Today, 29th September 2023, is the 50th birthday of our youngest son, Mika, who lives in Linnanmaa in Oulu. (Mika's full name is Michael as he was born of St. Michael's Day.)
Mika after his 50th birthday
We decided to lunch together at the Royal Garden Chinese Restaurant where Michelle produced an outstanding meal including her special Friday Chicken Vindaloo.
The meal in Royal Garden is a feast. They have a great salad table. The hors d'oeuvre section with vegetarian dumplings, spring rolls and samosas, onion rings, fried noodles, egg fried rice, a great fish soup, Chinese vegetables, chicken fritters, Chinese fish and vegetables, papadam and Chinese prawn crackers. The main meal serving is of chicken wings, rice, a beef, pork and a vegetable dish and the outstanding chicken vindaloo. Additionally they have a well stocked sushi table with the appropriate sauces. For deserts they offer peaches and pineapple and cream, and to top off the meal there is fresh coffee, tea and jasmine tea with biscuits. Eat as much as you want for just €13:90 and they even provide a free fizzy drink.
I do not think there is an equivalent buffet in Oulu.
The buffet is there during lunch hours on weekdays.
For value for money it is great.
Annikki and I lunch there every Thursday, when they have an outstanding mushroom soup, fried fish and a beef curry instead of the chicken vindaloo.
Mika enjoyed his birthday meal after which we adjourned to the neighbouring Hair Club Barber shop run by our Turkish friend, Kasim. He is the nephew of Hasim, Matin and Mehmet, Hasim is the partner with Kasim of the two Goreme restaurants, one in Ranta Kastelli and the other in Höyhtyä shopping conplex. Hasim’s younger brother, Mehmet, runs one of the finest pizzerias in Haukipudas, Oulu called Adalar
I had a haircut and beard trim, making me look a like a bald 80 year old.
Mika had his beard shaved off and his long flowing hair washed and trimmed.
Both of these institutions are our 6 STAR reccomendations for visitors to and residents of Oulu.
