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Fare Making Mouths Water

Columns Surf and Turf

February 23, 2014

Story By: Steve Murray | Photos by: Nathalie Walker

For years, The Mandalay on Alakea Street has been a go to place for large groups looking to enjoy tasty Cantonese cuisine. But while the restaurant is large enough to accommodate 320 people, it’s also comfortable enough for an intimate date or a small family dinner. What more can one ask for?

The expansive menu offers a number of items that can satisfy carnivores, vegetarians and everyone else in between.

“All of our entrees are designed to be served family style,” says owner Linda Chan. “This way everyone can pick what they like, and share.”

One unique item is an entree that in most places is served as a soup. Braised Oxtail ($18.95) is an off-the-menu item, begins with tender oxtail braised for two hours in beef stock, Chinese five spice and black pepper, and is served in a sizzling bowl. The result is a tender, fatty-good, buttery beef.

Vegetarian Spring Rolls ($3.50) lack a protein element, but are still quite tasty. Found on the dim sum menu, the traditional rolls are packed with shredded carrots, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, cabbage and fresh taro.

Are you hungry for a seafood appetizer? Shrimp and Seaweed Roll ($4.50) is one of many options. Fresh shrimp is wrapped in seaweed and coated tempura style in a wet flour mixture and deep fried until crispy.

One final dish to mention is Sauteed Fish Fillet in Wine Sauce ($13.95). Fresh sole is stir fried with Chinese peas, mushrooms, carrots, garlic, ginger, onion and a touch of white wine. The combination is light, fresh and flavorful.

The Mandalay

1055 Alakea St., Honolulu
525-8585
Daily, 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

Honolulu, HI 96813

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