Mainland China

Mainland China at Sakinaka junction is possibly the best Chinese food in Mumbai. They are a chain of restaurants in India and the Mainland China webpage has addresses and phone numbers of all restaurants. The ambience of all restaurants is similar and soothing. They are usually full on most nights, so 'please wait to be seated' or reserve in advance. The service is usally excellent and friendly except when they are overflowing with customers.

Having gone there about a dozen times I have sampled most of the variety on their menu. The bar menu is good, with a large variety of cocktails, beer, and wines (local and imported). This is definitely on the expensive side - they try and say on the menu that due to recent cut in import prices they are passing on the benefits to you. This is the only place I have seen where a small Glenfiddich is available for 175/-. But wait - read below for their tax information.

They have great starters with a large selection of dimsums. Most of their main course dishes are categorically very good. Most random choices work out well in this place. The waiters will help you choose but go ahead try anything. I like their chicken and pork preparations so much that I rarely take any rice and just eat the curries.

Now for the truth on taxes - I firmly believe that Mainland China fools you with the price list on the menu. This is the one place in all my years of eating out where the bill consistently exceeds your expectations and estimates. The taxes are high at 12-15% minimum and not declared beforehand. If you have had alcohol you are doomed. There is an additional 20% odd tax for alcohol (local or foriegn). In the VAT regime they even write VAT twice shamelessly. This is unacceptable - this is not a 5-star to take any luxury tax or something like that. The whole tax deal is shady! I am ranting and victimizing Mainland China though people will disagree and come up with their own examples and defenses. But this tax thing has been a thorn for many years. I must say, regardless of all this, the food and place are excellent and I will continue going there repeatedly given the money or on treats.