Chai Brings the Flavors of Beijing to Midtown

Photos: Cititour.com                                                                                               

Chai, located on New York City’s Restaurant Row, draws its inspiration from Beijing.  The interior is inspired by “Siheyuan,” an historical Chinese residence with a courtyard surrounded by structures on four sides. At Chai, a series of ornate wooden screens achieve the goal.

The menu at Chai is also quite adventurous.  Appetizers begin with dishes like Duck Roll with crispy skin, cucumber, scallion and chef’s special sauce, and Emperor Qianlong’s Cabbage dressed with sesame sauce. There is also an assortment of dim sum, including Chai’s Treasure Platter, a combination of pea cakes, bean paste rolls, “Snow Balls,” and “Rolling Donkey.” A la carte items include Red Chili Wontons and Xiaolongbao crab meat soup dumplings.

A traditional Beijing dish – Peking Duck – is served half or whole with traditional pancakes, chef’s special sauce, cucumber and scallion.  Other signature dishes include Hutong Pork Stew with pork intestine, fried tofu and pork belly; Yellow Croaker in Golden Soup, and Seafood Bisque with sea cucumber, fish maw, abalone and bok choy in a chicken stock.

Well known Chinese dishes such as Kung Pao Shrimp and General Tso’s Chicken are also served along Batter-Fried Duck with Sesame served with plum sauce, Mongolian Lamb Chops and Braised Pork Trotter with abalone. Plates meant for sharing include whole Dungeness Crab with with Honey Pepper, and Lobster with Szechuan Peppers.

There are plenty of interesting dishes to explore at Chai along with Beijing-inspired drinks and mocktails.

Chai is located at 353 W 46th St, New York, NY (646) 669-8299

For more information visit www.chai-nyc.com