Monday 23 May 2011

Da Dong, China

There are a number of Da Dong outlets in China and the restaurants consistently win awards such as  "Best Chinese Restaurant of the Year". I'd done a lot of research prior to our trip as both my husband and eldest daughter (who was with us) are huge fans of roast duck. Da Dong came out the winner.

Upon entering the restaurant I knew it would be good. They understood the need for soft lighting and modern decor in a Chinese restaurant! The 160-page menu is a work of art in itself (and almost as big and heavy as framed artwork) with a huge selection of duck dishes backed up by vegetable dishes, soups and more.


Then there was the amazing open wood oven kitchen where we could witness the duck roasting process. There were 4 or 5 ovens with a variety of different herbs and spices in each and all ducks go through each in a prescribed order.


"Roast duck doesn't get any better. You haven't had roast duck until you have eaten it this way and you owe it to yourself if you are serious about food to watch them cook for 10 - 20 minutes and then enjoy them carving at your table. Don't be afraid to ask for the bit you really want. The crispy salty sweet skin and fat layer underneath the meat is like fairy floss in texture. Completely melts in your mouth. Genuine BBQ smokiness throughout the bird. The accompanyments are beautifully presented and service well to intensify the flavour of the duck," says Sean.

I had to try dipping a slice of duck in the sugar provided alongside other condiments – somehow, it works beautifully.


Our duck which was hand-carved alongside our table. I have to admit that the fact that the chef was wearing gloves and a face mask was slightly strange but at least I was sure they were health conscious.


This was my favourite dish - an amazing eggplant side that was sweet and moist. No idea how they did it and one of those things I want to leave as a beautiful memory and not even try to replicate at home.


And for the finale, I have to say a kitsch fruit platter with smoke. Amelia was entranced as we all were by the experience at Da Dong.




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