NEW CHINESE OUTLET AT THE MALL OF QATAR

HAN SHI FU IS A DELECTABLE TRIBUTE TO THE FLAVOURS OF CHINA. QH VISITS THE NOVEL EATERY TO SAVOUR AUTHENTIC, REGIONAL CHINESE CUISINE AT ITS BEST

Located at the popular Oasis spot at the centre of the Mall of Qatar, the place is packed, and the air is buzzing with the sound of the cutlery clinking on plates and fragrant with the scent of hot food. The décor is vibrant with wood paneled walls and Asian-inspired artworks.

As we are seated, the waiter arrives and helpfully explains the menu, his advice is most welcome because we are absolutely starving and just want to get on with the eating.

We begin with the shrimp corn soup with caviar, duck salad with Chinese 5 spiced and golden kimchi – all of which are generously portioned and yummy. The duck salad is by far our favourite though; it has a certain taste to it, probably the liberal splashing of Chinese spices which gives the salad a refreshing edge.

Next to arrive, are the pan-fried rib eye beef dumplings and Szechuan spicy prawn wonton, which are out of this world. The dish lasts all of ten seconds as we scoff up the delicate and delicious chows. Next, we try the crispy Sichuan spicy chicken wowwow which are just perfect, not too overcooked, and not overly battered; the marination is richer than standard versions and left a unique spice aftertaste over the buds.

For the mains, we order three items. The prawns from the ocean are first to greet our gurning mouths. Perhaps, the most delicious of the mains, the portion was good enough for two. After we polish off the last of the prawns we turn our attentions to the braised beef short ribs from the farm and short rib-eye noodle soup. Both of these are simply delicious; the meat in both dishes is ridiculously tender, I have no idea how they made it that soft but I’m not complaining. Good work Han Shi Fu.

All that remains now is the dessert, a sense of relief washes over us as we dig into the rustic bamboo steamer. We unveil the lid and a sweet surprise of monster chocolate bao awaits.

The Verdict

From the appetisers to the main course and even the beverages – all are excellent. The food was perfectly prepared and wellpresented. They have a unique taste to their food, which we are confident every Asian food lover will appreciate. n