Chinese seafood veteran
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| Stir fry lobster Cantonese style |
Bayswater has always been considered the second Chinatown within London, housed many great Chinese restaurants. Since the Covid-19 impact, it forced the iconic Royal China group to close down its Bayswater operation, a sad moment as its Bayswater joint is its very first restaurant. Just opposite it, is Mandarin Kitchen, another household name among the local Chinese communities. I personally think it is the best Chinese restaurant in Bayswater and I have been there a few times in the past. The family-run business is known for its seafood dishes done in the classical Cantonese cooking manner, especially with its braised lobster noodles, which have become its signature offering and now has become the must-order dish on the menu.
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| Grilled giant prawn in sweet soy glazing |
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| Steamed scallop with vermicelli |
For my return visit, I went all out for all the fresh seafood dishes. The grilled giant prawns with sweet garlic and soy sauce were cooked perfectly, the prawn had a lobster-like meaty texture that packed with rich umami aroma and taste. Less successful for me was the steamed scallop, it was cooked a little too long and the scallop was a little on the tough side. On the other hand, the steamed brown crab was stunning, the sweetness of the white meat, worked like a treat with the ginger vinegar, it delivered such a unique fresh sweet and sour taste that is not easy to taste elsewhere in London. It was the star dish for the meal. The house-special lobster noodles were as good as I recalled, the classic spring onion and ginger flavours enhanced the freshness of the native lobster beautifully, and all the lovely seafood flavours were absorbed by the braised noodles.
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| Steamed brown crab |
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| Lobster noodles |
Food-wise, not much has changed since I visited last year. This place is all about good old-fashioned Chinese seafood done well. No creativity, no fancy garnishes, just great authentic flavours from Hong Kong. I have yet tried out its meat dishes as I always ended up ordering seafood when I visit, and I got a feeling it would be pretty solid too. Mandarin Kitchen is the only Chinese restaurant in Bayswater that offers outdoor seating currently, meaning booking is essential if you are keen to secure a table for sure.
Average cost without drinks and services
£30
14-16 Queensway, Bayswater, London
W2 3RX
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