Chinta Ria... Temple of Love

Temple of Love? You have to love that name for a restaurant, don't you?

It's raining outside and I got a late start this morning because I didn't see any sense to go out and walk in the wetness. This morning I wandered up Pitt Street to check out the stores and also made a stop at David Jones to see if there was any good gourmet pprducts in their famous food halls. I guess my opjective is to look for some good Southeast Asian ingridients ( my new love), Australian honey, jams for my Mommy (she always gets a jam from everywhere I go) and maybe some good Australian wine vinegar (I love a good wine vinegar).

Before I hit Meyer, which is having a one day sale today, I made a dash (in the rain) over to Darling Harbour to have a Malaysian lunch.

Chinta Rias, Temple of Love is my choice today and one of my target restaurants for this trip. Chinta Ria is located at the Cockle Bay Wharf right at the entrance to Darling Harbour. The building is a round pavillion with lots of windows and lots of light.

At the entrance you are greeted by a huge statue of Buddah and inscense burning which lightly perfumes the air. The building is a bit zen, combining concrete, wood and glass with seating at benchs, tables and counters. Hanging from the ceiling are huge fabric banners in the colors of orange, red, gold and yellows. Very colorful and tasteful.

Don't get the impression that the "temple" is a serene and quiet place of meditation. The noise level of the music, people yakking and woks clanking can be a bit loud. That's ok because I consider this a social restaurant, not a romantic dining place.

For my starter I selected Lohbak which is minced chicken breast blended with 5 spice seasoning wrapped in a bean curd skin and steamed. The flavour of this is somewhat mild but tasty. I think I would have liked it better if it was served with a spicy dipping sauce. $8.60 (US$7.60)

My main course is Chinta Ria's specialty, Red Temple Chicken. This is a chicken roulade smothered with a spiced red sauce of chilli, lemon grass, coconut, garlic and tomatoes. The serving size of this is very generous and could be enough for 2! The flavor is very subtle and lightly spiced. You can't quite make out any particular favour, but all flavours seem to meld equally. It was delicious but could have has a bit more spice, just a bit. $23.50 (US$18.60)

After that feast I guess I have to have a real Malaysian dessert. My waiter suggests the Malaysian "Sago" pudding which is a type of tapioca. This is an odd dessert and should not be attempted by people who don't like gelatious things. Basically the center of the dish is moulded tapioca (which is flavourless) surrounded by sweet coconut milk and dark palm sugar syrup. The flavour is all about the liquids and as you eat it the beads of tapioca kind Of swirl around in you mouth. It was actually delicious. $7.50 (US$6)

I am finishing all this off with a cup of Earl Grey tea for a hit of energy. The tea they use here is just Twinings, it's ok but nothing great. $3.50 (US$2.80)

The prices at Chinta Ria are reasonable condisering the huge quantities that are served. Two people could easily have an economical meal by getting 2 or 3 starters, one big main course and then wine and dessert if desired.

Of course, I am a hog and had it all and ate every bit.

Starters here run $6-9, noodle and rice dishes run around $15, main courses $21-26.

My total bill including a glass od savingnon blanc is $52.40 (US$42). Ok that's high for lunch but I ate a huge meal including wine and dessert. Without all the extras, it could have easily been $33 (US$26.50).

For food I give Chinta Ria a 3++ out of 5. Don't get me wrong on that rating, it could be a 4 but was delicious, not exquisite. For service they do get a 4 as the staff is friendly and accomodating. For atmosphere, regardless of the noise they also get a 4. for price/value they get another 4 because portions are huge. Considering all the above, I would give them a 4 overall. It's a nice place and takes pride in their food and service.

Chinta Ria... Temple of Love, Cockle Bay Wharf at Darling Harbour, Sydney

Is this blog starting to sound like "I heart malaysia"?

Blogging from Australia with Blackberry and Cingular Wireless.

Comments

[Eric]

I could go for some Sago pudding; I LOVE anything gelatinous!