are served up with a ‘secret sauce’. You won’t find this dish anywhere else but I guarantee it will become one of your new addictions.
Our last two dishes were Prawns in Black Bean Sauce and Ginger Onion Beef. Oh my goodness! The Black Bean sauce is made in-house slight salty taste combined with the creaminess of the beans makes prawns a delight. Now for the home-made ice cream .You will never have home-made coconut or mango ice cream this good. The fresh fruit was mixed right in not just waved over. Loved it!
Open 4 days a week Wednesday to Saturday, 4:00-8:00 p.m. Book reservations @ (250) 752-7148. Once word gets out, this tiny white house at McLean Road and the Alberni Highway in Qualicum Beach will be hopping. Congratulations Roong!
Written by Carrie Powell-Davidson |



