Just where should one ‘drop in’ to enjoy a true Lahori Chinese meal. A Chinese friend who visited our city has fallen in love with this ‘spicy’ version of their legendary food. Imagine, on his advice we went to Mandarin Kitchen, in DHA 3’s Z-Block.

We were a group of friends from school and college days, and still wild enough to adventure into the unknown. I had not been to this place before, but a friend, a ‘pucca’ Kashmiri, advised that this is a place with something from everywhere. But then most of the dishes were known to me. As the group of friends’ orders it truly reflected several moods.

For soups two were ordered, they being the every reliable Chicken Corn Soup, and the slightly tastier Hot and Sour Soup. For starters a Fried Calamari, again in a spicy sauce and Honey Garlic Chicken Wings. The Lahori spices were visible. Chicken wings are becoming a universal favourite.

For the main dishes Chicken and Roasted Cashew and Garlic Chicken were ordered. Again they were spicy. My preference was Beef Chilli Dry and a Schezuan Beef Slices. Nothing like crispy beef, provided they are cooked well. Then came Hot Garlic Prawns, and for the main how could we have Chinese without a Chow Mein, with a friend adding American Chop Suey to the bill. For stability I ordered Egg Fried Rice. Oh, it was a table full of variety.

Mind you we were six old friends, each crazier than the other and using flowery language to express our opinions. That is what old friends are all about. It is amazing how much spice the Lahori Chinese eateries serve. The original in Beijing is a very sedate affair. But then Lahore is Lahore, ‘desi’ or ‘Chinese’ it is special.

Of all the dishes my favourite was Honey Garlic Wings, the traditional Chow Mein and the simple Garlic Chicken. I tried the others too and they were all very acceptable. Now let me judge this meal on a scale of one to nine.

The ambience was impressive, if posh is not a better word, and gets seven out of nine, the service gets six, the cleanliness gets seven, the quality of the crockery and cutlery gets six, the range of food available gets six, the quality of the food gets six, the taste on the average was a good seven, the prices were slightly high and get five, the parking space outside gets four.

So our of ‘Average’ score works out to Six out of Nine, which is a very reasonable marking. It seems Lahori Chinese has come places and this is an eatery worth trying. Will certainly recommend it.

KHAN BABA’S NAAN: Many moons ago we reviewed the offerings of the famous Khan Baba of Chauburji. It was excellent food at one heck of a price. This time the Begum had been informed about a very special mutton ‘naan’ that Khan Baba was offering. So we decided to have it. In the courtyard we parked and after 30 minutes the fare arrived.

It was, to say the least, a very exceptional fare and we could barely finish it. But with yogurt and a chutney we managed to go through it. The price was a staggering Rs800 for a ‘naan’. Was it worth the price? Well, what can one say! But the ‘naan’ was delicious.

KHATAI: The ‘khatais’ of Khalifa of Mochi Gate are legendary. Last week I dropped in to buy a kilo for my Kashmiri wife. The prices have become pretty steep, especially that now the product is not what it used to be. The owner recognised me and offered me a sample. My face told him the story. But then given what other similar ones available nearby, it still remains pretty good.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2021