Mainland China, Andheri West, Mumbai, gets a makeover
BY SHAFQUAT ALI
Mumbai’s favourite Chinese restaurant has got a refreshed, new menu – and an amazing makeover to keep up with the evolving times. Hardly surprisingly then that it is the talk of the town!
Mainland China in Andheri West has always been my first choice when it comes to authentic Chinese food in the city but there is one more compelling reason to visit it now: a swanky new look that is as good as any plush restaurant in a five-star hotel. Perhaps the only thing that has not changed is the price range, which is still very affordable.
Consistently great food, excellent service and delightfully warm ambience certainly make for a winning mix.
Full credit to Anjan Chatterjee, Chairman and Managing Director of Speciality Restaurants, and his brilliant son Avik, who is the brain behind the makeover, for transforming the popular fun-dining outlet to a distinctive fine-dining restaurant!
While the old favourites are still in the menu, they have done well to bring back popular dishes from its first opening menu back in 1993. What’s more, they have added several new, mostly innovative creations – one of my clear favourites was the recent addition to the menu: Sweet Potato Noodles!
With dumplings, Sushis and so much more, the new menu – with contemporary ideas, unexplored ingredients and remarkable concoctions – has been curated keeping in mind the taste of both its loyal patrons as well as the demands of the discerning new generation diners.
What adds to the overall dining experience is the open kitchen from where fresh aromas waft into the restaurant.
The new, refreshed ambience, with an intimate seating that allows conversations and celebrations, brings in a young and contemporary feel while retaining the traditional essence of China.
Coming to the food, the dimsum collection in particular was to die for – from the Corn and Water Chestnut Dumpling to Kimchi and Sweet Potato Dumpling to the Blue Pea and Spicy Asparagus Dumpling and the Peking Poached Chicken Dumpling, the flavours were on spot.
Presented with great flair, panache and creativity, Pan Fried Asian Chilli Fish, Prawn Hunan Style, Crispy Lobster Black Pepper and Cantonese Chilli Chicken as well as Lamb in Roasted Garlic Sauce
Singapore Chilli Prawn and Fish in Black Bean Sauce stood out for their robust flavours.
And not to forget the wide range of delicious desserts – with Lemongrass Cheesecake and Honey Noodle with Almond Flake being among the top sellers.
Such was the taste that, to be honest, I could go on about every single thing that landed on the table. I, for one, polished off everything, without any exception!
It was the same good old Chinese but with a certain flair and freshness to it.
It’s Anjan’s sheer genius that Mainland China outlets across the country have stood the test of time and, for almost 30 years, delivered consistently good, hearty authentic Chinese food. No mean achievement that his loyal customers swear by it.
So much so that if it’s Chinese that food lovers are craving for, Mainland China is the first restaurant that springs to mind.
I am one of them.
