Mandarin Kitchen in Santa Rosa Serves Some of the Best Asian Fusion in the County
We finally made it back to Mandarin Kitchen in Santa Rosa, and every time I go, it reminds me why this is one of my favorite spots in town. The flavors are bold, the textures are balanced, and the atmosphere makes you feel like you are somewhere else entirely.
With tall windows that let the light pour in, it almost feels like you are dining outdoors. You get the fresh air vibe without ever leaving your seat.
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Start With the Oolong Tea and Dollar Oysters
The oolong tea is warm, toasty, and smooth. Simple but perfect. A great way to start. Then there are the dollar oysters, which are wild to see right now given how expensive oysters have gotten. They were fresh, briny, and such a good deal.
Epic Bao Buns
I tried the roasted duck bao bun, and I am not exaggerating when I say it blew me away. The bun itself was soft, slightly sweet, and warm. The duck inside was rich, with a mystery sauce that I intentionally did not ask about because it was just that good. I did not want to overthink it.
Then came the barbecue pork bao. Fluffy, spongy, savory, and sweet. I have no idea how I had never heard of this one before. It was easily one of the best things on the table.
Bang Bang Shrimp and Guilt Free Orange Chicken
The bang bang shrimp had a light sauce that let the flavor of the shrimp shine. The sauce was more of a background note, adding to the dish rather than drowning it. Balanced and really well done.
The orange chicken here is different. It is not over breaded. It is not drenched in a sticky sauce. It is lighter, cleaner, and still gives you that sweet comfort you are looking for. It feels like orange chicken you do not have to feel guilty about.
Kung Pao Pork Belly
Now for the dish that stole the show, Kung Pao Pork Belly. I am not joking when I say this might be one of the best things I have eaten in a long time. The pork belly is fatty, savory, and tender. The sauce brings a little heat without overpowering it. And the balance of textures is next level.
You get that perfect bite. A little spice. A little sweet. Soft pork with just enough crisp on the edge. It had me teary-eyed and not because it was spicy. Because it was that good.
Final Thoughts
Mandarin Kitchen is not just about flavor. It is about execution. Every dish feels intentional. Every texture has a purpose. From bao buns to pork belly, they are building dishes that hit all the right notes.
If you are in Santa Rosa and want Chinese fusion that delivers something new without losing the comfort, Mandarin Kitchen is where you go.