A celebration to mark a milestone birthday and it being close to Valentine’s Day finds me in China Doll, an award winning restaurant in Woolloomooloo, Sydney. On a fine late summer’s day, there’s no place better. It is located in historic Finger Wharf with amazing views of the city skyline and bobbing luxury boats across.
Even on a Tuesday, when we visited, China Doll was busy. I feel it’s the kind of place where you dress up, but the vibe is not at all stuffy. Packed as it was, from the time we arrived and until we left , the service was attentive, accomodating and friendly.
We decided on the banquet for 2 at $65 per person. Yes a bit spendy, but part of it I guess you’re paying for the stunning view . Now to the food & drinks..
We were a bit early when we arrived at Woolloomooloo, so we had a wander around the wharf and by the time we arrived at China Doll we were parched to say the least. Shanghai Hustle to the rescue with vodka aperol lemon grass passionfruit and pineapple. I wanted another one, but at $20 a pop, I settled instead for a glass of rosè. My dining partner and the designated driver, the Persian Prince had Ichiban Shibori beer.
Starters…
To start, we had Steamed Scallops on half shell with a delicate soy and ginger dressing. The scallop itself was fresh and sweet and the dressing didn’t overwhelm it’s flavour.
Next to come was the Zucchini & Corn Cakes with Coriander Sambal. I love zucchini and corn fritters and this cake version didn’t disappoint. Crispy outer shell in a cakey batter, I could have devoured more but you only get one. Just as well as there were more tidbits to follow.
I’ve had San Choy Bau before in many different ways, and this was one of the best I’ve had. I couldn’t believe how fresh and sweet the green beans was! Perfectly seasoned diced pork on lettuce leaves. How can anything so simple be so delicious?
I never cook duck at home, so this salad was a treat for me. Vibrant with contrasting flavours and textures in the watermelon cubes, pickled cabbage , duck pieces and crunchy fried shallots and toasted sesame. I think it has a soy and black vinegar dressing, but it doesn’t say so in the menu. This was new to my taste, and something I would try and recreate at home.
Mains: Pork Belly & Beef Penang Curry
This is very similar to my favourite Filipino meal of pork belly adobo and rice. The pork was buttery tender, with just the right amount of salty and sweet and just about perfect with the Jasmine rice and Morning Glory greens. Okay, I was expecting a little bit more heat as it says Chilli Caramel on the menu, but I couldn’t detect any chilli whatsoever. No big deal, as I carry a small bottle of chilli sauce in my purse! Oh and lets not forget about the dipping sauce – Nam Pla Phrik, pepper,fish sauce and lots of lime. No wonder it’s considered their signature dish! It’s that good.
By the time this beauty arrived, we were already full and if we were to do justice to the the dessert, we had to take this home. We had the obligatory taste and needless to say the beef was succulent and chopstick tender and the curry sauce was out of this world. Rich and thick with perfectly blended aromatics. It was great warmed up for lunch at home the next day.
On to dessert…
I’m one of those people who checks out the dessert menu before looking at the other less important stuff. However, I have to say, sago pearls and rice pudding don’t excite me, but in this case, they were actually the best finish to this banquet. The sago (served cold) was perfectly cooked and drenched with coconut milk and passionfruit pulp and the black sticky rice (served warm) was served with lemon strips, rice puffs and candied grapes.
China Doll, Sydney
Parking: Secure Parking
