Royal China, the celebrated Cantonese fine-dining institution that once held court at Eros Corporate Tower in Nehru Place, now has an elegant address at The Chanakya. Founded by Aashita Relan Marwah in 2010, the restaurant was born out of a desire to challenge the misrepresentation of Chinese cuisine in India, where dim sum was often confused with momo, and Manchurian ruled the menus. Her vision was to offer authentic Cantonese flavours tailored to the Indian palate. The result: a refined, expansive menu driven by traditional Chinese techniques and carefully sourced ingredients.
The Star Dish
If there’s one dish that captures the essence of Royal China’s bold yet refined palate, it’s the Flaming Prawns in Superior Sauce. Wok-tossed over high heat in a heady mix of soya, garlic and chilli, these prawns arrive with a caramelised glaze and just the right kick. The superior sauce clings to the juicy prawns, delivering an umami-laced punch with each bite. It’s fiery, flavourful, and flawlessly balanced. Absolutely worth revisiting for these!
What’s More?
Royal China’s extensive offerings of over 200 dishes are divided across two thoughtful menus: one filled with indulgent mains, appetisers, seafood, rice and noodles, and a dedicated dim sum menu with over 50 varieties. The latter is a deep dive into texture, flavour and tradition—featuring an array of dumplings, wontons, Cheung Fun, bao, puffs, spring rolls, and gyoza.
The dim sum menu alone is worth lingering over—delicate Prawn Har Gow, Chicken and Chive Dumplings and Seafood Dumplings in Chilli Oil that hit the right note between savoury and juicy, alongside vegetarian favourites like Vegetable Spring Rolls, Sticky Rice in Banana Leaf and Truffle Water Chestnut and Sweet Pea Dumplings, which are indulgent without being heavy. If you’re visiting between Monday and Thursday, opt for the Unlimited Dimsum Brunch—it’s the best way to graze your way through the full range.
Beyond dim sum, the main menu holds its own with indulgent offerings like Lobster Caviar Dumplings, crispy Duck Spring Rolls and Bacon-Wrapped Prawns. A standout for many is the Chilean Sea Bass, which comes delicately cooked and subtly seasoned, proving that finesse is just as important as flair in Royal China’s kitchen. The dessert selection is more relaxed and fun, with popular numbers like sticky toffee pudding, tiramisu, and chocolate mud cake, alongside traditional sweet treats like Lai Wong Bao (custard buns) and Chinese Mango Pudding.
Drinks Menu
Royal China’s cocktail and wine bar is as meticulously designed as its food menu. The bar team uses Chinese ingredients like oolong tea, star anise, and chrysanthemum to infuse their house-made syrups and bitters. The result? Well-rounded, layered cocktails that complement the food instead of competing with it. Their signature mixes are worth a try, and they’re quite the looker, too! The Blueberry Bliss is a pretty pour—blueberry-infused gin, sweet-sour balance, and a blueberry caviar garnish that pops on the palate. Touch of Asia brings a herbaceous punch with kaffir, galangal, and pink peppercorn. While the Cigar Smoked Old Fashioned leaves a lasting impression, bourbon stirred with Okinawa sugar, aromatic bitters, and a lingering note of cigar smoke that turns every sip into a slow, meditative moment.
The Yuzu Cosmo and Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita balance sweetness with heat if you’re in the mood for something fruity. The wine list is also extensive, with a good selection of single malts for those who prefer a sharper finish.
Vibe Check
Set within the plush The Chanakya, the restaurant channels a rich, contemporary Asian aesthetic that feels both elevated and immersive. A dramatic wall mural—featuring soaring cranes, undulating waves, and stylised flora—anchors the space with bold artistry, while soft crimson pendant lights cast warm glows across plush seating. Scrolls of calligraphy hang like floating verses above the main dining room, and subtle screens and lantern-lit corners create intimate nooks. The restaurant flows effortlessly from sunlit lunches to low-lit, moody evenings—perfect for everything from business meals to date nights. The energy is relaxed yet refined, with attentive service that lets the striking ambience and food take centre stage.
