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An ambience that is a fusion of tranquility and vibrancy, evincing its Indian-Chinese theme, Gypsy Chinese at the Dhow Palace Hotel targets subcontinental expats
Before they began their nomadic sojourns in Europe, gypsies originated in India and some of the Chinese who bought their food tuned in to the Indian palate. This fusion brought about an almost three-decade-old restaurant in Mumbai called Gypsy Chinese. Crossing the Arabian Sea, it has now made its way to Dubai at the Dhow Palace Hotel.
As the name suggests, the focus is on Chinese, with a twist of Indian-ness. We started our feast with mocktails — Summer Solution, a blend of orange, ginger and lime, and Paradise Island, a strawberry slush that looked appealing and was refreshing as well.
We ordered a few rounds of starters, and the portions were large enough to be had as mains. The Roast Lamb and Spring Onions, was good, while the Hot Chilly Chicken, dices of chicken marinated with chilly paste, pan-grilled with garlic flakes and fresh red chilly sauce, was spicy and tasty.
The best of the lot was the Prawns in Burnt Chilly Sauce, which were succulent and delicious.
The Shanghai Fish, crispy fried fish pieces in Szechuan butter, was a bit undone. And the potpourri of table sauces frankly weren’t needed.
After eating a tonne of starters, we barely had any room left for the mains — so it is advised you do not go overboard with them!
For the main course, we ordered Garlic Pepper Noodles, steamed noodles topped with crispy garlic and fresh pepper sauce, which was passable because it was too bland.
The Ming Fried Rice, with dices of vegetables and rice stir-fried in a speciality chilly sauce, was delicious. The Hunan Chicken, chicken pieces cooked in a medium spicy red sauce with onion and capsicum, did not taste — or look — too much like what it traditionally tastes. The Stir-fried Vegetables, wok-tossed power veggies in ginger and mixed spice, was pretty good though.
We rounded off our feast with a sweet serving of Caramel Custard, a popular pudding, which was smooth and creamy.
The service is quick, polite and attentive. The tables are nicely laid-out, and warm plates served after courses. But technology continues to amaze me everyday.
At the end of the meal, I discovered something that I never thought could be real. What looked like a white tablet was placed on a plate in front of each of us. Add a bit of water and voila, an expanded towel (to wipe your hands) emerged!
I was actually retarded enough to think it was peppermint. Imagine if I had popped it into my mouth?
In seven words: Spicy Indian innovation applied to Chinese food
What we liked: The pop-up pill that magically transforms into a towel and, of course, the service
What we didn’t like: The boiled noodles
Restaurant best for: Indian-Chinese fare
Cost for two: Dh200-250
Did you know: If you are offered ‘fragrant meat’ in China, be aware that this is their way of referring to dog meat!
Contact: Gypsy Chinese restaurant, Dhow Palace Hotel, Mankhool, Dubai. Tel: 04-3599992 ext. 8234
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