Residing in the basement of a rather tired centre just off the Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, New China restaurant has proved a popular option for aircrew staying at the Sheraton Hotel next door. It’s a good option for those looking for something different from the hotel restaurants or a low budget meal. It certainly fills a niche, proving popular with locals, expats and visitors alike.
On my visit I was sitting between Lebanese and Indian families and a large Nigerian birthday party. The interior follows a simple formula, recognisable from Chinese restaurants the world over: Chinese lanterns hang from the ceiling, Great Wall of China and Koi carp prints adorn the walls, whilst waiters wear Chinese satin printed robes. A system of partition screens allows the room to be subdivided to cater for private dining (should you desire), whilst a TV sits discreetly in one corner, screening sports for those who don’t want to miss the big match.
For most though, the focus seems to be on the food. There are all the familiar dishes here: chicken in black bean sauce, crispy beef with chili, plus standout dishes like garlic fried lobster and crab served with ginger and spring onion. Portion size is generous (think “huge”) so don’t over-order, or be prepared to take a doggy bag with you. The Szechuan pepper beef delivered a fiery punch — not for the faint hearted — but refreshingly authentic compared to much of the westernised Chinese prevalent elsewhere. Chinese pastries are also on offer for anyone able to make it through all of their main courses.
Expert Review
Residing in the basement of a rather tired centre just off the Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, New China restaurant has...
Residing in the basement of a rather tired centre just off the Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, New China restaurant has proved a popular option for aircrew staying at the Sheraton Hotel next door. It’s a good option for those looking for something different from the hotel restaurants or a low budget meal. It certainly fills a niche, proving popular with locals, expats and visitors alike.
On my visit I was sitting between Lebanese and Indian families and a large Nigerian birthday party. The interior follows a simple formula, recognisable from Chinese restaurants the world over: Chinese lanterns hang from the ceiling, Great Wall of China and Koi carp prints adorn the walls, whilst waiters wear Chinese satin printed robes. A system of partition screens allows the room to be subdivided to cater for private dining (should you desire), whilst a TV sits discreetly in one corner, screening sports for those who don’t want to miss the big match.
For most though, the focus seems to be on the food. There are all the familiar dishes here: chicken in black bean sauce, crispy beef with chili, plus standout dishes like garlic fried lobster and crab served with ginger and spring onion. Portion size is generous (think “huge”) so don’t over-order, or be prepared to take a doggy bag with you. The Szechuan pepper beef delivered a fiery punch — not for the faint hearted — but refreshingly authentic compared to much of the westernised Chinese prevalent elsewhere. Chinese pastries are also on offer for anyone able to make it through all of their main courses.