Mainland China

Critic´s Review

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

-By Rashmi Uday Singh

Mainland China comes to mainland Mumbai and perches itself on the second floor of SoBo Central Mall at Haji Ali. But unlike other branches, this one is clad in black granite, dimly lit with tall statues of ancient warriors; coloured screens complete the ambience. Chef Rajesh Dubey (ex-Golden Dragon) ensures that the handsome, golden menu (with over a hundred dishes from across all the provinces) is identical. Start with a variety of well-made dim sums (the Prawn and Mushroom Hargao and Pan-fried Spinach Dumpling and unusual Pak Choy Dumpling), check out the newly introduced Sliced Chicken delicately flavoured in Oyster Sauce and the Pan-grilled Crab Cakes. As many as 35 new items have been added to the menu, which include soups, desserts, starters and main courses. Try the Steamed Chicken Rice Pearls; the Diced Chicken with Assorted Pepper is humdrum but the Crackling Spinach is crunchy and flavoursome with whispers of sweetness. Go for the Chengdou Mountain Chilli Assorted Vegetables and the robust flavours of the Lamb in Mahlak Sauce. The disappointments? Over-fried Sweet and Crispy Chicken Starter, lacklustre Steamed Bekti and the dimly lit, noisy restaurant. The slender hot Chocolate Rolls, steamed Coconut Dumplings make for an unusual sweet ending in this popular, packed restaurant.