The residents' choice - Overseas Chinese

by John Riddle
(GB)

I have heard some people say one Chinese restaurant is very much like the next! How wrong can you be? I have tried several Chinese and time and again I always come back to the Overseas. They used to be located in the San Marino complex, but are now situated in the El Mirador area of Los Cristianos.

I have frequented it so many times that it is like visiting old friends and the owners, Tommy and Michelle, are indeed just that.

Whenever I visit I always browse the set menus for two and then proceed to alter slightly what's on offer to suit my particular taste.

The chicken and sweetcorn soup is a favourite and this freshly prepared dish is full of corn and small pieces of chicken. You can see the meals being prepared as you dine - yes it's that fresh.

Spare ribs with capital sauce, crispy wantons and spring rolls also come freshly prepared and I just love the sauces. Messy on occasions but, with a finger bowl at hand, everything is thought of by Tommy and the staff. You get a free bottle of complimentary wine which is passable but you can choose a more expensive bottle from the wine list. Why spoil a good meal with a bottle of "El Cheapo"?

Crispy Duck with pancakes is not included in the menus for two but it can be added and believe me it is well worth it. The duck was superb and the sauce - I can taste it as I write!

Our meal concluded with sweet and sour chicken and beef and onion.

I have rarely made a sweet course at the Overseas Chinese and this occasion was no exception but we did enjoy the cafe con leche (white coffee) and the complimentary liquer.

Eating at the Overseas is one experience you will not want to miss if you are staying in Los Cristianos.