China Republic

China Republic

If you ask me, this restaurant won the battle of Sydney’s Chinese behemoths, which opened almost in tandem with an even more extravagant competitor, late last year. It’s changed a little since my first visit, but the theatre of the duck remains the biggest drawcard. Peking Duck ($88/whole) comes with an instruction manual and a tray of Condiments ($2/head) including a great Chinese mustard. Emerging from the theatrically dark set of this multi-million dollar space, your white-jacketed chef will light, flame then slice your duck, making a hundred small incisions before you dip, wrap and consume it in fluffy steamed pockets that leave ordinary pancakes for dead. The 2011 Heemskerk Derwent Valley Pinot Noir ($105/bottle) is an admittedly expensive way to kick it up a whole ‘nother level. In the props department you’ll find scale bamboo models of buildings like the Forbidden City, an open fish pond plus hanging umbrellas and bamboo – all perfect to ponder over a Jasmine-Tea-Ni ($18) served in discreet ceramics. My own excitement was stoked by Beijing-style cold dishes, from crumbly Tofu with Spring Onions and Fish Roe ($12) to Spicy and Sour Cucumber ($9) – both great foils for the cold Sichuan-style Spicy Chicken ($15)Sweet and Sour Spareribs ($28) should ensure you still get to the Labyrinth-inspired Dessert Platter ($21.50/4 people).

China Republic
World Square Shopping Centre, 680 George Street, Sydney
Ph: (02) 8081 0888 chinarepublicrestaurant.com.au
Chinese $$$$

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