Mainland China

Critic´s Review

• Food: 4 / 5
• Service: 3.5 / 5
• Decor: 3.5 / 5

-By Rashmi Uday Singh

India's biggest Chinese restaurant chain just got bigger! Mainland China has just added two more branches to Mumbai this past year. The flagship branch located in Saki Naka (the last place you'd think to go for an authentic Chinese meal!) set up nearly two decades ago continues to be my favourite. The Andheri branch is the swankiest of them all. Here, warm, wooden, gold-and-earth tones, dull gold leaf, wine racks, wooden lamps and antique screens weave a comfy ambience. Kudos to Chef Rajesh Dubey for deftly orchestrating the flavours of Spicy Schezwan, doing full justice to the subtle and bland Cantonese, perfectly executing the robust Hunan gravies and also for some inventive Fukien food. Go for the ever-popular dim sums, and other old favourites like Garlic Steamed Prawns; Chicken with Assorted Peppers; Chicken In Chengdu Pickled Chilli Sauce; Sichuan Chicken With Smoked Chillies And Peanuts; Konjee Crispy Lamb. Fish In Chinese Parsley Sauce, and Stir Fried Chilli And Garlic Prawns With Eggwhite are hits here. Veggies rejoice, there is plenty for you (Baked Vegetable Puff, Wok Tossed Potatoes Yue Yang Style, Exotic Vegetables In Chilli Basil Sauce In A Clay Pot and more) and a whole separate section in the menu titled "Stir-fried" (healthier option; less oily and with minimal spices). P.S. Check out the VFM Fixed Lunch. Not all branches have the buffet and rates vary slightly by location, so please call ahead to inquire if you're interested.