
Nanking has been around in Vasant Kunj for decades, but my introduction began in Colaba. I was well into the cult of Ling’s Pavilion when Baba Ling urged that I try out his Delhi restaurant. Valet Parking and the brighter interiors are welcome, but Nanking has the same warmth and homely charm. The wait-staff is young, but as committed and well-versed with the menu. Many of Ling’s classics carry over, like the impeccable Sweet & Sour Pork. Thinly sliced with just the right balance of meat and fat. A surprise find was Prawns on Toast - plump prawns broiled on thin bread, smattered with butter, pepper and garlic. In all my years of eating at Ling’s Pavilion, I rarely budged with the mains – Lamb cooked in Chinese Wine and Claypot Rice with baby mushrooms. At Nanking too, the deep meatiness of the lamb waltzes with earthy rice in a way words can’t suffice.