At this hotel in Haitang Bay, savor the elegance of culinary delights

Spending summer vacation at the InterContinental Haitang Bay was truly aligned with my preferences, especially the Tianfu Chinese Restaurant within the hotel, where a delightful encounter of taste and refinement awaits. Pushing open the wooden door, cursive calligraphy adorns the ink-colored screen, while warm lantern light reflects off the rosewood tables and chairs, adding a scholarly charm to the tropical island's vibrancy.

The star dish is the Lemongrass Wenchang Chicken, made with free-range Wenchang chickens raised for 120 days, steamed wrapped in lemongrass leaves. The chicken skin glistens like amber, and juices flow along the fibers when torn apart. Paired with a dipping sauce of small green limes and chili, the crispy skin and tender meat carry a refreshing aroma, embodying the authentic flavors of Hainan.

The Sea Cucumber and Aged Chicken Soup is meant to be savored slowly. The black sea cucumber is perfectly rehydrated—soft yet springy—bursting with collagen when bitten into. The aged chicken yields a clear golden broth with a single sip so rich it curls your tongue. Rumor has it the broth is infused with Hainan peppercorns, leaving a subtle spiciness that warms the stomach and awakens the senses.

The most stunning dish is the "Ink Rhythm Prawns," presented like a vivid calligraphy masterpiece—five butterflied prawns rest on a celadon plate, drizzled with a sauce made from cuttlefish ink, forming graceful strokes reminiscent of flying white in brush calligraphy. The prawn meat is firm and bouncy, the sauce carrying a delicate seafood umami, complemented by crispy fried rice grains at the edge of the plate, creating a poetic symphony of textures on the palate.

For dessert, the Mango Pomelo Sago is made with locally sourced small Tai Nong mangoes—the flesh is velvety, and the pomelo bits add a bittersweet note to cut through the richness, melting into a perfect balance of sweet and tangy with each spoonful.

Here, the freshness of Wenchang chicken, the richness of sea cucumber soup, and the artistry of calligraphy prawns all reflect the craftsmanship of the Chinese restaurant. Whether for a family gathering or a formal banquet, you can immerse yourself in elegance and carry the flavors of Hainan in your heart.

Post by odric_0314 | Jul 27, 2025