Rajwada - Imperial China, Baner

ph: 25881881, 25885885
As mentioned already, I did go to Rajwada last weekend..but even at 10 PM, it was packed with a waiting for 20-25 minutes. Now, who waites for 25 minutes for having dinner ? Also, I noticed, it would take them about 25-30 minutes to bring food after ordering. So, in all, 1 hour after you arrive at the place. This again reinforces my Golden Rule- In Pune, do not go out for dinner, especially on a weekend, that too, a Saturday.

Anyway, instead of waiting, we opted for their Chinese counter-part, called Imperial China, which was comparatively less crowded. Once inside, it was better, although I had to find a place myself, since there was no one to be found to guide us. Saw a few people having indian food, but the waiter said it would take "a very long time to serve it since it is very rush". So, anyway, went ahead with chinese. Since, I am very sceptical at ordering Chinese at new places, but was also bored eating the same Schezwan-Manchurian, decided to try something new.
The menu certainly did offer a lot of varities and option, Starters, Soups, Veg, Chicken, Lamb. ( I even saw Squid mentioned somewhere !) Many varities of Rice and Noodles. And not the regular Schezwan-Manchurian-Singapore-HongKong types. Did not feel like experiementing too much so ordered Orange Chicken with Broccoli (Rs. 150) and Thai Chicken Friend Rice(Rs. 120)and a couple of cold drinks.

And, while we were waiting, the A/C above our place started leaking water..!!! So, they switched off the A/C. Now, that does call for maintainence, doesn't it ?
The place inside was pretty much filled up, but not sure how many of them were actually having chinese.

The food arrived pretty much in time. The Orange chicken was plateful of glazed chicken pieces in orange sauce, and thankfully, more chicken than brocolli. It was a different dish than usual and I liked it. As expected, it was sweet and tangy to taste and you could see orange pulp in the gravy. Thai Fried Rice, on the other hand, was a bit disappointing. It was more like Fried Rice I have tasted everywhere, but less spicy. But, went well with Orange Chicken, once you added a bit of Schezwan Sauce and Chilli Vinegar.

In all, it was good experience, though I found some shredded lime peel in the chicken dish,which added to the aroma but tasted bitter. Hope, it was a part of the dish, but I dont know if we were suppose to eat it.!!

In all, a filling experience. The above was sufficient for 2 people. Next time, which I would visit definetly, I would like to try Nasi Goreng. The service was prompt, only disappointed with the A/C incident. Of course, nothing would beat Mainland China, its way too ahead, but Imperial China, this is a reasonably good option, at a reasonable price, at a reasonable location, if you want to try something different than you usual chinese stuff.

Meal for 2 : Rs 300+ (Main Course only).