Review: Chao Ban
Frankly speaking, I was very disappointed
when Joss shut. My family was a regular patron and we loved our khowsuey and
sticky mushroom rice. I know, I know “there is Umame”, you would argue, but
Umame is stupendously over priced for the minuscule portions they serve.
If Farrokh Khambata is
hearing me somewhere... We want Joss back! Period.
Coming to Chao Ban, the latest addition to South Mumbai’s ever increasing Chinese food scene. Does it have what it takes to make the cut? Will it give the Lings Pavilions and the China Gardens tough competition? CM is here to find out.
To begin with, Chao Ban is
owned by the Global Kitchen Group, which runs Irish House & Serafina. For
Chao Ban they have got onboard famed Baba Ling’s (of Lings Pavilion) brother
who consults them on their menu.
The almost 12 page menu boasts
of extensive variety of dim sums – steamed, fried, pan fried, soaked & Cheung
fun.
 |
| Hot Xian Soup |
We started off with the
soups, not the usual hot & sours and manchows thankfully, we go in for the Hot Xian Soup – a thick orangish red soup
with a mix of chicken and seafood – quite bland and not very flavourful. Can be
avoided
 |
| Chive and Prawn Dumplings |
The Chive and Prawn Dumplings – delicate parcel of heaven. Must have!
 |
| Non-Veg platter |
The Non-Veg platter – a variety of fried, pan fried dumplings with
spring rolls and barbecue wings (yeah I don’t know what that is doing on the
menu). The pan fried dumplings were yum but everything on this platter was
soaked in oil!
The Chicken and Mushroom Bao – delectable savory mixture wrapped in the
slightly sweet bun.
 |
| Soaked Chicken Dumpling in Soy Chilli sauce |
The Soaked Chicken Dumpling in Soy Chilli sauce was delectable. Chicken Dimsums soaked in light balmy soy gravy topped with garlic shavings
 |
| Crispy Prawn Cheung Fun |
The Crispy Prawn Cheung Fun can be described in one word - Immaculate!
The Sticky Rice wrapped in Lotus Leaf with Chicken was yum but a tad
bit oily.
 |
| Stewed Chicken with Bamboo Shoots, Mushrooms & Chinese herbs |
In the mains we order for the
Stewed Chicken with Bamboo Shoots, Mushrooms
& Chinese herbs – a dish full of potent flavours, the gingery-peppery
aroma can get to you. Pair this with a portion of fried rice and you will be
set.
 |
| Pan Fried Noodles |
The Pan Fried Noodles – rice noodles covered with a thick white sauce
and exotic vegetables. Very earthy not as over powering as the chicken but
delicious.
My overall take
-- The quantity of
the appetizers is poor eg. dimsums were just 3 pieces per portion but
the quantity of main course is HUGE
-- The food could be
a tad bit oily
On an average a meal would cost Rs 2000 for 2 without alcohol
Verdict:
Food: Good
Ambience: Chic
Service: Good
Quick Tip: Go there for the dimsums...the Crispy Prawn
Cheung Fun & soaked Dimsums are a must!
The Co-ordinates:
Chao Ban
Where: Rampart Row,
Ground Floor, 30, K. Dubhash Marg, Kala Ghoda, Colaba, Mumbai
Tring Tring: 02249150050,
02249150055
Timings: 12:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
Food Type: Chinese, Fusion Asian
Payment Methods: Visa, Master, Cash, Credit Card Accepted
