China Manor Hotel in Maradana features an authentic Chinese restaurant, 9 VIP dining rooms of different sizes and 19 guest rooms. A great amount of care has been taken to recreate the atmosphere of a genuine Chinese restaurant with most of the interior design pieces, including porcelain ornaments and fans having been brought down from China.
All the VIP dining rooms have rotating glass tables which really add to the authenticity of the location. When ordering, the rice or noodle dishes, which Sri Lankans would typically eat with the other dishes, come last and the other dishes first, in accordance with Chinese dining customs, which was a nice touch. It is worth it to note that the service was above ordinary with the staff being very friendly and accommodating. The menu features a multitude of dishes, in typical Chinese restaurant fashion, of which we were served seafood, chicken, beef and leafy vegetables.
The Hot Butter Cuttlefish, a Sri Lankan favourite, had been fried in a crunchy batter and served with sliced red chilies and spring onions. The cuttlefish itself however was a bit too chewy, probably because it had been fried for a little too long.
The other seafood dish we were served was Garoupa which was very well cooked with the flesh remaining firm but still moist. It also had a tasty savoury gravy that went well with the fried rice.
The chicken dishes were Sweet and Sour Chicken and Chili Fried Chicken which were both quite good however I preferred the Chili Fried Chicken which had an unusual flavor coming through having been marinated in what seemed to be turmeric.
The greens we were served were your typical stir fried kankun and garlic and bok choy with mushrooms. Both dishes were as well done but nothing different from what you would find at other restaurants.
The highlight of the meal was the Sizzling Spicy Beef which was served on a hot iron plate. It was meltingly tender with the perfect balance of spices and was served with sliced red peppers.
China Manor Hotel has yet to obtain a liquor license but will in the near future. Until then, diners are encouraged to bring their own alcoholic beverages which will not be subject to any corkage fees. On average, expect to pay around Rs. 1000-2500 per person, depending on which dishes are ordered.
By Upeksha Hettiarachchi
Photographs by Kushan Pathiraja
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