Sweet Mandarin

On a standout glass-fronted corner site opposite the old Smithfield market, Sweet Mandarin is run by three sisters whose USP is that they produce home-style 'fresh, healthy and authentic' Chinese food that stands out from the norm. Inside, the décor goes for a modern de-cluttered look with a nod to traditions in the customary red napkins and lanterns. Quoting their grandmother as a major influence, the ladies send out a mix of classics, as well as more contemporary fusion ideas, all built on a sound basis of quality ingredients. Family heritage recipes take in Mabel's claypot chicken, cooked with ginger, spring onions, mushrooms, and the special ingredient - a Chinese sausage called lap cheung. Seafood makes a good showing too, in the likes of sizzling scallops or 'firecracker' prawns, heated up with a kung pao sauce of chilli, garlic and peanuts.