Nestled within the luxurious confines of Novotel Juhu, Sampan stands as a beacon of culinary excellence, offering a tantalizing array of Pan-Asian flavors. Recently revamped, the restaurant exudes an elegant ambiance, with warm lighting, plush seating, and subtle Asian accents that set the stage for a memorable dining experience.
My culinary adventure began with the Chicken Hot & Sour Soup, a classic that never fails to impress. The broth was perfectly balanced, striking a harmonious chord between the tangy heat of vinegar and the soothing warmth of chicken stock. Each spoonful was a burst of flavor, punctuated by tender pieces of chicken and crunchy vegetables.
For starters, I delved into the Shanghai Chicken, a dish that truly showcased the versatility of Chinese cuisine. The chicken was marinated to perfection, infused with a medley of aromatic spices that tantalized the taste buds. The outer coating was crispy and golden, giving way to succulent, juicy meat within.
Next came the Salt & Pepper Fish, a testament to Sampan's mastery of seafood. The fish was cooked to a delicate flakiness, retaining its natural flavors while absorbing the subtle nuances of salt and pepper. The dish was a delightful interplay of textures, with the soft flesh of the fish contrasting beautifully with the crunchy exterior.
As the main course, I opted for a quartet of culinary delights – Vegetable Pot Rice, Chilli Garlic Noodle, Mix Vegetable in Chilli Coriander Sauce, and Dry Red Chilli Chicken Schezwan Style. Each dish was a symphony of flavors, showcasing the restaurant's expertise in crafting authentic Pan-Asian cuisine.
The Vegetable Pot Rice was a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, with each bite offering a delightful surprise. The vegetables were cooked to perfection, retaining their crispness and vibrant colors. The rice was fluffy and flavorful, adding a comforting touch to the dish.
The Chilli Garlic Noodle was a fiery delight, infused with the tantalizing aroma of garlic and the subtle heat of chili. The noodles were cooked to al dente perfection, offering a satisfying bite. Each twirl was a burst of flavor, leaving a lingering tingle on the palate.
The Mix Vegetable in Chilli Coriander Sauce was a refreshing change of pace, offering a medley of colorful vegetables enveloped in a vibrant sauce. The vegetables retained their crunch and freshness, providing a delightful contrast to the tangy, coriander-infused sauce.
Finally, the Dry Red Chilli Chicken Schezwan Style took my taste buds on a journey to the heart of Sichuan cuisine. The chicken was marinated to perfection, infused with the fiery heat of red chilies and the aromatic depth of Sichuan peppercorns. Each bite was an explosion of flavors, leaving a lingering warmth and tingling sensation.
To conclude this culinary adventure, I indulged in the Honey Noodle with Ice-cream, a delightful dessert that perfectly balanced sweet and cold flavors. The noodles were soft and chewy, infused with a subtle honey sweetness. The ice-cream added a refreshing touch, providing a delightful contrast in textures and temperatures.
Sampan is not merely a restaurant; it is a culinary oasis where Pan-Asian flavors come alive. The impeccable service, the elegant ambiance, and the symphony of flavors make it a dining destination that is sure to captivate and delight. Whether you are a seasoned Pan-Asian aficionado or a curious newcomer, Sampan promises an unforgettable culinary experience.
If you're a fan of Chinese food or simply looking to indulge in a memorable dining experience, you must visit the iconic Sampan at Novotel Juhu Beach.
Our family’s go to Asian food spot, Sampan offers great quality food with impeccable taste, exemplary service and warm hospitality.
We started our meal with their Acha Chu Paneer and it instantly became our favorite. The crispy fried paneer, tossed with garlic and scallions, was a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Each bite was bursting with savory goodness, and the paneer had just the right amount of crispiness.
We paired this with some warm and flavourful veg wanton soup + manchow soup, perfect for this monsoon chill.
Their veg dimsums were a work of art. Steamed to perfection, the translucent wrappers revealed a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables like corn & spinach with a touch of cheese too.
For mains we tried their 3 mushroom pot rice which is a meal in itself. Served in a clay pot, the aromatic rice was cooked with a trio of mushrooms - shiitake, oyster, and button mushrooms along with some flavourful sauces. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms infused the rice, creating a delectable symphony of taste. The dish was soup satisfying.
The food was excellent and so was the ambience. Low lights, cozy seating and light music made for a beautiful evening.
We had an incredible experience here and I would highly recommend visiting Sampan soon.
We had a great experience
Service is a concern as it is slow but food is worth the wait
Did not find the sampan special rice as tasty as it used to be but the Hakka noodles and the Buddha vegetables were great
Recommend that you try their broccoli water chestnut vegetable and their pot rice
The burnt garlic veg rice had to be redone by the chef but once done ,,,, were amazing!
Nice ambience too
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