Sizzling Mandarin delights await at Eros Hotel’s Empress of China

On a warm August evening in Delhi, the steady hiss of a hot wok fills the air at Empress of China, the fine-dining restaurant at Eros Hotel, Nehru Place. Steam curls up from bamboo baskets of freshly made dim sums, while the scent of ginger, garlic, and coriander root drifts lazily through the softly lit room. Beyond the dining area, the restaurant’s terrace offers an illuminated view of the Lotus Temple — an unexpected urban postcard.

From August 8 to 17, the restaurant is hosting Sizzling Mandarin Delights, a 10-day dinner festival dedicated to Mandarin cuisine, a style less fiery than its southern Chinese counterparts and marked by its use of wheat-based dishes, milder spice levels, and clean, delicate flavours. It’s a change of pace for Empress of China, which has built its reputation on the bolder dishes of Hunan, Yunnan, and Sichuan.

“The cuisine we serve is Hunan, Yunnan, and Sichuan — that’s our specialty,” says Chef Diwas, who oversees the restaurant’s operations. “But this month, we decided to feature Mandarin cuisine. It’s lighter, healthier, and globally appealing. We believe in experiential dining, where you don’t just eat — you get involved with the food and beverage experience.”

The menu is a mix of comforting classics and elaborate showpieces. Diners can start with Dumpling Noodle Soup or the sweet-and-savoury Honey Glazed Chicken. There’s Goubuli Baozi — a traditional steamed bun known for its juicy filling — and Prawn in Soya Ginger and Coriander, a dish that balances fragrance with freshness. Vegetarian diners can opt for Braised Eggplant, where the smokiness of the wok meets the silky texture of slow cooking.

Also Read: From law to ladles: Meenakshi Kumar finds her calling in the kitchen

For those seeking spectacle, there’s whole red snapper in a fiery Sichuan sauce, duck carved tableside and wrapped for guests, and salt-baked chicken encased in a crust before being baked to perfection. Dim sums remain a perennial favourite; “nearly every table orders them,” Chef Diwas notes.

In the kitchen, the festival is guided by Chef Rishi, a stalwart of Empress of China since 2002. With over two decades at the helm, he has seen the city’s palate evolve while staying true to the restaurant’s core ethos. “About 75% of our dishes are classics,” he says. “When someone orders, I personally make the food. I’ve been serving here for 23 years — if I wasn’t enjoying it, I wouldn’t still be here.”

Rishi’s craft has been shaped by years of working alongside expatriate chefs from various regions of China. These collaborations have helped him master authentic techniques, which he adapts to suit local preferences without compromising on quality. “Our bond with Chinese cuisine is unbreakable,” says Diwas. “After Indian cuisine, it’s the most widely adapted in the country. Even a child today knows what noodles are — just like 25 years ago.”

The restaurant’s setting complements its culinary ambitions. Its private dining room can host up to 22 guests and opens onto the terrace, ideal for intimate celebrations with a city view. Inside, the warm lighting, channel music, and uncluttered layout create a calm backdrop for the food to take centre stage.

In keeping with the hotel’s policies, all meat served is halal, with strict cross-contamination controls. The menu offers chicken, mutton, fish, and prawns, with pork available on request for those who prefer it.

The Sizzling Mandarin Delights festival runs nightly from 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM until August 17. For Delhi diners looking to explore the subtler side of Chinese cuisine in an elegant setting, it’s an invitation to savour both tradition and innovation — plate by plate.

When: August 17; 7:30 PM-11:30 PM