The Lantern at The Ritz-Carlton is a good choice to try out some Chinese cuisine. The restaurant, located within the soothing and classy environs of The Ritz-Carlton with its wooden panels; sofas in colours of moss green, turquoise blue, cream and red; shelves decorated with porcelain vessels and coloured glass bottles evoke a sense of the Oriental. Chef Sidney D’ Cunha has crafted an interesting menu, which includes dimsums and other authentic Chinese dishes.
The Lantern is known to serve a range of dimsums, and so we decide to begin our meal by sampling them. As we sip on some refreshing mocktails, granny smith of poached apple cinnamon and mint and frosty bite of ginger extract, pear puree and ginger ale, we are first served the lobster money pouch caviar, a combination of fresh lobster and seasoning in “money pouch” topped with caviar. Next are the shimeji dumplings, a combination of mushrooms and an assortment of vegetables in wheat flour starch skin. The vegetable Shanghai dumplings are pan fried with a filling of carrots, lotus roots, celery and water chestnuts. Each of the dumplings tastes unique, but the Lobster money pouch caviar is the clear winner. There is competition, however, and it comes in the form of prawn cheung fun, a signature dish, a rice pancake roll with prawns. The covering of the pancake is soft, while the inside is crunchy, and with prawn to go with it, the prawn cheung fun is a delight.
We are next served barbeque chicken with mango, the meat, though, was a bit tough. The steamed seasonal fish with light soya sauce is a blend of mild flavours, with a hint of garlic and ginger. Vegetarians should opt for the sautéed haricot beans, which is green beans stir-fried with garlic and chilly. The Hofan noodles and stir fried lamb in Mongolian sauce make for a good combination. The noodles are square-shaped and are home made and the chilli, onion and peppers render a unique taste to the dish. With some lovely green tea, the main course is satisfying.
No meal is complete without desserts. The chocolate temptation is divine for the layers of dark chocolate and caramelized white chocolate. The jasmine and green tea éclair is the icing on the cake, literally. The choux pastry filled with jasmine and green tea custard of fine and melt-in-your mouth consistency.
The Ritz Carlton is located at 99, Residency Road, Bangalore. The Lantern is open from 12 noon to 11.30 pm. Call 49148000 and for reservations write to Minali.oommen@ritzcarlton.com.
Ambience: Cosy
Service: Professional
Speciality: Dimsums
Wallet factor: Approximately Rs.3,500 for two, without alcohol
