Lychee Oriental

Fusing contemporary dining with classic Chinese cooking adds up to a unique and stylish experience

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Lychee Oriental is a sophisticated and modern take on the traditional Chinese restaurant – absent are the usual kitschy decorations, replaced by chic shades of cream, leather and dark wood. Tucked down a quiet side street near Central Station and city centre shops, it’s a stylish spot to sample well-prepared standards. There are good-value lunch and early evening menus encompassing a range of classic dishes, such as Hong Kong sweet and sour chicken or stir-fried king prawns with cashew nuts. Sesame-scattered honey chilli chicken balances sweet with heat, and prawn wontons are crisp and light. The à la carte menu is where the chef’s imagination and skill is given a more thorough workout in dishes such as monkfish stew with XO sauce or claypot duck with pickled ginger and spring onion. Signature sizzling plates arrive with theatrical brio, piled high with beef, scallops or chicken and served with the diner’s sauce of choice. There is also a dedicated gluten-free menu and an informative and well-chosen wine list.

• High point: Classy setting, classic cuisine
• Low point: Poor choice for vegetarians
• Notable dish: Hong Kong sweet and sour chicken