Cherished Chinese
Reviewed by: Kara Martin
First things first – it’s on Al Salam Street. But if you appreciate good Oriental food, this independent Mongolian Chinese restaurant just might be worth your petrol and patience.
The restaurant refers to itself as a family restaurant – and it’s easy to see why. It’s cosy and boasts a regular clientele and the portions are family sized too – so huge that the food is practically falling off the plates; it’s wise to walk in with plenty of fellow diners – or at least a really large appetite. A few leftovers never hurt anyone mind, especially if you can take them away with you.
None of the sumptuous dishes hold back– The seafood sizzler's crab, squid, hammour and prawns are all served in abundance and bursting with sweet, sour and seriously sensational flavours. While some may consider a heady mix of garlic in any dish a failsafe way to bid farewell to close-seated friends, a generous scoop of the pleasantly loaded garlic rice is not to be missed (unless you happen to be on a first date). The beef in oyster sauce, although heavy on the gravy, does its job reasonably well, but it doesn’t come close to the real star on the menu, the Mongolian special noodles. It is indeed special, piled high and strewn with beef, chicken, prawns, mixed dried fruits and cashews; completely enjoyable – even if it is a violent shade of orange.
Stumbling upon flawless food in gigantic portions and at minuscule prices never gets old out here. Sure, the restaurant may seem dated paired against five-star hotel offerings, but overlooking the gingham table cloths and intrusive 80s pop music in the background, this restaurant really shines with authentic, wholesome and just plain delicious food.
What? Mongolian Chinese Restaurant
Where? Al Salam St, opposite Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi
Cost: AED 109 for twoincluding beverages
Why? It’s only the best Chinese food we’ve ever had in Abu Dhabi. No small feat
Why not? The only obstacle we can think of is its Salam St. location, but it’s worth the effort. And if you can’t fathom the journey, make use of their delivery service
We say: Chopsticks at the ready
Contact: 02 645 1500
