Golden Dragon (Taj).

Golden Dragon is the Taj’s completely redone Chinese restaurant. The ambience and decor is possibly the best in the city and the food is quite good. It makes for a great Chinese dining experience.

The Food

Whatever the decor, the food has to be good for a Chinese dining experience. Golden Dragon doesn’t disappoint. They have three Chinese chefs, but the food is well suited for the Sri Lankan palate. We started with a small prawn dim sum (Rs. 990) which, while not cheap, was excellent. It was a soft, tender surprise, just like dim sum should be. 


We actually went with a Chinese person and the way they eat is different. He actually called the chef out and spoke to him in Chinese to order, choosing belly pork (Rs. 860), and diced chicken (Rs. 760). I, being a Sri Lankan, couldn’t fathom a meal without rice and we ordered a bean sprout fried rice (Rs. 760).

The food was quite good. Not too oily, well seasoned and generous. While the dim sum was my favorite, the rice was perfectly done and the belly pork was not too fatty, not too lean, and artfully cooked.

The diced chicken came with a generous gravy. A bit sweet for my personal taste but it went well with rice.

We obviously tried just a selection of their menu, but we weren’t disappointed. My Chinese friend was a bit put off that they didn’t have a Chinese language menu (they said it’s coming) and we wouldn’t call the food here purely authentic. That said, who cares? The chef is from Sichuan but there’s a nice range of cuisines mixed in and it’s tasty.

In terms of price, we ended up paying Rs. 4,200 total for two. They have a set menu for Rs. 2,990 (non-veg) or Rs. 1,990 (veg) which includes a set of mains and choice of one dim-sum/starter or soup. A la carte, the mains are about Rs. 800 – 1,000 for a small (easily enough for two) and pushing Rs. 2,000/3,000 for the fancier stuff (scallops, Peking duck). We’d like to come back for the duck.

These prices aren’t cheap (at Min Han you can eat for Rs. 1,000 apiece) but you’re getting a MUCH nicer dining experience. For more posh restaurants these prices are normal, but you’re getting more value for money at Golden Dragon. 

The Location & Ambience

Ambience wise, this is the best Chinese restaurant in the city. Like YUMI (also in the Taj) what was once a depressing space has been completely redone. The first thing you notice are the extremely high ceilings and the generous tables.

There is a private room off to the side and four tables along the wall can be completely enclosed in curtains, making them private as well.

The main dining area is beautiful blues and golds and, with the high ceiling, the overall impression is quite impressive. Most Chinese restaurants are in repurposed houses, but this is a purpose-built dining space. In terms of ambience, the only competitor would be Tsing Tao, and that’s not as roomy.

For family or groups, this is a lovely place to dine. Note that the dress code is no shorts or slippers, but they’re not pushy about it. My companion was wearing shorts and slippers and they just gave him a sarong when he sat down.

Service

The reboot was just a few weeks ago so when we went it wasn’t busy at all. We always had competent attention from waiters and even ended up speaking with the chef and the Manager and the Food & Beverage Manager on our way out. The Chef seems to come out to personally talk to the Chinese speaking guests. 

At a place like this you can tell if the service is good if your green tea seems endless (i.e, they keep refilling it). We never had a dry cup. If you are eating Chinese or family style the whole serving you rice thing can feel unnecessary, but you can just tell them to stop. I personally don’t mind, but our Chinese friend preferred to serve himself.

Conclusion

Golden Dragon offers a great Chinese dining experience. We say experience because a lot of things come together here. The food is tasty, the ambience is the best in its category, and the staff is attentive. For Sri Lankans Chinese food is an experience, and at the high end we’d say Golden Dragon is one of the best.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Across Borders: A Culinary Bridge Between India and Sri Lanka Through Peshawri’s Timeless Flavors

By Vimasha Vishvadari Peshawri, a renowned restaurant chain, originated from the iconic Bukhara restaurant in

Highlights Kamu

Tenkū – a hidden Gem of the Japanese Cuisine

By Vimasha Weerawansha Ambience  The Kingsbury Rooftop offers a breathtaking panorama of the cityscape and

Highlights Kamu

Discovering Kamikura: A Journey into Authentic Japanese Cuisine

dBy Sharon Nonis Welcome to Kamikura, where the essence of Japanese cuisine meets the heart

Kamu

Full’R Burgers is Flipping into Maharagama

by Vimasha Vishvadari If you're on the lookout for the ideal burger spot in the

Kamu

Yi Jing Unveiled: Sri Lanka’s Top Chinese Dining at ITC Ratnadipa Blends Tradition with Modern Flair

By Poornima Bandara Yi Jing Unveiled: Sri Lanka’s Premier Chinese Dining Experience at ITC Ratnadipa

Highlights Kamu

Seafood Watti Rice: A Flavorful Feast from Fathi’s Spice Attic

Watti Rice is a delightful Sri Lankan dish that combines various meats, such as seafood

Highlights Kamu

Trending.

Colombo’s Most Anticipated Holiday Sing-Along Is Back in Town!

This December, the festive spirit is set to hit a high note as Christmas Crescendo,

Trending

Cook, Dine, and Celebrate the Season with Tabletop Teppanyaki at Tenkū

This Christmas, Tenkū offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that puts you in control of the

Trending

A Taste of the Atlantic at The Kingsbury’s Ocean

This festive season, Ocean, The Kingsbury’s celebrated seafood restaurant, invites you to embrace a world

Trending

Mount Lavinia Hotel Hosts Traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony, Welcomes the Christmas Season with Festivities and Special Offerings

Mount Lavinia Hotel welcomed the festive season in grand style with its traditional Annual Tree

Trending

From Dusk Till Dawn: The Visionary Behind Sri Lanka’s nightlife revolution

By Vimasha Weerawansha  If you’re into nightlife and crave bold, unforgettable flavors, Sheran de Fonseka’s

Highlights Trending

Shangri-La Colombo Ushers in the Festive Season with a Spectacular Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The festive spirit came alive at Shangri-La Colombo as the hotel hosted its much-anticipated Christmas

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Festive Feasts: Top Christmas Buffets of 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya Looking for the perfect spot to indulge in a festive Christmas buffet?

Highlights Yamu Guide

9 Unisex Gift Ideas for Your Friends

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Finding the perfect gift for your friends can be a delightful

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

9 Must-Read Self-Help Books for Personal Growth

By Jordain De Mel In recent years, people have turned to self-help books to serve

Highlights Yamu Guide

Top Restaurants with the best Cashback offers from Mintpay

With Mintpay, have a gastronomic journey and earn cashback rewards as you go! Every taste

Highlights Yamu Guide

10 Places To Celebrate Father’s Day 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya, Father’s Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring fathers and celebrating

Highlights Yamu Guide