Sichuan, Hunan, Cantonese, Shandong, Anhui, Fujian, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang — the Modern Eight Chinese cuisines seldom occur to us while we savour sweet corn soup at a restaurant. What makes the cut though, is the thought of chilli chicken, an Indo-Chinese dish, that will grace the table in the following course accompanied by the delicious, and oddly red-orange, singapore chowmein. Connoisseurs look away; or join the party as #DSSCRecommends six old school Chinese restaurants from #OurCity whose comfort food never fails to spruce up a dull day.
China Garden
Nelson Wang’s China Garden in Greater Kailash II is spread across two floors and bears Chinese Red interiors. The food draws a steady stream of patrons in spite of the market seeing its fair share of restaurants opening and shutting shop. China Garden’s Crab Meat with numerous gravy options such as Szechuan, Singapore chilli, butter chilli garlic, yellow bean, is popular. The Smoked Chilli Chicken and Crispy Aromatic Duck Peking style, make for top orders. The crowd pleasing dimsums, executive meals, and the lunch and dinner buffets are widely appreciated. If you pay them a visit, don’t leave without a gigantic serving of their Honey Noodles with Ice Cream. Just don’t.
Drop in at: M-73, M Block Market, Greater Kailash II or G-4/5/6, Marina Arcade, Connaught Place.
Chungwa
The resto-bar serving Indian-Chinese food is a lane away from China Garden, and tosses out mean Chilli Garlic noodles (spice alert on) amid other flavourful delicacies. Chungwa is for those looking for a spirited time and the comfort of old school Indian-Chinese food. The menu is expansive, and the serving staff affable. The Potato Honey Chilli and Spicy Gin Chicken Balls are great, as is the Mushroom Salt Pepper — crunchy and addictive. Pepper up your meal with Traditional Vegetables in Hot Garlic Sauce and Garlic Spring Onion Rice with a side of Chilli Chicken Dry. Wash these down with chilled beer, as no other drink goes down so well with this food.
Drop in at: M-34, M Block Market, Greater Kailash II.
Bercos
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Bercos was once a favourite dining option for old school Chinese food. This may have been long ago, and Bercos may now have stiff competition from the new age eateries enticing with their modern Asian cuisine. Invariant though, is the popularity and sheer nostalgia that brings one to their doors. Order your favourite dishes or dig in to the most sought-after choices such as Juicy Chicken Drumsticks, Sliced Chicken in Black Bean Sauce, Kung Pao Prawns, Shredded Lamb in Hot Garlic Sauce, and American Chopsuey.
Drop in at: G-2/43, Middle Circle, Connaught Place; or O-1, Sector 12, Noida
Fa Yian
Diagonally opposite Bercos, Fa-Yian has acquired loyal patronage for its food. This tiny restaurant is popular with office folks during lunch hours and provides a quiet escape from the hustle of Connaught Place. Singapore Chicken, Fried Chicken Wontons, and Pan Fried Noodles are the must-try dishes. The vegetables shine through in the meals here, and they are claimed to be sourced from their farm. The Fa-Yian Hot Pot is a meal in itself, while the Chicken Black Pepper entices the palate. Take our word and save the Potato on Toast to enjoy when you visit on a rainy day and the weather calls for fried treats. The Date Toffee Ice-cream is a must-have if you are keen on dessert.
Drop in at: A-25/5, Middle Circle, Connaught Place.
Ichiban
Image: J. Kenji López-Alt
Long before late night food deliveries started taking care of our midnight gluttonous escapades, the only place where one could have a fairly late night bite had to be Pandara Road. And if the cravings leaned towards Chinese, Ichiban was where one would inevitably end up dining. Prompt service, sumptuous food, and unwavering quality continues drawing crowds to this eatery. One can enjoy Kung Pao Chicken, Stir-fried Vegetables in a delectable almond sauce, Seven Treasure Vegetables in Creamy Garlic Sauce, Hakka Noodles, and Singapore Chowmein. The Crispy Chilli Lamb brings to the table juliennes of crisp fried lamb tossed in a red chilli paste. They also score bonus points for making MSG optional.
Drop in at: 9, Pandara Road Market.
Zen
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Located in the inner circle of Connaught Place, Zen serves Japanese, Italian, and Chinese food, but remains popular for the latter. Grab a seat by the window for a meal with a view. Begin your meal here with a light and fragrant Lemon Coriander Soup. Eat your way through the menu comprised of such delicacies as Seafood Fried Rice, Mandarin Rice or Noodles, Gin Chicken, Spring Rolls, Chicken Kung Pao, and Prawn Sizzler.
Drop in at: B-25, Connaught Place.
Pick up your chopsticks and dig in.
Featured Image Courtesy: scibosnian.com
