Go On a Culinary Journey at Sofitel's New VIC Bistro

We've long been fans of Sofitel's all-day dining restaurant VIC (standing for "Voyage of International Cuisine). With the launch of the new VIC Bistro dinner menu concept, they have given us another reason to make the (admittedly short) journey to Dawang Lu.

VIC Bistro is designed around three different kitchens – Bistro, Hutong, and Indochine – serving French, Chinese, and Indian/southeast Asian cuisines, respectively. Diners can mix and match a la carte dishes from across the three sections of the menu and complement them with a wide selection of fresh juices and smoothies, as well as a small selection of imported beers and wines by the glass. Dishes are fairly priced for a hotel restaurant, with main courses setting you back around RMB 78-148.

At a recent event we got to try a selection of dishes from across the three kitchens. From the Hutong kitchen, the Sichuan spicy diced chicken (RMB 68) is an admirable rendering of the classic dish, while the roasted Mongolian lamb with garlic and chili (RMB 188) will satisfy even the most voracious of carnivores. Similarly, from the Bistro menu, the Burgundy beef short ribs (RMB 158) are a hulking portion of tender beef, served with creamy mashed potatoes and ratatouille. The Indochine menu impressed with a piquant butter chicken (RMB 68) and smoky salmon tikka (RMB 78), served with a selection of pickles and dips.

The menu can be tailored according to the number of guests in your party. Go with three or four people and it's best to go a la carte. For groups of ten or more, you can choose from set menus from each of the restaurant's three kitchens. If you happen to be rolling with a crew of 80 or more people, they will even put on a buffet  of all the dishes.

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Photos courtesy of Sofitel