Great China has been one of the best Chinese restaurants in the Bay for a while, and now I understand why it’s so popular. It took two years of renovations after a fire in the original location, but the restaurant reopened in a larger, more modern space around the corner in December. Ben of Focus Snap Eat is one of my food blogger friends and he organized a Spring Banquet with Brenda of Bites & Bourbon and Sandy of Food Hoe (and she brought her husband). The service felt rushed, but the food was really good! We started with the Sizzling Rice Soup (chicken, prawns, vegetables, puffed rice) and then one of my favorite dishes, the Double Skin appetizer (mung bean noodles, carrots, cucumber, egg crepe, calamari, shrimp, sea cucumber, onions, mushroom, pork, $19.95). It was really interesting, with lots of flavors and textures. We also ordered the Peking Roast Duck (24 pancakes, plum sauce, scallions, $34.95), which had incredibly crispy skin, and the spicy-sweet Twice-Cooked Pork (pork belly, pork shoulder, cabbage, mushroom, $9.95). The crispy Walnut Prawns ($15.95) were enrobed in a light sauce, but while the Sautéed Snow Pea Leaves with Century Eggs ($14.95) sounded interesting, the dish was kind of forgettable. All in all, the feast was pretty delicious, and the restaurant was packed the whole night. I think it’s safe to say Great China is still one of the best.
190 Bancroft Way, Berkeley
510-843-7996
Christina Mitchell
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Yup. I agree! It’s definitely one of the best :). It was a memorable meal!