Mr Chow's deliver Chinese food at your doorstep

Hungry Eyes. Little China. Hotpot. I miss the tacky vans with strange names that once served up Chinese takeaway, Mumbai ishtyle. But even if they were around today, I don’t think I’d pick up my hakka noodles from there. I’ve just discovered relatively affordable Chinese takeaway, minus the fire in my belly from eating at those roadside joints.

Mr Chow’s, the fab new delivery/takeaway chain — which spans South Mumbai and the Western suburbs (up to Juhu) — promises hygienically cooked food at your doorstep. The first time I ordered off the attractive red menu, I wondered whether it would live up to all its tall claims. Would my meal really be “cooked with the freshest of vegetables and choicest of meats in low cholesterol oil”? Would choosing to have no ajinomoto (MSG) mixed in still allow for tasty food?

Luckily, I wasn’t disappointed. The veggies were superlative, the flavour appetizing and the delivery time — on the dot. Mr Chow’s Sweet Corn soup may have been standard fare, but the Steamed Wontons Tossed with Burnt Garlic and main courses could have held their own in any high-end Chinese restaurant.

Among the mains, I love the flavourful Roast Lamb Pot Rice, rich in black mushrooms and zucchini — a great meal on its own, or spiced up with its two side sauces. I’ve also tried their meal combos. I’d recommend the Chilly Oyster Sauce if you like it hot, and the Ginger Honey Sauce for those who prefer it zingy.

I’m still gonna try out a few more dishes just to make sure they’re consistent enough to put on my speed dial, but it’s well worth exercising your dialing finger to give Mr. Chow’s a taste.

Mr Chow’s. Bandra: 26423595/86/64; Worli: 24334554/51/58; Colaba: 22160074/75/76; Timings: 11.30 am to 3 pm and 6.30 pm to 11.30 pm; Prices: A meal for two is about Rs 400 and up (without drinks but inclusive of taxes). The meal combos are priced between Rs 150 and Rs 210. No drinks and desserts.