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A Wollongong Gem: Why Asian Lee's Butchery Deserves the Rave Reviews
Asian Lee's Butchery in Wollongong isn't your average butcher shop. It's a local institution, earning a well-deserved 4.9-star rating and consistently positive feedback from a loyal customer base. Forget the sterile aisles of supermarkets; here you'll find a traditional butcher’s experience focused on quality, value, and a willingness to go the extra mile. The shop, located at Wollongong NSW 2500, operates Monday to Friday and Saturday from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, offering ample opportunity to stock up on premium meats. While Sunday is a day of rest for Asian Lee, the rest of the week sees him diligently serving the Wollongong community. Customers consistently praise the shop's outstanding service, with many highlighting their long-standing relationship with the owner. It's clear this isn’t just a business; it's a craft, built on trust and a passion for providing exceptional meat. You’ll find it's a little different to access, as customer comments suggest navigating to the back of the store is required for parking – but that’s merely a minor detail when the quality of the meat is so high.
The Meat Matters: Quality and Variety
The heart of Asian Lee's Butchery is, undoubtedly, the meat. Customers consistently sing praises of the freshness and quality, with many saying they won't return to Coles or Woolworths for their meat needs. Here's a breakdown of what makes the selection stand out:
- Prime Cuts Abound: Expect a wide selection of pork, beef, and chicken, all meticulously prepared.
- Asian Cuisine Specialist: This butcher is well-known for catering to Asian culinary traditions. Regular customers specifically mention obtaining Pho beef, lean pork mince, and beef spine – crucial ingredients for authentic Pho soup. The shop also stocks other specialist cuts to appease Asian chefs.
- Value for Money: Despite the premium quality, the prices are remarkably competitive. Black Angus beef, for example, is reportedly available for $25/kg - a price point that consistently surprises and delights customers.
- Impeccable Freshness: A quick turnover ensures the meat is always fresh. This is a key reason many long-time patrons keep returning.
- Frozen Options: Alongside fresh produce, Asian Lee's also offers a range of frozen meats, providing even more choice.
Here's a table summarizing the meat categories available:
| Meat Category | Specific Examples |
|---|---|
| Beef | Black Angus, Steaks, Roasts, Ground Beef, Beef Spine |
| Pork | Pork Mince (Lean), Roasts, Chops, Belly |
| Chicken | Chicken Breast, Whole Chickens, Thighs |
| Frozen | (Variety of meats – specific details not consistently mentioned in reviews) |
Beyond the Counter: Exceptional Service and Custom Cuts
What truly sets Asian Lee's Butchery apart is the personable service. While the owner himself is described as a man of few words, his actions speak volumes. Customers rave about the willingness to go above and beyond:
- Custom Cuts are a Breeze: Forget struggling to cut meat to your specifications. Asian Lee will happily de-bone, cut up, or portion meat exactly to your requirements.
- Bone Cutting Services: Specifically mentioned, the ability to cut bones for stock or other dishes is a huge drawcard.
- Friendly & Helpful Attitude: Despite a no-fuss demeanor, customers consistently describe Asian Lee as friendly and having a great attitude. He's more than just a butcher; he's a helpful resource.
- Accessibility: The shop is wheelchair accessible with dedicated parking.
- Payment Flexibility: Asian Lee's accepts Credit cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions convenient.
- Quick Visit Option: For those with limited time, the shop is designed for a quick and efficient visit.
"Nothing is too much trouble... they will de-bone, cut up meat for you, cut bones for you." – A recurring sentiment from satisfied customers.
Finding Asian Lee’s & A Word of Advice
Finding the shop itself is a slightly unusual experience worth noting, as a handful of customers have mentioned the location.
- Rear Access is Key: The shop is located at the back of the building.
- GPS Directions Recommended: Simply entering the address ("Wollongong NSW 2500") into your GPS will guide you to the correct location.
- Don't Judge the Exterior: Several reviewers advise against letting the shop’s exterior fool you. While not the most modern or impeccably presented, the quality of the meat far outweighs any aesthetic concerns. “Don’t judge a book by its cover!” as one customer aptly put it.
- Phone to enquire: Phone calls to (+61 2 4244 2275) are a good option where required.
Asian Lee's Butchery embodies a rare combination of quality meat, exceptional service, and competitive prices - a winning formula that has earned it loyal customers and consistently high praise.