Some gastronomy classics never fail to impress you. A string of fancy five star eateries have been around us for decades, charming us with its authentic fare and becoming an essential part of the dining scene. In Mumbai, you will find there is an outstanding food history as many well-known restaurants have been around for ages, catering to the sophisticated palates of Mumbaikers. When gourmets in the city speak about Chinese cuisine, one name often pops up in the conversation. ‘The Great Wall’ has been around for decades and is an utter favourite of every foodie in the city. Celebrities for one haunts this place whenever craving for Chinese food hits them. The restaurant is part of beautiful The Leela Mumbai in Andheri East, a hotel renowned for its gastronomic excellence.
The food at The Great Wall is authentic Chinese and dishes out some traditional Cantonese favourites. Enjoy the best of Chinese food has to offer in gorgeous luxurious surroundings. Lunch is a great time for meetings here. Opt for a spread of dim sums for light quick in-between meeting snack and later return back in the evening for a more lavish fare. The bar menu sees the usual suspects including Japanese whisky, if you prefer something strong, or stick to what you like best. Commence the food journey with a selection of appetizers like, crispy fried soft shelled crab, chicken with lettuce wrap, deep fried bean curd with spicy sweet sauce, baked chicken puff and fish in samba sauce. Take the next step with, sautéed lobster in XO sauce, Singapore chilli prawns, crispy lamb Beijing style, mapo tofu, enoki mushroom with black pepper sauce and Singapore chilli crab.
The variety is splendid and there is something for everyone. There is plenty of seafood on the menu, courtesy to Mumbai’s fabulous coast line, an added attraction for seafood lovers. Desserts are few but mouth-wateringly divine. Take a spoon and dig into, crème caramel, bread & butter pudding, chocolate hazelnut tart, chilled cream of mango with sago pearl & lime sorbet, mango pudding Cantonese style and an assortment of homemade ice creams. The beautiful dining space at The Great Wall, runs parallel to a lush green garden enclave, with a row of floor to ceiling glass windows giving the diners a lovely view. Interiors are done in soft ivory shade lending the room an elegant graceful appeal. An expensive but classic restaurant.
- The Great Wall has lost some of the filmi clientele in recent times. But in the old days, it was the place where such stars as Amitabh Bachchan would head to for a celebration
- At lunchtime, it is a perfect place for a business meeting and a dim sum menu ensures that the food will not be too heavy
- The Leela's founder, the late Captain CP Krishnan Nair, was a lunch regular here. When the owner eats at a restaurant, you know it has to be good!