Upon approaching the Golden Dragon, which sits in a commanding spot atop Makola Hill, you’d naturally assume that you’d be able to enjoy the dramatic views over Ibadan city. Unfortunately the restaurant chose windows made of frosted glass, so you’d better steal a glance before you enter.
The restaurant is spread over a single floor with 10 tables ranging in size from four to 10 persons. It’s run by an elderly Chinese lady with a headmistress’s demeanour, who lords over the young Nigerian waiters from her perch at the cash desk.
The decor is traditional Chinese, with ornate lamps, painted vases, and fish tanks centered around a small bar area. The food is reasonable, though not served quite hot enough. The Szechuan pork chops are fragrant and gingery, and the bok choi is crunchy and garlicky.
I visited in the early evening and was practically the only diner. I was surprised that it was so quiet, since this is the only Chinese gig in town (the two other Chinese offerings in Ibadan have recently shut down). It’s worth noting that a service charge and local taxes add around 15% to the bill, meaning a meal costs around N5000 a head. Not terribly expensive for Lagos, but rather more so here in Ibadan.
The restaurant is situated in the grounds of (but not associated with) the Premier Hotel.
Expert Review
Upon approaching the Golden Dragon, which sits in a commanding spot atop Makola Hill, you’d naturally assume that you’d be...
Upon approaching the Golden Dragon, which sits in a commanding spot atop Makola Hill, you’d naturally assume that you’d be able to enjoy the dramatic views over Ibadan city. Unfortunately the restaurant chose windows made of frosted glass, so you’d better steal a glance before you enter.
The restaurant is spread over a single floor with 10 tables ranging in size from four to 10 persons. It’s run by an elderly Chinese lady with a headmistress’s demeanour, who lords over the young Nigerian waiters from her perch at the cash desk.
The decor is traditional Chinese, with ornate lamps, painted vases, and fish tanks centered around a small bar area. The food is reasonable, though not served quite hot enough. The Szechuan pork chops are fragrant and gingery, and the bok choi is crunchy and garlicky.
I visited in the early evening and was practically the only diner. I was surprised that it was so quiet, since this is the only Chinese gig in town (the two other Chinese offerings in Ibadan have recently shut down). It’s worth noting that a service charge and local taxes add around 15% to the bill, meaning a meal costs around N5000 a head. Not terribly expensive for Lagos, but rather more so here in Ibadan.
The restaurant is situated in the grounds of (but not associated with) the Premier Hotel.