China Gate, Global Fusion, Bandra, Mumbai

Global Fusion is a place I have been to a number of times and is a place that I always love going back to. The place provides a combination of Japanese fare with some other South East Asian influences that cater to most palates and covers most bases on mine. The place also offers one of the more unique culinary experiences in the city with multiple counters providing all - you - can - eat food options. The options are so plentiful and the array of delicacies so overwhelming that one would need at least two visits to sample all the food properly. But then, if you make one visit to China Gate, Global Fusion, you will keep coming back.

The decor at China Gate is very nice, the seating area is large and comfortable, you see a number of waiters milling about but the service is not very good at all. They have yet to work out the operations and in my experience the food is inconsistent apart from the self serve options.

There are four buffet areas at China Gate Global Fusion, the first and my favourite area is the sashimi and sushi area. The range is mind blowing and the options range from lobster to eel to smoked salmon. They also have a vegetarian option. Dips of wasabi, ginger and soy are available and best of all is the fact that one can go on eating unless ones appetite is satiated or one is tempted to try out the other options.

The second area is one of the features of the restaurant and resembles an open kitchen which is surrounded by one dish each placed with an open bowl. The concept is to place pegs with your table number (found at your table - ref pic) in the open bowl in front of the dishes to indicate your interest at sampling. The offering range from a whole host of dim sums to fried food and teppanyaki preparations. Here is where the service at Global Fusion becomes wonky with large variations in quantity and arrival time with what you order and what you get. Often what you order does not arrive at your table at all. The saving grace is that whatever you receive at your table is truly delectable and great to eat!

The third section is a regular buffet with counters which serves the staple fried rice, chow mien and regular Chinese fare of fish, chicken and prawns in black bean, oyster and XO sauces - good to eat but in my mind a distant second fiddle to the first two sections. I guess the restaurant needs the section for the less adventurous foodie but if you listen to my advice, you will steer clear and save your appetite.

The 4th section is the dessert counter with a few sweet cake options repleted with a Baskin Robbins ice cream counter, the same is a big hit with the kids but disappoints me slightly as i have never found good chocolate ice cream variations which I am completely partial to as far as ice cream is concerned. The flavour I choose is usually coffee but there are usually 5 to 6 options for the ice cream connoisseur.

If that was not all the offer comes with unlimited soft drinks though alcohol has to be ordered and paid for separately. Needless to say China Gate Global Fusion is highly recommended for South East Asian food with a largely Japanese influence. The only blemish from a food perspective would have to be the absence of pork from a single dish which is not served for religious reasons.

A meal for two at Global Fusion without hard drinks would cost you approximately Rs 1700/- on weekdays and Saturdays and Rs 2200/- on Sundays. I have lately visited on Sundays but am given to understand that the spread remains the same.

How to get there: China Gate Global Fusion is just off Linking Road, Bandra West. Its on the lane right beside KFC. Its on the 4th floor above Mumbai Times Cafe.