China Boulevard on the River

Quietly elegant, yet distinctively Oriental and exotic, China Boulevard is a happy contrast of sorts where diners can enjoy a relaxing meal in the warm and cosy restaurant, looking out over the Thames. The entrance carries the traditional colours of red, gold and even green, while inside you will find the décor pleasant and at times, slightly larger than life, though never in an overwhelming manner. They can seat up to 400 people, spread over two floors, but the spacious interiors don't make you feel overcrowded.

The menu largely features popular favourites as well as a smattering of some new and unusual dishes that promise to surprise you. Dim sums, steamed dumplings with a variety of fillings, served with a spicy or tangy sauce, are their specialities and it is easy to spend quite some time deliberating over what to eat. Choices include exciting combinations that bring together crab and shark fin, scallops and asparagus, spare rib with black bean or chives and prawn.

From the a la carte, the starters run into a wide variety such as yam and chicken roll; iceberg lettuce wraps with sweet barbecue sauce and choice of meat yin and yang steamed diver scallops, in black bean and garlic sauce respectively, or the rotisserie platter. Vegetarians can choose from the Feast of Fibres selection, where mix vegetable tempura with turnip paste and soya dip is an apt choice among the appetizers.

If you are fond of soups, then you might want to try the creamy sweet corn, Sichuan hot and sour and a number of other delightful options. For main course, the Macau lobster baked in a mild curry; grilled beef fillet with enoki mushroom; black pepper veal escalope; roast duck, prime breast meat served on choi sum, or the Hainan chicken curry pot all make worthy contributions to the menu.. Rice or noodles to go along with these completes the meal, and there are steamed and fried versions with a number of variations. Mabu tofu; pak choi with garlic, or the vegan nirvana, stir fry with chives, bean shoots and vegetables are sure to please the vegetarians.

The adventurous m want to try out some of their slightly obscure dishes that are better known in China; there's chicken feet, roast squab, steamed whole eel with lotus leaf and morning glory with squid. For dessert, you could try mango pudding, crispy custard bun or sesame tango.

A glass of fine wine is a fabulous accompaniment to a rich and satisfying meal, and diners at China Boulevard are offered a selection of champagnes, fruity reds, aromatic and dry whites, while there are also bottled beers to choose from.

For the full Oriental experience, sip on some Chinese tea, flavoured with jasmine, oolong or chrysanthemum.

China Boulevard is an ideal venue for parties, weddings and business meetings, while its central location makes it a most convenient spot to reach. Do visit their Website for more information.