Few would disagree if I say that Colombo has long been in need of a refined, gourmet standard restaurant where you and I can still walk in without any inhibitions about the ‘elect elite.’ Class and convenience has been a rare combination in town and we seem to have discovered a delectable antidote! Tsing Tao at the Colombo Racecourse restaurant is a brand new Chinese restaurant, opened to cater to and delight discerning taste buds from all walks of life.
Tsing Tao is in succession of what I can safely call the most successful beach front restaurant in the country, Loon Tao. Chinese seafood by the sea was a novel sensation among locals back then in 2008, and Tsing Tao is directed at no lesser success when it comes to dishing out supreme quality food in an ambience second to none.
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Proprietor of both franchises, Janaka Wimalananda is someone who understood the need for an exclusive, high-end dinery in Colombo, with a cozy and welcoming ambience as well. Atmosphere and interior are imperative to a restaurant since, as he rightly nailed it, “Dining is an experience.” Tsing Tao at the Racecourse has four different dining areas, each set to give you a fresh aura and feel.
The two dining areas on separate floors (one of which is private) are designed with meticulous attention to detail in such a manner that the every article you feast your eyes on brings home the touch of authentic Chinese. Be it the crockery, wallpaper or table setting, you cannot possibly ask for more authenticity if you’re dining Chinese in Colombo! Outdoor dining has to be an indulgence in that part of the city, and Tsing Tao has two separate dining areas, one facing the lawn and the other away from it. The private dining area can be hired out for private functions as well.
Merely breezing through the menu will tell you that it is not the mill-of-the-run Chinese food that is served. Chefs from different part of China known for distinctive tastes prepare dishes that local diners will find palatable. The kitchen team at Tsing Tao bring home the plethora of flavours of Cantonese, Sichuan, Shanghai and Beijing.
Most non perishable ingredients, even rice and noodles, are handpicked and imported from China while sauces are made in-house! Watch out for a full range of Dim Sum that will be available for lunch on weekdays. There’s more at Tsing Tao since a divinely scrumptious special dessert line-up is available alongside varieties of flavoured tea.
In response to what distinguishes Tsing Tao from the surfeit of Chinese restaurants in town, Mr. Wimalananda remarks, “If you are one after food, service and atmosphere this is the place for you. I believe one dines with eyes, nose and then mouth. Presentation is vital as taste and I am not compromising on either.” Going forward, live acoustic music will also fill up your senses, as Beth de Castro will be performing in a duo soon on a regular basis.
Tsing Tao is open everyday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m and is located at the Racecourse Restaurant, Colombo 7. Find them online at www.tsingtao.lk. For reservations and more call 0112 698989.
By Nivedha Jeyaseelan
Pix by Kushan Pathiraja and Tsing Tao
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