Chinese at 'Cheong Shing'

Culinary Delights

Cheong Shing

Faizul Khan Tanim finds authentic Chinese in Banani

Climbing up the stairs, the place looks bleak and not very interesting. But as soon as you enter the restaurant proper, your senses are overcome by delicious aromas wafting in the air…appetising smells, some familiar and some not so familiar, that guarantees a feast for your taste buds. Welcome to Cheong Shing.

The dining space is sparsely decorated with tables and a basic seating arrangement, hardly anything on the walls, but don’t let the no-frills décor and appearance fool you. A bowl of roasted nuts with sesame seed welcomes you, while you decide what to eat. With a drop of lime juice and a dash of the chilli paste, the mix tastes even better.

On the menu, expect simple and authentic Chinese cuisine.

The waiters are helpful and knowledgeable, ready with recommendations if you are indecisive. We ordered the fried fish and beef cakes (Tk 420), as appetisers. They were crunchy on top and perfect within; dipped in the chilli sauce it gives a kick.

The main dishes are just as interesting; the favourites according to a regular is the deep fried crispy chicken (Tk 620 for full plate), the sautéed king prawns in soy sauce (Tk 590), the perfect cuts of beef with chilli and spices (Tk 450), the fried spicy beef (Tk 480), squid with black bean sauce (Tk 420) or try any one of the steamed whole fish dishes (Tk 900 – 1200).

Have these on their own or accompanied with rice or noodles. Careful with the chilli dishes; if you are not used to fiery flavours, they can be devilishly hot. We recommend a glass of seasonal fresh fruit juice or iced lemon tea to put out the fire and clean the palate.

Unlike the ‘Chinese’ food you find in the so-called Chinese restaurants in Dhaka, these dishes don’t taste or look the same. Each one smells, looks and tastes different from the next one.

The flavours are not overwhelming but subtle, and the portions large enough to feed at least four hungry people.

The restaurant is a pleasant change and a welcome surprise; you will not be disappointed with the food and certainly come back for more.

Open from 11am -10 pm, they also have take-away service which is very handy.

Cheong Shing

House 27, Road 12

Block H, Banani

(In the alley across Cream and Fudge Factory)

Phone: 8819758, 8811385