Double Dragon

Having lived opposite The Junction for more than a decade I can write a lot about Double Dragon. I remember it officially opened its doors on Monday, 2011 which auspiciously fell on Mid-Autumn Festival or also known as Moon Festival. You know a restaurant is “authentic” when they bring you a celebratory moon cake, made fresh from their kitchen – definitely rare in these parts. The pastry was baked perfectly until it was golden brown, and the filling with red azuki beans was delicately sweet – this was as authentic as any Chinese restaurant could ever be. Well, the moon cake is the whole reason why I still remember this restaurant. The restaurant is spaciously located in the new wing of the Junction on the fourth floor. With a capacity for nearly 300 guests, an expansive alfresco patio space, and five private rooms each poetically decorated with a different Chinese theme; Double Dragon boasts a décor that is a comfortable blend of what the Chinese would expect, and more importantly what Kenyans would enjoy. It’s not a fancy restaurant, but very clean, the ambiance and decor are minimal and it is in a mall. But the quality and variety of authentic Chinese food was awesome. Personally, I enjoyed sitting on the balcony eating Chinese rice and prawns, but this time round it was a bit different. A friend of mine ordered steak and it came without an accompaniment fortunately my rice serving was large enough for both of us. The times we have come here, our orders have always been quick. I find the restaurant is a bit pricey compared to other Chinese restaurants I have dinned in, but I guess its because of its location.

I was looking forward to having some tasty Chinese cuisine but I was very disappointed. The restaurant is located in the Junction Mall some 22 minutes from Nairobi CBD and a cab cost about kes 600. I usually dine at Junction Mall after church and the one time I decided to try something different, I regretted it. They have simple decor, nothing memorable. Although they have a private room that has karaoke plus some seat on the terrace with a great view. I tried the lentil soup and some pancake roll. First, I had to wait for 30 minutes to get my food. The portions were terrible considering their price. Barely enough to feel satisfied. I also didn’t like the taste of the pancake rolls plus the soup was blunt. I don’t think I’m going to trying that restaurant again.