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ways with Chinese Dragon early in 2013, China Doll has now opened its very own restaurant at No. 8 Alfred House Avenue, Colombo 3.
Mariam Solomon, who was a co-founder of Chinese Dragon, has been an integral part of the evolution of China Doll and as the effervescent Manager, can be seen meeting and greeting guests and upholding the highest standards at the new restaurant.
The new and improved China Doll menu and cooking style attempts to marry traditional family taught techniques and time honoured methods with a modern flair for bold flavours and simple contemporary presentation. Gaining much of their inspiration from traditional South East Asian cuisines and cultures, China Doll provides a healthy alternative to fast food: food that tastes authentic, delicious and focuses on being nutritious as well as visually appealing.
Head Chef Johanne Jayasekera is a rising star. Having trained in hotel school at the prestigious William Angliss School in Melbourne Australia and apprenticed at George’s restaurant in Melbourne, Johanne returned to Sri Lanka and worked in the busy kitchens of Chinese Dragon for over 10 years.
Johanne’s vision of implementing a more modern and stylised menu using traditional techniques passed down through generations and acquired through travels across South East Asia, reflect strongly in every dish. Chef Johanne, much like his signature cuisine, is grounded in heritage with a flair for invention.
At China Doll a strong emphasis is placed on promoting local produce and fresh seafood and every single dish is made to order. All their sauces, stocks and pastes are made from scratch in-house and contain no MSG, which is more than we can say for our beloved ‘Sri Lankan Chinese’ counterparts. China Doll is affordable and accessible, with a relaxed ambience that’s welcoming and unpretentious.
Customers are even encouraged to bring their own alcohol and enjoy an evening at their own pace.
The new restaurant also features a stylish bar area on the second floor, aptly named One Inch Punch, after the iconic Bruce Lee move that has fascinated generations across the globe. This area can be hired for private functions and intimate cocktails with tailor-made menus to suit ones budget and individual tastes.
China Doll has also begun to attract new clientele with unique monthly events, designed to showcase aspiring local artists and live music, providing a much-needed platform for the underground arts movement that is gaining momentum in Sri Lanka. The art exhibited at China Doll’s new restaurant is a reflection of this, from unique pieces by upcoming artists to bespoke sculptures by renowned local artist Upali Ananda. China Doll challenges the imagination while satisfying the appetite.
As well as being a fantastic sit down experience, China Doll has raised the game when it comes to catering to the busy lifestyle of its customers. A far cry from the oil stained cardboard boxes we have become accustomed to, China Doll has provides individually portioned bento boxes and executive lunches served in attractive microwavable containers for ultimate convenience.
Also on offer is an outdoor catering service with plans to provide a turnkey solution for events that would include everything from catering the food and bar service to music and lighting for a range of private and corporate events. From takeaway, to outdoor catering and now sit down dining, China Doll has been able to provide a total solution for their varying customer base.
As China Doll enters an exciting new phase in their evolution more plans for expansion and diversification and not far behind. The chefs at China Doll and those behind the creative vision plan to fully explore South East Asian cuisine in the future. Discovering new techniques and dishes from popular street food and classic Dim Sum to the real wholesome home cooked favourites of Vietnam and Cambodia, adding new colours and flavours to the culinary landscape of Sri Lanka.
In a city that is fast developing its own distinct vibe, China Doll has its finger on the pulse. Striking a delicate balance between serving up old-school favourites and exposing the collective local palette to an exciting new dimension of South East Asian cuisine.
Whether you are looking for a quick bite to eat, a cheeky cocktail, a caterer for an important event or an evening out on the town, China Doll is all fired up, ready to provide you with a hit of flavour and a punch of inspiration.
For any enquiries please contact No. 8, Alfred House Avenue, Col-3; 0117777800; www.chinadoll.lk; https://www.facebook.com/chinadollnoodles; https://twitter.com/chinadollLK; [email protected].
