One of the much favored Chinese restaurants of Mumbai, Ming Yang located at Taj Lands’ End, Bandra reopens again in a brand new avatar. Mumbai Food Freak was there at its media preview to check it out.
The first thing that impresses you upon entering the massive first floor restaurant is the open space feel that one gets due to the large bay windows overlooking the Arabian Sea. The entrance is flanked by statues of a male and female lion representing Shi, a manifestation of the Yin and the Yang. There is also a very beautiful display of tea kettles collected from around the world at the reception as well as all over the restaurant which kept me fascinated for quite some time.
The décor inside is elegant and contemporary, retaining elements from Chinese myths. A large dragon stands in the center of the restaurant, a wall tapestry is made to resemble scales of the dragon; a chandelier in an ante room which can convert into a private space, has lights in the shape of star anise. Another chandelier, though contemporary in design, symbolizes the geometrical perfection of the Terracotta Army. A wall has been covered with the scales used on the armor of the Terracotta Army. In short, natural light, beautiful sea view and brilliant interiors give the place a very positive vibe.
The renovated restaurant boasts of a tea menu which comprises of over 19 varieties. We tried one called Seventh Heaven which had floral notes of jasmine and marigold combined with fruity notes of melon and apple, lovely and quite invigorating. They are also serving a very interesting Chinese tea called the Pu-erh which, like wine, is aged and is treated with extreme care while serving. Though I tried it during the tasting, I couldn’t really appreciate it much as I am still a novice in tea drinking – bring on the wine!
The food spread saw us tasting some amazing dimsums like Butternut Squash Dumpling, Prawn Cheung Fung (which I had seconds of), Chicken Sesame Kothe and White Radish Roll among others. It was quite evident why Chef David and his dimsums were revered by the diners in the earlier days. Delicately wrapped in their almost translucent casing, these dimsums were delicious, with clean flavors and not at all heavy of the stomach. I would be quite keen to see when Ming Yang launches a Yum Cha menu featuring these amazing dim sums and the lovely teas.
The mains saw us trying Fried Rice made with egg whites and asparagus with Chilean Sea Bass with Pickled Chilli and Lambs in Chou Hou Sauce. The sea bass was amazing and went well with the fried rice and had me asking for more. The lamb was juicy and really tender, but while my fellow diners raved about the dish, I was happy gorging on the lovely sea bass.
This write up will certainly not be complete if I don’t mention the most amazing cocktails that they have come up with to complement the menu. The stand out for me surely was the cigar smoked whiskey on the rocks. Lovely colourful ice balls infused with edible flowers and herbs have been used to make the cocktails and practically bring alive the popular adage of “Eating with the Eyes”.
Ming Yang spells elegance right from the moment you set your foot in; the décor, the drinks, the food, the attention to details; everything makes you feel special. Hopefully over time they will also get their service issues taken care of. I will be particularly looking forward to their Yum Cha menu and some nice sundowners over the coming months. As Chef David pointed out… the renovated Ming Yang is the right place to chī hǎo hē hǎo (Chinese: Eat Well Drink Well)!
Meal for Two without Alcohol: Rs.5000 Approximately | Alcohol: Yes | Wheelchair access : Yes
Address: Taj Lands End, Band Stand, Bandra(W), Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
Telephone : 022 6668 1234
Disclaimer : This review was done on an invitation. Due judgment and care has been applied by the author to remain objective and unbiased in the review; however readers may exercise their own discretion.
