Flaming Asian Dragon of the Bosporus

Offering a slightly limited yet well selected list of options from its original menu, Dragon makes for an unforgettable night on the Bosporus with chopsticks and plenty of excellent Asian fare.

Dragon restaurant, established initially in 1985 at Hilton Istanbul, has been a landmark in Istanbul's ethnic culinary scene for two decades. Although a few Chinese restaurants exist in the city today, Dragon is clearly the leader with its established and high-end clientele. Now the mouth-watering Asian establishment opens its doors inside the picturesque Reina in Kuruçeşme

MİNA ERÇEL
ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News

Entertaining visitors from overseas in Istanbul is slowly becoming an enjoyable summertime practice. When it comes to food and especially dinner, it's usually classic fish restaurants on the waterfront; Nevizade street meyhanes; or the pictorial gardens of Sunset and Ulus 29 up the hill with amazing views. Hence when guests from Beirut, Lebanon requested to eat Asian and especially Chinese food one evening, I was puzzled. A name that stands out every season for Chinese food is without doubt Dragon, located at the Hilton Hotel. Thank God Dragon opened their summer branch inside the attractive Reina Club – a table was reserved at once. Personally a bit disappointed, as there were so many other restaurants I would have preferred to take my guests to for Turkish and Ottoman cuisine rather than greasy and overfilling Chinese food…

Astonishing view

Yet what a surprise! Not only does Dragon have an amazing corner right on top of Reina, the food is in fact world class. For those familiar with regional Chinese cuisines, Dragon concentrates on Cantonese and Schezwan flavors. And dishes are not too fatty or heavy but simply juicy and so appetizing! A friendly waitress showed the table and was cooperative as we requested one of the tables closest to the water. Surrounded by a mirror wall, practically everyone has a view of the gleaming Bosporus waters, the sparkling bridge or the prominent military academy across the water. Tables with a Lazy Suzan are available for bigger tables reserved in advance.

Initially jasmine green tea is served, followed by a warm soup. The Seaweed Soup is an appetizing mix of petite seafood chunks with straps of seaweed. So yummy I was seriously tempted to request a second round but abstained as so many dishes had been ordered. Next came the bite-size Steamed Crab and Shrimp Dumplings, steamed in a light and fluffy dough – handmade by their Chinese chefs – and served with a semisweet sauce. Afterward Fried Wonton Shrimp, weightlessly fried seafood triangles and sauce. Although not an enthusiast of fried dishes, these wontons do not feel fried and have a delicate and light savor.

Authentic seafood dishes

In addition to the remarkable duck, other shared dishes, especially seafood specials and in particular the squid, were outstanding. The noteworthy, fresh and moist Squid in Black Bean Sauce has a faintly distinctive and flavorsome sauce. Five Spice Squid is another seafood platter worth mentioning – not too spicy or full of unfamiliar authentic spices, yet mildly favored with genuinely and distinctly Chinese spices. Shitake Mushrooms with gorgeous black sauce might be a vegetarian's dreams come true! For side orders like noodles, Fried Noodles with Seafood is crispy and not oily or too soggy from the light sauce.

Signature Fried Banana

For dessert, Dragon's 23-year signature desserts like Fried Ice-cream, Fried Pineapple and all-time favorite Fried Banana are offered. Also for summer time at Reina, the menu incorporates walnut ice cream and lemon sorbet (both by Mövenpick ice creams). Although about to burst from all the succulent Asian dishes, the irresistible Fried Banana with vanilla ice cream was so tender, and evenly sweet, it was gulped down without delay.

As a result, for an authentically delicious dining night on the Bosporus, Dragon tops the top of all the ethnic culinary lists. Advanced reservations essential for a table! Yet eating top-notch Asian on the Bosporus does not come cheap: The average cost per meal with duck per person – without alcohol – is YTL 120-150 …

Dragon

Reina Muallim Naci St. No: 44

OrtaköyTel: 0212 259 5919

Hilton Hotel

Elmadağ Istanbul

Tel: 0212 231 6200.

Succulent Beijing duck:

The famous Beijing duck at Dragon is presented as a whole or half. Served with thin pancakes, cucumbers and onions, and a sweet sauce, rolling juicy duck slices into pancakes at the table makes for an entertaining and authentic Chinese meal! Apparently Dragon gets its birds from Antalya, where they have a special and exclusive arrangement with a Beijing duck breeding farm. After being roasted for almost four hours in a 480-degree oven, the duck has its fat cautiously removed before being served. One can taste the juiciness and authentic flavor with each individually made hand-rolled duck dürüm!

Inform,23.06.08