Restaurant Review: Mandarin, Bahrain
- Lifestyles
- Travel & Leisure
- Restaurant Reviews
Author: Ron Mortensen
Released 20 June 2003
Picture by Ron Mortensen
I have found that being a friend of Britney B. can have its advantages.
For example, if you go on a trip with her, or go to the same party, you don’t have to write your friends about it yourself, you can simply wait for her article to come out on Aramco ExPats, and send that to everyone. One other recent advantage was that she was unable to attend the grand opening of the Mandarin Restaurant in Bahrain, and so asked me if I would be able to. I could not attend the opening either, but I was able to arrange a lunch engagement.
It was a completely delightful experience. The Mandarin is under new management and has a new chef named Chen who has been the head chef for the Gulf Royal restaurants in Saudi Arabia. You can read more about him and the restaurant on the website www.mandarin-bh.com. It provides a map as well as other information.
Picture by Ron Mortensen
When I heard this chef had worked at the Gulf Royal in Jeddah, among other places, my mouth immediately began to water! When I first started working in Saudi Arabia, I was sent to Jeddah and my friend and I became regular customers of the Gulf Royal. We soon stumbled onto a dish that we could never get away from ordering because it was so delicious. It was their sizzling beef. Not only did it sizzle, but it melted in your mouth and came in a light, tasty sauce. We often rewarded ourselves for having endured a hard week on the other side of the planet from whence we came by ordering this delicious dish. I moved to Dhahran years ago, and have often tried to find the dish again, without success. I’ve been able to order it, but have not had the melt-in-your-mouth experience we used to have in Jeddah. That has all changed now that I have been to the Mandarin.
Picture by Ron Mortensen
A very courteous staff greeted me and sat me at the table of my choice. The décor is traditional Chinese with lots of red and dark wood. When I asked what they recommended I try for lunch, they suggested the Teppanyaki Beef, so I agreed. When I looked at the menu I became immediately hopeful, as it said Teppanyaki Sizzling Beef! I ordered Crab Corn Soup, Spring Rolls and Fried Rice as well. They brought me some Sweet and Sour Pork just to make sure I had enough to eat, (it is also one of their specialties) so my table looked like dinner for three, not just for me. It was all quite delicious, and the beef was that same wonderful dish I had remembered from Jeddah. The pork was nice and tender as well.
The menu is what you would expect to find at a Chinese restaurant. If you are looking for the dishes that you know and love, done well, then this is the place to go. The prices are quite reasonable. Starters are BD1 - 1.2 and entrees are 2.5 - 3.5. There is also a nominal service charge. They have house wine as well as an ample wine and other drinks list.
Picture by Ron Mortensen
I can’t say much about the desserts, as I was too full to have any, and usually the desserts in Chinese restaurants are not my favorites.
I snapped a few pictures and bid the staff a fond farewell, knowing I would be back for more. I definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a tasty Chinese meal in a comfortable setting with friendly service. Thanks B.B. It was a tough assignment, but luckily, one I have spent years and years preparing for!