And Yau is dedicated to serving up only the best. “The Sichuan food that we provide is made from our own recipes and those of our chef. The chef is very important,” she says. That chef, by the way, is from Shanghai, a consummate professional with 20 years of experience.
SPICY CUMIN LAMB ON TOOTHPICKS
For those who may not be familiar with the variety and joys of Chinese cooking, there are several regional styles that you can enjoy. Mandarin Taste specializes in Sichuan style — a cuisine that originates out of southwestern China and is decidedly bold and occasionally spicy, characterized by a liberal use of garlic and a variety of peppers some hot. If you want a small taste of excellent Sichuan cooking, try Mandarin Taste’s hot and sour soup. It’s a broth-based soup with meat, bamboo shoots, spicy peppers and other ingredients that are satisfying and tasty. (If you’re an allergy sufferer, hot and sour soup is a must because it clears your sinuses in a deliciously healthy way.)
for different seasons,” Yau says. In spring and summer, they serve coconut tapioca. In winter, they make a Sichuan spicy sausage. They also serve traditional dishes related to Chinese holidays. In February, when Chinese New Year takes place, Mandarin Taste will serve free dumplings to customers, a traditional Chinese custom. In June to celebrate the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, the chef makes onigiri — a sticky rice ball filled with sweet or salty items depending on the region of China you’re from. Yau’s region serves onigiri with sweets inside them, like honey dates (also called jujube).
There are many Chinese dishes you’re familiar with that are on the menu too — cheese wontons, egg rolls, kung pao chicken and broccoli beef, to name just a few. Mandarin Taste’s menu is quite expansive and it’s always evolving. “We make unique things
SPICY KING OYSTER MUSHROOM
The great thing about Mandarin Taste is that you can get the best of both worlds on their menu — traditional Chinese fare for those who want it, alongside dishes that Americans are more used to. No matter what you order, every dish is made fresh in their kitchen, so the quality of the food they serve is a considerable cut above anything you can get at a quick-wok place.
If you’re going to try only one item on Yau’s menu, make sure it’s the hot pot. “It’s very popular in Asian cooking,” she says. This innovative traditional Chinese meal consists of steaming broth brought to your table in a metal pot. You choose the meats and vegetables you want and steam them to your liking with a grill set across the top of the pot. The dish is served with dipping sauces as well. Yau likes to call it Chinese fondue. It’s a fun way to eat, and perfect for warming up your belly on a cold winter evening. Prices are reasonable and the portions are generous. Diners with allergies can ask for MSG-free cooking. “There are a lot of gluten-free items on the menu, too,” says Yau. Mandarin Taste offers customers the option to dine in as well as take out. They also cater for personal parties and business events — just give them a week or two to prepare, especially for groups over 100. Ultimately, Mandarin Taste is a magical visit to China, all in the heart of midtown Tulsa. And Yau is living the magic gladly. “This is my fun dream business,” she says. “When I see our customers’ satisfied faces, I feel so successful.” It’s not hard to imagine why. The food is good, a taste of home, and for Yau that’s what it’s all about. Your taste buds will not disagree.
MANDARIN TASTE
6125 S. Sheridan | Tulsa
918-878-7998 mandarintaste.net Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday: 5-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 86 January 2016