Seeking an unforgettable dining experience that transcends the ordinary, Amira Ragab discovered a masterpiece of flavours and design at China Garden – Al Liwan.

Stepping into China Garden – Al Liwan, the latest outpost of the original Gulf Hotel favourite , is akin to entering a meticulously curated art gallery, where the culinary experience is the masterpiece. From the moment you’re greeted by the beckoning Maneki Neko, a symbol of good fortune, you’re enveloped in a world where design and flavour intertwine in perfect harmony.

The restaurant’s interior is a visual feast. Bold colours dance with delicate, handcrafted details, creating a symphony of contrasts that captivates the eye. The walls whisper stories, most notably through a magnificent, hand-painted mural of a lady. The artistry is breathtaking; one can almost feel the texture of the ink on her skin, the weight of her gaze. It’s a piece that commands attention, a testament to the skill and vision of the artist.

Looking upwards, the ceiling is a canvas of its own, hand-painted with a delicate tracery of gold and white flowers that adds a touch of whimsy and romance to the space. The lighting, carefully orchestrated to enhance the ambience, features sleek, linear tube lights arranged in a modern, geometric pattern. These contemporary fixtures create a sense of spaciousness and visual interest, providing a subtle counterpoint to the more traditional elements. Wall lights, resembling antique gramophones, cast a warm, inviting glow, adding a touch of vintage charm. The colour palette, a striking blend of bold reds, deep teals and earthy browns, creates a vibrant yet grounded atmosphere. Sleek, modern furniture is juxtaposed with plush banquettes, offering a comfortable and stylish dining experience. The tables themselves, a mix of red, bronze and black, are thoughtfully appointed, and we were particularly impressed with the modern pottery serving plates that adorned our brown table, each a work of art in its own right.

The service is as impeccable as the décor. Evelyn, our server, greeted us with a cheerful, heartwarming smile, adorned with a beautiful, authentic Chinese headpiece. The staff’s attire is equally captivating, with servers in burgundy and black and hostesses in silky black traditional Chinese dresses. Restaurant Manager, Isaias Alexis Vergara, was incredibly helpful throughout our visit, patiently recommending dishes and offering insightful pairings. Chef Chao Ding, Brand Chef for all China Garden outlets, also extended a warm welcome, setting the stage for a delightful meal.

As we waited for our food, which we were happy to hear includes the same wonderful dishes so much loved at the original, we enjoyed the subtle strains of classic Oriental music playing in the background. Then, the starters began to arrive. We commenced with the Vegetable Spring Rolls, a delightful and generously portioned combination of crisp, non-oily puff pastry filled with crunchy, flavourful cabbage, carrots and spring onions, served with a sweet chilli dipping sauce. Next came the Chicken Shao Mai steamed dumplings. These plump little parcels, with their ground chicken, ginger, carrot and spring onion filling, were perfectly steamed and presented with a soy sauce for dipping. I must confess, I fell completely in love with these chubby dumplings – a veritable remedy for those heartwarming cravings on lonely nights.

For the main course, my vegetarian companion and partner-in-crime opted for the Mapo Tofu, which proved to be a revelation. Even as someone who typically avoids tofu, I found myself drawn to her dish, sneaking a taste. Surprisingly, I found myself thoroughly enjoying it. The ground Sichuan peppercorns, ginger, garlic, carrots, silken tofu, green peas, shiitake mushroom and sweet corn created a complex and satisfying flavour profile, garnished with cilantro and served with steamed rice topped with fried garlic – a perfect pairing, as recommended by Isaias. My own choice was the Crispy Beef – fried shredded beef with sweet chilli sauce, spring onions, carrots, red and yellow bell peppers, red onions and sesame seeds, offering a delightful crunch in every bite. However, one cannot truly experience Chinese cuisine without sampling a sweet and sour dish, so I also ordered the Sweet and Sour Prawns, with red and yellow bell pepper and pineapple accompaniment, a classic executed with exceptional finesse.

Despite feeling quite replete, we couldn’t resist the chef’s recommendation of Toffee Banana with Vanilla Ice Cream for dessert. The tempura-fried banana, coated in caramel and served with a side of vanilla ice cream, was faultless – not too sweet – just perfect. The vanilla ice cream, with a deliciously strong flavour, was a delight with every spoonful. It was the perfect sweet ending to a memorable meal.

As we sat there, succumbing to a pleasant food coma, we were served an authentic Chinese tea in a glass pot with two pottery mugs. It made me wish I had discovered this place earlier in the year, to sit outside during Bahrain’s beautiful winter weather, cradling a cup of warm tea.

China Garden isn’t simply a restaurant; it’s an invitation to indulge in a world where artistry and gastronomy intertwine. The beauty of the setting is matched only by the fabulous service and excellence of the food, creating an experience that’s both sophisticated and deeply satisfying – as we would expect from a Gulf Hotel sister. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner or a grand family gathering, China Garden offers the perfect backdrop for creating cherished moments. We are already planning our return.

GO: CALL 3722 4227 OR FOLLOW @CHINAGARDENLIWAN ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.