Wan Hao

Critic´s Review

• Food: 3 / 5
• Service: 3.5 / 5
• Decor: 3 / 5

-By Odette Mascarenhas

Wan ho…welcome to the Chinese courtyard at the Marriott. There is a throne of sorts in the centre of the restaurant. But remember that those who could ascend the throne needed a 'Mandate from Heaven' as the theory behind this was based on the concept that the Emperor acted as the Son of Heaven. So what could be that 'Mandate from Heaven'? The sign that would give the 'one 'absolute power! Remember one can never think on an empty stomach. So start with the tea…the Aromatic Jasmine Tea. Then order the Crab Claws - wrapped with crab meat and Thai herbs, golden fried, served with plum sauce. Another hot favourite is the Threaded Prawns - he marinated prawns with chilli and garlic have thin juliennes of wantons wrapped around them. From Sichuan comes the prawn preparation - Sichuan Prawns, stir fried prawns tossed in Sichuan sauce. Combine that with a Cantonese old favourite Deep Fried Snapper in sweet and sour sauce (fried red snapper with pineapple in Sweet and sour sauce) or a Hunan Spiced Chicken….you will be crowned emperor of the realm. But do not forget to accompany that with Yong Chow Fried Rice (fried rice with chicken, prawns and pork with light soya). Believe me after a meal like that, what other sign would one need? But before you ascend to that throne…you have a date. With destiny? No, just the traditional Date Pancakes, and when chilled with an ice-cream…..A Mandate from heaven… Not really required at the Wan-ho. It is sure bliss which even the emperors of yore would be looking out for.