Xin Hwa interprets the meaning of luxury and comfort by offering authentic dishes in a friendly and sophisticated atmosphere.
Nestled in Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Xin Hwa has been well renovated and redesigned, maintaining its reputation as one of the finest Chinese restaurants in the city. The restaurant for years served mainly Szechuan cuisine, but has added the delight of Cantonese dishes to the menu upon completing the renovation.
Xin Hwa now looks classier with new decoration in a palette of royal Oriental hues – the gold and jade fittings that contrast with “brush stroke” style of grey and black accents. Aside from the restaurant’s detailed carvings of Chinese paper cut outs, the crystal chandeliers are arranged in a classily mellow ambience.
The restaurant features three private dining rooms, each of which is designed for 10 to 12 guests. Two of these dining rooms can be joined in the event that there is a group of up to 24.
As guests step in, they can feel the charming of staff wearing gold and brown uniform that truly cheers up the Oriental-minded atmosphere. Their friendly attitude can be even felt closer when handing in the guests a refreshment of cold towels, Chinese peanuts and cups of Chinese hot tea.
The guests are entirely pampered with a five-star service while savouring their palate with a premium selection of Szechuan and Cantonese dishes such as Dim Sum, Peking Duck, BBQ Roasted Duck Beijing Style, Shark’s Fin Soup, just to name a few.
The Shark’s Fin Soup is simmered for eight hours before being served in order to bring out the authentic flavour.
A bowl of Double Boiled Chicken and Sea Cucumber with herbs is one of the great starters. The item’s perfect blend of ingredients exudes an aromatic scent. For guests craving deep-frying food, they should go for Shrimp Dumpling or Shanghai Chicken Dumpling.
Try to look at the menu and ask for Clay Pot Braised Chicken with three cups of Chinese Wine, Ginger and Onion. The Chinese wine makes a distinctive taste of the chicken, creating a delicacy of the dish.
More of delectable dishes for the main course are the ones from the sizzling hot plate menu such as Wok Fried Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple or Wok Fried Beef Fillet with Onions and Black Peppercorn Sauce.
Whilst the tantalizing smell of the chicken is really tempting, the soft and juicy Australian beef with bell pepper in the hot plate truly creates another distinctive dish that tickles our palate.
A variety of vegetable dishes like spinach, broccoli and baby kalian complement meat dishes, taking guests to experience a genuine Oriental dining experience. Nevertheless, don’t leave the restaurant without having a dessert. Xin Hwa offers a delectable selection of not only traditional but also modern Chinese desserts. The creamy desert of tropical mango pudding with fresh mangoes on the side, sago pudding, and the smooth and sweet chilled hasma are only a few from the menu.
Xin Hwa is also famous for not only its authentic dishes, but also its rich selection of Chinese teas. Among the restaurant’s specialties are fragrantly fresh green, red and oolong teas.
The Chinese Malaysian Chef, Brandon Ng is the man behind the making of excellent food at Xin Hwa. His expertise has brought an array of authentic Szechuan and Cantonese dishes to the restaurant’s distinguished guests.
Xin Hwa, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Jalan M.H. Thamrin, Jakarta 10310 Tel: +6221 2993 8888 Lunch: midday to 2.30 p.m. Dinner: 6 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.
Published in 7th Edition of PMR Magazine S’pore, April 2010.
