China Doll set in the perfect surroundings with great water views, a startling cosmopolitan dining and lifestyle precinct, is a hidden gem amidst the array of hatted restaurants.
Celebrating one of my special occasions, the relaxed yet courteous and professional staff combined with the jewels of a glamourous location, the perfect company, the stylish modern Asian cuisine and cocktails provided me and my friends with an ultimate dining experience.
China Doll believes in celebrating the oriental flavours that come from Japan, China and South-east Asia and that is evident from the sparkling and tantalizing dishes that are presented to you.
In China Doll's own words, "Cocktails have always been an integral part of the modern Asian experience" and this is how we started. The summer collection of modern and classically styled cocktails included the combination of seasoned fresh fruits and other refreshing ingredients (alcohol) :)
After the cocktails, we moved on to the starters. The Chilli Salt Squid in a crumbled coating, deep fried was tender and spiced enough to make things interesting.
You can never go to a Chinese restaurant and miss out on dumplings. We ordered the Shu Mai dumplings, filled with minced pork, prawn, scallop and shiitake served with chilli oil. Even though the dumplings were not the best I've had, they still packed a lot of flavour. When dipped in Chilli oil and tasted, you only wished why were they not bigger.
The final starter we tasted was the crispy and mouth watering Duck pancakes with cucumber and shallots served with a tangy and sweet Hoi Sin sauce.
Between the mains, the first one to arrive was the Crispy Chicken with a yellow bean sauce. This dish was well cooked but lacked the wow factor. I expected a lot more of the crispy skin and smaller chicken pieces. The sauce was strictly average too.
We heard about it a lot and definitely wanted to try the China Doll signature dish. Crispy Pork Belly with Chilli Caramel and Nam Pla Phrik (Thai Chillies in fish sauce). This dish was mind blowing. I have never tasted a pork belly dish before, that had every piece crispy to the core. The caramelization, the juiciness and the tasty coating made this dish delightful. Try the dish with and without the sauce to enjoy the marriage of different flavours on your palate.
The Chinese greens were crunchy and well seasoned.
China Doll experience wouldn't have been complete without trying their desserts.The Dessert platter had a selection of sorbets (lime, espresso and raspberry), black sticky rice pudding with mango and Sago Pudding with Vanilla Coconut Cream and Passionfruit Coulis. Not a big fan of asian desserts, I was a bit apprehensive in trying the sticky rice pudding, but to my surprise it was delicious. The winner for me was the espresso sorbet.
Gosh, writing this review makes me feel hungry for more!!
China Doll
Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
Tel No: + 61 2 9380 6744
Website for more info: China Doll
 |
| Raspberry & Coconut Mojito |
Celebrating one of my special occasions, the relaxed yet courteous and professional staff combined with the jewels of a glamourous location, the perfect company, the stylish modern Asian cuisine and cocktails provided me and my friends with an ultimate dining experience.
 |
| Passionfruit & Yuzu Collins |
China Doll believes in celebrating the oriental flavours that come from Japan, China and South-east Asia and that is evident from the sparkling and tantalizing dishes that are presented to you.
 |
| Tuk Tuk Massacre |
In China Doll's own words, "Cocktails have always been an integral part of the modern Asian experience" and this is how we started. The summer collection of modern and classically styled cocktails included the combination of seasoned fresh fruits and other refreshing ingredients (alcohol) :)
 |
| Lick’n Lychee |
After the cocktails, we moved on to the starters. The Chilli Salt Squid in a crumbled coating, deep fried was tender and spiced enough to make things interesting.
You can never go to a Chinese restaurant and miss out on dumplings. We ordered the Shu Mai dumplings, filled with minced pork, prawn, scallop and shiitake served with chilli oil. Even though the dumplings were not the best I've had, they still packed a lot of flavour. When dipped in Chilli oil and tasted, you only wished why were they not bigger.
The final starter we tasted was the crispy and mouth watering Duck pancakes with cucumber and shallots served with a tangy and sweet Hoi Sin sauce.
Between the mains, the first one to arrive was the Crispy Chicken with a yellow bean sauce. This dish was well cooked but lacked the wow factor. I expected a lot more of the crispy skin and smaller chicken pieces. The sauce was strictly average too.
We heard about it a lot and definitely wanted to try the China Doll signature dish. Crispy Pork Belly with Chilli Caramel and Nam Pla Phrik (Thai Chillies in fish sauce). This dish was mind blowing. I have never tasted a pork belly dish before, that had every piece crispy to the core. The caramelization, the juiciness and the tasty coating made this dish delightful. Try the dish with and without the sauce to enjoy the marriage of different flavours on your palate.
The Chinese greens were crunchy and well seasoned.
China Doll experience wouldn't have been complete without trying their desserts.The Dessert platter had a selection of sorbets (lime, espresso and raspberry), black sticky rice pudding with mango and Sago Pudding with Vanilla Coconut Cream and Passionfruit Coulis. Not a big fan of asian desserts, I was a bit apprehensive in trying the sticky rice pudding, but to my surprise it was delicious. The winner for me was the espresso sorbet.
Gosh, writing this review makes me feel hungry for more!!
China Doll
Shop 4, 6 Cowper Wharf Road
Tel No: + 61 2 9380 6744
Website for more info: China Doll
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