BEIJING KITCHEN:<br> NOT YOUR AVERAGE CHINESE

As I stepped down from the rickshaw and looked up at the neon sign bolted to the blue glass panes of the commercial building, I really didn't know what to expect. Making my way to the 5th floor and on the verge of entering the new place I had only one thought in mind -- how would it be any different? After all, it was just another Chinese restaurant in Dhaka. Two hours later, I walked out a satisfied customer and a fan of the place.
Located in the Green Road area of Dhaka, Beijing Kitchen is an upscale restaurant serving authentic Chinese, Thai and Malaysian cuisine. The place opened roughly two months back. As their tagline suggests, they are “Not just your average Chinese.”
The concept of having a Chinese meal (read: soup, fried rice, wonton, sizzling beef and chicken fry) is so common in Dhaka and the major cities of Bangladesh that often it's referred to as 'Bangla Chinese'. With that thought in mind, the owners seemingly went full steam ahead to bring out the real deal for their customers.
“I've been to many restaurants in China but failed to find the same taste at the restaurants that claim to serve Chinese food here. Hence I sought to bring the real taste of the cuisines we offer on our menu, and I will say, we are getting appreciated for it,” said Ahmedur Reza, managing partner of Beijing Kitchen.
Beijing Kitchen not only serves Chinese food, but also classic Thai and Malaysian dishes. Their seafood salad is a colourful mix of fresh ingredients from the land and the sea. From its variety of soups on offer, I'd picked the 'Steamboat Soup'. At a high price of Tk 990 it needs a bit of time and arrangement to finally get on your bowl, but one spoonful will tell you it's different. Full marks on the health side; this soup contains elements of beef, seafood, spices and fresh vegetables, and is a wonderful experience for your taste buds. The long menu also has chicken, duck, beef, prawn, crab dishes and the usual fried rice, noodles and chow mein.
The restaurant also serves continental cuisine with appetisers, salads, lobsters and steak. Priced at Tk 390 per 100 gm, the exotic 'Lobster Thermidor' is one grand meal in itself. The lobsters are creamy and succulent, and give a 'melt-in-your-mouth' experience.
The Malaysian cuisine is headlined under 'Asian Fusion'. The 'Nasi Goreng Kampung' is a fried rice dish with chicken satay and a poached egg. The use of shrimp paste, a characteristic ingredient of the cuisine, sets it apart from all other items on the menu.
One must also check out the interior atmosphere of Beijing Kitchen for a true experience of Chinese dining. The well-decorated Chinese lamps are all imported and the walls boast wooden and cane art pieces depicting tales of dragons and mythical legends. The place accommodates 90 people and has provisions for private parties.
The amicable owners of Beijing Kitchen have also prepared special arrangements for Ramadan. They will be serving the regular iftaar items on a 'dala' to those visiting during the time. Along with this, they have three packages: Rahmat, Barkat and Magferat -- each serving two, and unique in the items they carry. The restaurant also has set lunch menus and a catering service.
Beijing Kitchen is truly not your average Chinese restaurant. The ambiance of the place, quality of the used ingredients, standard of menu and impeccable service are highly commendable. Check out their page and menu on Facebook and visit the place soon with friends and family for a real taste of gourmet Chinese, Thai and Malaysian cuisine.

Photo: Darshan Chakma

Beijing Kitchen
Rupayan Prime (5th floor) House 2, Road 7, Green Road, Dhaka
Phone: 9664079, 01777752831
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
beijingkitchen
Web:www.beijingkitchen.com.bd
Business hours:
12pm to 10.30pm