An elaborated review of Mainland China. Although my last experience with Mainland China at Avani wasn't good still I wanted to explore why this brand is so popular and charges so much of money for their food.
My expectations were sky high from this branch, as it's one of the oldest branch of MC and they're specialised in Ala Carte. So every other dish is being prepared separately by Chef unlike Buffet where food is prepared in mass quantity keeping value in focus thus becomes hard to control the quality.
Ambiance
This place is as beautiful as you expect from a fine dine restaurant. Pleasant, soothing, clam and one of its kind. Obviously they've gone far to make every Mainland China look like a kind and interior designers did a great job.
Ordering Process
I wanted to try some main course in fish, but they only had a few options in that category. So is the noodles, only 3 categories of noodles are present. Oh come on, is it really a fine dine Chinese Cuisine?
A tab was given where only the list of the items and prices were mentioned, no ordering through tab. That is absolutely illogical and meaningless, when a digital devices does the same thing as a paper menu.
Pan Fried Asian Chilli Fish @ 585 (3/5)
A very simple dish, big Basa pieces lightly fried and tossed in spicy tangy Chinese sauce with some bell peppers. Taste wise it felt very average.
The portion of protein felt good for two people only because we took full portion. Usually they recommend odd 5 pieces for 2 people that costs 85% of the full portion.
Singapore Rice Noodles @ Rs.485 (1/5)
I haven't seen such sticky rice noodles in my entire life. It was made with minimal effort. The noodles were excessive oily, oil was dipping from the bowl. The noodles became a ball itself.
Taste wise it felt very dull as it was super oily. Very less chicken chunks were present. This was probably the most worst and most expensive Noodles in entire Kolkata.
Braised Chicken in Soked Chilli Sauce @ 545 (2/5)
Another disappointing dish, Chicken chunks cooked in red spicy gravy with bell peppers. Nothing but just a punch of black pepper was felt in the gravy. Obviously it didn't went well with the dull oily noodles.
Service and Management
This is where speciality kitchen always shines. No matter what they'll never disappoint you. Although they've perfectly ruined our lunch by providing below average food but the manager took our feedback very seriously.
Conclusion
A complete meal for 2 at Mainland China can easily reach Rs.3000-3500. If you search for value in overall experience at Mainland China, you'll feel its same as burning the money.
Obviously Mainland China is not targeted towards lower or middle class people still what you get as return doesn't justify the given price even if you're son of Ambani.
If you want good experience then go straigh to Haka or Mio Amore in Mani Square. You'll be really happy to see for price of a single dish at Mainland China you can get whole buffet. Or if you're really looking for gret Chinese food then visit Tung Nam or Crystal Chimney, Mainland China can't touch their quality even in 1000+ years.
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