China Garden

Nelson Wang's China Garden sprawls in Bandra on the first floor of a swanky building. A haze of bronze sculptures, mirrors, private dining rooms, black and white colour scheme and two menus make up the place. It's packed with regulars like Sania Mirza, Shahid Kapoor and Rakesh Roshan. I may not be a fan of the okra, cauliflower and potatoes doing the bhangra and the dandiya raas with kothmir, red chillies and raw onions. But boy! Do they have their fans. Mouchi Veg (Chinese Pao Bhaji), garlicky Gin Chicken, tongue-tickling Pepper Chicken, Paneer Pepper Chilli and Kung Pao Potatoes impress if you like robust Chin-dian flavours. Unlike the Kemp's Corner C.G.83, they serve Steamboat and Korean Barbecue. Give me the Gourmet Oriental menu any day. Gourmet Tim Sum (unusual Fish with Black Olives), Spicy Beans with Water Chestnuts, Smoked Chillies with Prawns… my vote goes to these masterful combinations of flavours and textures! There are some teething troubles in service, but on the whole, it offers comfort along with variety and adventure.