CHINESE PALACE RESTAURANT

• Location: Ground Floor of Al Wadi Center, Qurum (opposite Khamis Plaza)
• Menu: Authentic Chinese dishes
• Budget: RO 3~8 /person
• My personal rating: 5 out of 5

Just yesterday, a friend of mine suggested that we dine at her newly discovered restaurant in Qurum. It was really nice to know that within that building, there was actually a nice Chinese resto (and when I say Chinese, I mean real Chinese, not Chindian), because I think people are not fond of going there except if they were to buy some electronics, computer games and gaming devices.

The signage outside the building wasn't even noticeable, the location of the resto was at the back, and when you'd walk towards the place from inside the building, you would even mistake it for a cafeteria because the walls were showing pictures of foods in plates as if everything there comes as a combo meal. So really, looks could be deceiving especially for this resto, because once you enter, you'd find peace in its Chinese-themed designs -- from wallpapers to their ceiling, with their hanging displays, table cloths and runner. When we came in, we also noticed that a lot of Asians were already enjoying their sumptuous meals, most of whom were Filipinos.

With regards to the service, not bad at all, taking into consideration that I think the 2 Chinese owners were also the cashier, waiter, cleaner.. an all-around I must say.

The menu offered lots of dishes - soups, beef/chicken/seafood dishes, and most of the choices there were spicy. It was like the cheaper version of The Noodle House, but with more options. Evertyhing we tried was good and would really make us come back, wanting for more.

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During the second visit, we ordered different dishes which you could see below and also, because of the good taste, we were back there celebrating our mom's 60th birthday, good for 50~60 persons.

Cripsy Duck with Sauce (Half duck)

Brocolli in Oyster Sauce

Dumplings

Mixed fried rice

Fried Garlic Cuttlefish

Steamed Fish

Crispy Crab with Chili

Crispy Eggplant in Oyster Sauce

Vegetable Chopsuey

Sweet & Sour Chicken

Fried Kangkong in Soy Sauce

Chicken in Chuan Sauce

Jumbo Prawns with Spring Onion

Complimentary Dessert

CHILI'S

• Locations: Ground Floor of Muscat City Center, Seeb / 1st Floor of Qurum City Center / 1st Floor of Muscat Grand Mall

If you've got the budget to spend for a casual dining that'll surely be worth it, then you've come to the right place. Obviously, I just can't get enough of their mouth-watering dishes -- steaks, fajitas, grilled chiken dishes, and a lot more.

The place looks great as I believe it is Mexican-inspired, which is very distinctive in the tiles of every table. They also have a smoking and non-smoking area.

Their servings could be good for two, if you don't mind sharing with someone, or if you have a small appetite because their servings are quite big. Some people order loads of appetizers, and share with each other, that way, they also get to have a taste of everything. One of my favorite at Chili's is their selection of side dishes that goes with the entrée which vary from veggies, mashed potatoes, rice, or corn on the cob, just dont forget to request for the combination you prefer.

Service is fast and quite impressive for such a busy restaurant, which is most of the time filled with satisfied customers. But to be sure, better save your seats especially on weekends as it is the busiest days they've got. Also, a waiter I've encountered, had such a great memory because he remembered every detail of our order without writing it down. Take note, we were 8 persons who had his/her own entree with different combinations/preferences for their side dish of at least 2.

On a personal note, I prefer dining in Muscat City Center branch than the one in Qurum. I feel that the quality and taste of food is much better in MCC since our usual orders are Flame grilled ribeye steak, and the creamy mushroom soup, so both I have compared. What I liked during my last order or steak in Qurum is that the size was way bigger than my usual in MCC, but of course, I'm still after the taste and not the size.

FAJITA TRIO

Tender grilled steak, marinated grilled chicken and spicy garlic & lime grilled shrimp. Served with bread, sour cream and house-made pico de gallo, grilled onions & bell peppers.

FLAME-GRILLED RIBEYE

A flavorful and juicy 12 oz. steak marbled for more flavor with their own special seasonings and topped with seasoned butter and with your choice of 2 side dishes (order with additional shrimps)

 GRILLED SALMON WITH HERBS

Salmon fillet seasoned with garlic and herbs. Served with rice and seasonal veggies.

CHICKEN MUSHROOM SOUP (Bowl)

Creamy mushroom soup with bits of chicken and served with crackers.

CAJUN STEAK

 MOLTEN CHOCOLATE CAKE

Topped with vanilla ice cream under a hard chocolate shell.

MARGARITA CHICKEN

For more ideas on their menu, you can check out their main website (Although not exactly the same menu available in Oman). http://www.chilis.com/EN/Pages/home.aspx

Birth of my Resto-hopping

To start with, here are a few details about the blogger..

• I am 100% Filipino, but working, living and lovin' Oman!
• I started this blog so that I could help other expats out there who are having a hard time choosing restaurants/fast foods, if they are like me --someone who still prefers Oriental/Asian/Western food even though we are in an Arab country.
• I will only blog about restaurants that I've been at.. but suggestions are always welcome because I would also want to explore other places which if you say, are worth it. :)