To some, Saturday nights are all about the flashy clothes, flickering lights and blaring music. But to someone who relishes the essence of freshly cooked bamboo shoots and the flavour of soya sauce, Saturday nights are a time for celebration. The celebration is experimenting the cuisine from the The Great Ming – China. **The first impression** Situated in Elamkulam, Ernakulam District, Mainland China is part of the luxurious Dream Hotel. The interiors of the hotel are rather impressive. As one enters the premises of the restaurant, they are welcomed by two bronze statues of Chinese soldiers. The Chinese lanterns, the chopsticks and the fine Chinaware do add to the experience. **The experiments begins** Mainland China is one of the largest Chinese food chains across the country with its restaurants situated across the nation. Having visited the restaurant in Chennai, I was confident that the dining experience offered by this chain of restaurants would be just as delightful. The menu seemed impressive with a wide array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. Well, the meal has to begin with a precious serve of steamed stuffed Dimsum dipped in soya sauce as well as a satisfactory helping of kimchi. As I placed my order for a plate of Singapore Rice Noodles and Broccoli, Corn and Waterchestnuts in Hotbean sauce, I figured I might as well try my luck with what they would call a complete meal – the Peking Duck. This, including fried shredded duck, rice and yet another unique side dish the name of which I had conveniently ignored upon inhaling the aroma. What next? It was time to carefully position those chopsticks and start tasting the mouth-watering display before me. **Good, but could have been better** I admit, this is an expensive food-joint. As they say, good things come with a price. But fear not, the bill will not burn a hole in our pocket. Then again, I preferred the experience in Chennai as opposed to the one in Kochi. The Dimsum was fantastic. So was the Broccoli, Corn and Waterchestnuts in Hotbean sauce. The Peking Duck was rather unsatisfactory. While in Chennai, the quantity was indeed the restaurant's USP, in Kochi the quantity served was quite average and it lacked the X-factor in its flavours. All in all, it is bound to give you the ultimate Chinese cuisine experience. But I would still recommend that you opt for plate of Schezwan noodles and a fancy semi-spicy chicken dish over the all fancy Peking Duck. **Location:** Mainland China, Dream Hotel, S. A Road, Elamkulam, Kochi **Price:** Be smart. Not entirely value for money.
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