There was a time in Kolkata when Chinese cuisine - comprising the ubiquitous fried rice and chilli chicken - was a considered a goal, a reward for children after winning a trophy at school. It could also be the ultimate Durga puja lunch.
With the advent of international cuisine in the shape of new Italian, Japanese, Thai restaurants, the Chinese food craze has probably pipes down a little but Kolkata’s love affair with Chinese dishes continues unabated.
Tung Fong
If you know the food trail around Park Street like the back of your hand, there is hardly a chance that you have not introduced yourself to Tung Fong. Like the handful of other legendary eateries in the area, Tung Fong too owns a massive space.
The first thing you notice while entering its grand doors are the stone lions, by the door sides. The interiors are beautifully lit and the wooden furniture takes you back to the authentic food scene in the 60s and 70s. The central area is slightly higher than the floor and sports a concave roof surrounded by pillars decorated with dragons. This area is just right for a big group getting together for a scrumptious lunch buffet.
Almost all the dishes are cooked to perfection at this restaurant, especially the fried wantons, the red pepper fish or chicken, drums of heaven, chilli garlic pepper chicken or fish, Schezwan fried rice. The chilly chicken tastes great too. One can opt for the buffet (Rs 670 with tax per head) and it will not disappoint.
The drums of heaven and veg fried wanton are great starters. The chilli garlic aloo and Hunan chicken are also very tasty. The Manchurian fish is delicious and soft. The virgin Mojito, Kung Pao chicken, Hakka Chilli fish and fried button mushrooms are worth trying for sure.
Mainland China
This Chinese restaurant is simply a must-try. It is perhaps a little expensive but the food they offer is to die for. The starters are always warm, crispy and yum. There are five to six types of starters like chicken wanton, drumsticks, one fish item, soups and crunchy potatoes.
The main course - both vegetarian and non-vegetarian section– is equally good. The fish, chicken, lamb and crab are scrumptious. The crab in white gravy is awesome. But please try all their options for dessert - chocolate wantons, fruit custard, pastries, ice creams and a lot more. This Ballygunge outlet of Mainland China also has a chocolate fountain.
The service is satisfactory and the slightly steep price is worth the food. Do visit this haven of Chinese food as it’s probably the best Chinese buffet in town.
Beijing
Located at the heart of Tangra - Kolkata’s own China town -this is one of the most authentic Chinese restaurants of the city. Many years ago, Kim Ling, opened in the early 1990s by Monica Liu , “The Queen of Tangra” was the favourite. Beijing opened almost a decade after Kim Ling. The service is prompt, the food is fresh and hot and the green chilli sauce exquisite.
Once can easily opt for starters and soup. The Thai Soup is a winner - the flavours bold - and just right for the monsoon and winter months. The starters are Fried Chicken Wantons , Spring Chicken , Crispy Chilli Baby Corn , Drums of Heaven , Honey Chicken and the unbelievable Chilli Garlic Crab Claws, a must order for crab-lovers.
If you do have place for the main course, try the Meifoon noodles and on a rainy day, the Cantonese Rice, which is basically steamed rice with a delicious Cantonese gravy of fresh vegetables and your choice of protein.
Pair it with Chilli Chicken, Chilli Garlic Prawn, Pepper Prawn, Lemon Chicken, or Peking Fish. For vegetarians, the Manchurian or Stir Fried Vegetables are your best bet. End your feast with Tutti Frutti ice cream, which balances all the spices and then stagger home contented and satiated.
Yuatcha
If you heart fine dining and Asian cuisine, go for Yuatcha at a plush mall in the Park Circus area. To start with, try the chicken sweet corn soup and dumplings. In main course, the Kung pao chicken and braised chicken with mushrooms scores.
The Fish in Black Bean Sauce is worthy of youe attention too. Don’t miss the dessert platter, especially the raspberry cake, macroons and ice cream. Their drinks are superb, all the cocktails very well mixed. The staff are helpful with their suggestions all through the meal.
The ambience of this eatery is great though the portions a trifle small. But the tastes of the food and finesse in them surely make up for everything else. Prices: a bit steep.
Not only do the desserts look exquisite, they taste brilliant too. My personal favourite amongst their desserts has to be the Jasmine Tea Cake.