The Mandalay

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at your favorite restaurant? Well, much credit goes to the many chefs, owners and managers who work diligently day in and day out to make sure Hawaii’s diners have a top-notch dining experience.

This week, Dining Out gets the inside scoops from The Mandalay owner Linda Chan, who gives us a little taste of The Mandalay and shares just what fuels her culinary drive.

Owners Linda and Larry Chan

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Name: Linda Chan
Title: Owner of The Mandalay

Who or what inspires you as a chef/manager/owner? My family has worked in the restaurant business in various capacities. So when we moved to Hawaii, we decided to start our own business so that we could all work together.

What is your favorite dish on the menu? Why? I have a couple of favorite dishes! Over the years, my tastes have become more localized. So now, one of my favorite dishes is our Chicken Stuffed with White Fungus Soup. It’s a very unique dish that needs to be ordered one day ahead of time, but you will get a pot of soup with a whole chicken! The pot costs $80 and can feed up to 10 people. First we de-bone the chicken, stuff it with white fungus, then steam it for four hours. You won’t find this dish just anywhere! My other favorite dish is our Peking Duck. First we serve the skin with buns, then you can have the duck meat either chopped up and served, or minced with mixed vegetables and served in lettuce cups.

What is your favorite ingredient to work with? Why? Chinese wine. We have a dish called Stir Fried Fish Fillet with Wine Sauce. The wine causes a flame when cooking the fish in the wok and it gives it a special, unique flavor. It’s delicious!

Is there a dish that you create that’s not on your menu, but available upon request? Mandalay Delight Salad. It’s a fruit salad with honeydew, cantaloupe, apple, cucumber, and finely shredded chicken and duck. It is served with a special sauce, which includes peanut butter. This dish requires a two hour advance notice.

What do you hope to improve on? After more than 20 years in business, we’re always trying to improve on our food and service. We’re constantly trying to come up with new dishes that keep our customers intrigued and coming back for more.

The Mandalay

1055 Alakea St., Honolulu
525.8585
Regular Hours: Daily, 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Dim Sum Hours: Daily, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Express Hours: Monday-Friday,10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.