This time of year calls for cozy new dishes

Ginger Chicken in Hot Pot ($16.95)

Fall months are known for slightly cooler weather, and as we enter the new season, The Mandalay has several seasonal dishes you can enjoy with the crisp air.

According to server Wilfred Leung, customers should waste no time trying the seasonal Ginger Chicken in Hot Pot ($16.95) dish. He shares that purple ginger is the special ingredient that makes this menu item a limited-time indulgence.

“The hot pot contains the young, purple ginger that’s braised with chicken,” Leung says. “It’s seasoned with different spices and cooked in the hot pot. It’s the best season for the purple ginger; that’s why we’re featuring it right now. It’s not regular ginger — the purple ginger has a different taste.”

Another item customers are sure to enjoy is Stuffed Eggplant with Minced Pork ($14.95). Not only is this dish healthy because it’s made with eggplant, but it’s flavorful as well.

Stuffed Eggplant with Minced Pork ($14.95)

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“This is a light dish for autumn time,” Leung says. “The eggplant isn’t too heavy for the minced pork. This is a good entree dish for dinner, and it can be ordered at lunch, too.”

Leung also mentions that the restaurant enjoys a steady lunch crowd, thanks to its downtown location. Dinner crowds vary, though, depending on scheduled events and private parties.

“Sometimes we have dinner banquets for weddings, birthdays, graduations and other special occasions,” he says. “We have upper and lower floors and can accommodate events in our private rooms.

“Customers can park across the street at Bishop Center,” Leung adds. “We validate parking all day on Saturday and Sunday. On Monday through Friday, we validate for dinner from 5 p.m.”

The Mandalay

1055 Alakea St., downtown Honolulu
525-8585
Daily, 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. (dim sum available daily, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Validated parking is available at Bishop Square on Alakea Street (across from The Mandalay) Monday-Friday after 5 p.m., and all day Saturday and Sunday