Chinese Gourmet Restaurant in Almancil

Posted on November 8, 2007 
Filed Under Restaurants

A few nights ago we had a craving for something different, the other side of the pond kind of different, which was the perfect opportunity to go to a place we had heard nothing but good reviews about. So off we went to Chinese Gourmet in Almancil … tucked away in a little side street we whipped by it a couple of times but when I called the restaurant, their hostess was wonderful in directing us and stayed on the phone until we found it, when we arrived she was awaiting us on the patio. This was a good start.

Chinese Gourment Restaurant in Almancil

We were seated right away and menus arrived almost instantly. Now the choosing, when you love food, having a long list of good looking choices is similar to slow painful torture and the thought of missing a great dish by ordering a lesser one seems to loom over every written line. Moses wanted something different, really different, so for our appetizer we decided on fried seaweed, we made sure we had a back up plan and also ordered the spring rolls. I’m a bit hesitant about ordering spring rolls at Chinese restaurants in the Algarve since most end up in a soft crepe type of roll, rather then the thin crispy rolls I’ve grown accustomed to in my travels, so we’ll see…

Browsing through the menu I noticed something I’ve never seen on a Chinese menu, Mongolian Shrimp…sounds too good to pass up, choice made. Moses on the other hand was beyond hungry and looking forward to the meal more than having to actually stop to choose, so he asked the host for a suggestion, she recommended a Mongolian beef since he was feeling for beef with a kick. We ordered a nice red wine and now with our noses out of the menu we took stock of where we were. The restaurant was well decorated with heavy Asian inspiration, two large fish tanks on the back wall provided constant entertainment by some of the chubbiest gold fish I’ve ever seen. In another back corner, I got a glimpse of a wooden wine cabinet neatly packed with bottles. These looked to be separated from the bar just next to it, something special perhaps…?

Around the room there were a number of tables filled with happy looking diners, some local and some tourists, all of then looking comfortable, like they’ve been here before. I hear a sizzle coming through a back door leading from the kitchen. A server blows the door wide open and carries out a covered hot plate high on his shoulder, and leaving a jet stream of smoke behind him. Unfortunately, this smoking mystery didn’t land at our table, but its aroma did. I think we both felt a rumble in our bellies. The hostess popped over to our table and let Moses know the Mongolian beef wasn’t going to be doable, but she had something special coming for him if he didn’t mind the surprise - he didn’t. In another minute, our appetizers arrived, the fried seaweed was simply prepared and very crispy, we were anxious to give this new find a go, the result…it was good, very good. Another pleasant surprise were the spring rolls, they were crispy…2 for 2…batting 100! We made both disappear as quickly as they arrived, and within minutes we hear another sizzling hot plate out of the kitchen, then another, and another…it wasn’t our turn yet but the room was starting to show a hazy cloud above the tables from all the hot plates, the smell only made us hungrier. I imagine we looked like puppies at the pound, waiting impatiently to be chosen. Service was good, quick, professional and friendly our impatience to try this new Mongolian and the “surprise” dish was killing us. Then two more hot plates are on the move …I traced the servers’ steps…and bingo, these smoking demons were landing on our table. Happiness.

My Mongolian shrimp was very good, and similar to a sweet and sour stir fry with mixed peppers but different tastes, in the mix were some very dark mushrooms that were quite tasty also. The spice had a little kick but wasn’t over the top. What was different was the length of time the spice lasted on my pallet, but it was a warm burn rather than a hard, drink a gallon of water kind of spice. Moses really enjoyed his dish although we’re still not sure what it was. Michael the owner arrived just as we were getting into the meal, he made sure to go around the room and greet his guests, all of them. I immediately understood why the guest in the restaurant felt a sense of comfort here; this is something the owner does regularly. Michael made certain to stop at our table, welcome us, and ask how we’re enjoying things. He also recommended we not pass on the “Pha Si” for dessert…being new to Pha Si we had to find out what it was. During our table visit we also discovered the wine mystery in the wooden cabinet, seems Michael is a bit of a wine enthusiast and has a nice collection of wines for wine loving guests.

When time came to order dessert the Pha Si was on the top of the list, we also couldn’t help order the fried ice cream. The fried ice cream arrived first; we both tried it, and found it was just ok. The Pa Si however made a big entrance, with an enormous crown of shimmering gold stings atop deep fried and caramelized fruit, very different and very nice. A bit of a challenge to eat at first but we got through, the caramel strings were fun but they stuck to everything causing us to lick our fingers much like kittens, more fun, just not sure if it was all that polite.

As is customary we had to have our café and this brought us to over the top full, Michael dropped by again to check on us and offer a shot of Port, I can never say no to Port. I wondered if he magically knew I was going to write a review. After leaving our table he made a stop at the next table, watching him buzz from table to table throughout the evening it was obvious he loves what he does and is very serious, not only the food he serves, but the experience guests have in his restaurant. We had heard Chinese Gourmet was the best Chinese food in the Algarve and it now tops our list, we have a few other Asian stops on his menu we need to come back for like: Honk Kong, Peking, Szechwan, Singapore, Kung Pao and more Mongolian style…next time we crave something from far away, we’ll know just where to go.

Past Posts on Restaurants in Algarve, Portugal:

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    • Comments

    8 Responses to “Chinese Gourmet Restaurant in Almancil”

    1. Chinese Gourmet Restaurant at blog.delaranja.com on November 10th, 2007 11:56 am

      [...] their invitation we headed to Almancil for the Chinese Gourmet Restaurant. They had been there before and even wrote a review of the restaurant. I can only say that [...]

    2. Move To Portugal on November 18th, 2007 9:29 am

      Sounds and looks great! It’s on our list to visit next time we’re in Portugal.

    3. Eddie on November 18th, 2007 10:14 am

      We’ve been to this place a couple of times now and it’s good to see their consistent, I’d also recommend taking some friends so you can try and share different plates!

    4. Jazz on December 7th, 2007 6:31 pm

      I live in Almancil, and i must say that is one of the best Chinese’s in the area.
      The people in there are so friendly.

      I definately recommend it :)

    5. Eddie on December 8th, 2007 6:01 pm

      Hi Jazz, thanks. Good to know they’ve got lots of support to keep going…we can’t wait to go back. Might have to make a trip over before Christmas to get our fix!

    6. Tim on December 14th, 2007 9:33 pm

      I also live in Almancil and completely agree with the review above. You will struggle to find better chinese food and service like it in the algarve!

      ps. They also do great deliveries too!

    7. Joao Clara - Vinho Regional Algarve on January 29th, 2008 12:43 pm

      [...] had the pleasure of meeting this new friend at one of our favourite restaurants: Chinese Gourmet in Amancil, so we thank Micheal for introducing us! If you see this wine on the store shelves, I recommend you [...]

    8. Neil Waller on March 11th, 2008 12:02 am

      If you are wanting to try something a different again, then i cant emphasize enough how good the Oriental restaurant attached to the Michelin starred Sao Gabriel is.

      This is authentic Thai Cuisine, produced by authentic Thai chefs. All the ingredients and flavours are so fresh and well balenced. Often you can find that Oriental restaurants can produce tasty but rather heavy and sickly dishes, this is not the case hear.

      Combine all that with the beautiful setting of Sao Gabriel and friendly service, what more can you ask for!

      I have not been to the Chinese Gourmet before so will definately be checking that out!

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