My New Chinese Food Dynasty - Kim Ling, Anna Nagar, Chennai

What: Kim Ling

Where: Teja Towers Basement, 2nd Avenue, Opposite to Ayyappan Temple, Anna Nagar East, Chennai

Cuisine: Chinese

Finally, Chinese it is. We agreed and kick started the bike, with accurate assistance of Google maps we reached Kim Ling without much difficulty for our Saturday dinner. The restaurant is bang opposite to the Ayyappan Temple (Starbucks and Cream Stone are other ideal landmarks). If not the name hoarding it is difficult to spot the tiny entrance to the restaurant. And what a blunder mistake to not reserve our table prior. We had to wait for a while to get a table to dine, they were pretty organised as well as fast in managing their diners. Pretty soon got our table set for dining and without much wait I placed the order.

With crab's aroma dominating the soup, Crab Chili Celery Soup blows you with spicy chili, juicy crab meat and fresh celery. The light and refreshing consistency of the soup made me get over the strong flavour of crab. If you don't favour strong seafood aroma then it's better to skip this dish.

Anywhere I come across the word "momos", in the menu, I place an order without much second thoughts. And I never anticipated such a huge portion of Steam Momos (Veg), with 12 big momos this was more like a main course. Steaming hot and perfectly cooked momos stuffed with vegetables and grated paneer, it was delicious and I was happy that the proportion of vegetables were divided equally (instead of just cabbage and cabbage). The chilli and mustard sauce were so good, always a perfecto for the momos.

I wanted to give up eating after momos (yes, that was a pretty huge portion) but who could resist Chinese. Cauliflower is a favourite and Chinese use these beauty so well in their dishes. Crispy Ginger Cauliflower, the crispy cauliflowers tossed in the sweet yet spicy sauce is perfect, the ginger and chilli balanced the sweetness.

Manchow Fried Rice (veg) was at its best and pair it with the Devil's Chicken you can be assured that your meal is phenomenally good. The flavour intensity of the sauce along with the juicy chicken is truly one of their best (and no wonder it's their diners favourite pick). We had to sip in some soda to get the food down our tummies.

A hefty and sumptuous meal and paid Rs. 1161 INR (including taxes).

Breaking Down Points

Location & Parking: If you have been in the confusing streets of Anna Nagar then you should be able to spot this place easily or with maps help. Parking, there is plenty on the road just outside the restaurant.

Ambience: Negative. Most Chinese restaurants are dim and dark with just lanterns lighting and this place is no exception. Also taking pictures became highly tough under such lighting. Looked neat but I like colourful dining places.

Food Variety: Positive. So much and both vegetarians and non-vegetarians will not run out of options to choose I believe.

Taste: Positive. Yummy food that made the tummy happy. I loved the food.

Quality & Quantity: Positive. The flavour intensity, blend of ingredients and presentation accounts for a thumps up for quality. Quantity is huge and totally worth every penny.

Service: Positive. Well-organised and they are pretty fast in service.

Price: Positive. A meal for two would cost Rs.1000-1200 INR (plus taxes) approx. Extremely reasonable considering the taste, quality, variety and quantity.

So my Verdict!

Kim Ling! My new found Chinese food dynasty in the city. Packed with Chinese flavours and serves some delicious food. A place totally worth the money we spend.

P.S. Remember, no two person's palate can be same. The pictures didn't turn out well in the lighting so bare for the not-so-appealing pictures.