May 09, 2013 10:27 PM
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I have been keen on posting this review about one of my all time favorite Chinese Restaurant – Beijing. Situated in the meandering alleys of Chinatown, Beijing sits prominently among the many other Chinese Restaurants.
Beijing as it is called has evolved over ages to cater to the more sub-urban race. Most of time, the place is packed with multitudes of people and it is difficult to get a seat during festivals and occasions. Long time back, the owner of Beijing, Mrs. Monica Liu used to frequent her visits to take feedback from customers from one table to the other. Gone are those days when I was small, yet the memories still hold good and the place still carry the same old vibe.
Ambiance – 3/5
Nothing special, it is mostly a 2-storeyed building that boasts less of its décor than food. Decent makeover, brightly lit facade, tables spread out in a chaotic manner – reflects the aura of a typical restaurant in Chinatown. The hymns and gossips of the ever bubbling energetic groups keeps the spirit high.
Parking – 3/5
Well Parking can be a mess. They offer valet parking. Yet the number of cars that visit the restaurant is at times huge!
Food: Starters – 5/5
Beijing is special for its Chicken and Fish starters. The Fried Pepper Chicken and Chicken with Green Pepper does wonders with a pint of Beer. For the jazzy part, Lemon Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken, Golden Fried Prawns and Crispy Fish will keep your taste buds hooked. For the vegan, Veg Spring Rolls are a must try – they are juicy and succulent. Over the years, the Peking Duck which was once a specialty of Beijing has deteriorated drastically. Range of Starters span from 200-500 INR.
Food: Main course – 4/5
If you take on the starters by Brute Force technique, by the time you finish with your starters there will be no place for main course in your tummy. You will be licking your fingers for more. Yet the restaurant offers a wide array of main course platters. Be it Schezwan Rice or the Rice Noodles (Meifoon) with Peking Chicken and Chicken Stirred with Fried Vegetables offer a sumptuous main course for a family of four. Honey Chicken can be personal favorite if you are fond of it in the first place. Choose wisely!
Food: Desserts – 3/5
As usual there are very less options for Desserts. This is where Mainland China scores over Beijing – sumptuous array of soufflés, Chinese waffles, darshans and much more. As for Beijing, be contempted with blunt choices of ice-creams to conclude your meal.
Overall, a meal for 2 may cost around 1000+ INR – which is a little heavy on the pocket. Yet Beijing offers the perfect Chinese punch which many Chinese Restaurant fail in the first place. Be sure to give it a try if you are in Kolkata and love Chinese. Pick your Poison!
P.S. And don't hope for a fortune cookie at the end of your meal. ;)
~Somjeet~
