The Time is Mao

Having lived in our great city for over 15 years, the only thing I really miss about my former home was a good Chinese restaurant. That particular lure ended with the opening of Mao in 2021. 

Situated adjacent to the hugely popular Max Beach overlooking the glorious Mediterranean, this feast for the senses now sits alone as the go to for all lovers of this most popular cuisine. Choosing to dine at 6pm on a Wednesday we might have expected an hour or so to ourselves but nothing of the sort. After a packed Valentine’s the night before, the restaurant was already half full with large groups and more than a few lovestruck couples who may have got their dates wrong! Once our editorial team of wannabe influencers had finished abusing the good nature of our photographer with cocktail laden selfies and a “setting sun over Africa” backdrop, we moved on to the job in hand. 

Having made a pre selfie selection of Asian delicacies, the house special  Dim-Sum duly arrived in its bamboo home, providing us with the evening’s first dilemma: 3x3 dumplings and four people, this wasn’t looking good for new intern Helen! Before this telepathic eating contest could become an issue, restaurant manager Elias restored order by further adorning the table with four Vietnamese spring rolls. The returning smile on the interns face quickly dissipated with the arrival of the next course of ‘Dragon crunchy sushi roll’ and culturally appropriate eating utensils, a crash course in acceptable chopstick use ensued.

Roast Peking duck perfectly cooked with succulent meat and crispy skin was our next treat. Served as it was with steaming hot pancakes and an assortment of pickles, providing a much welcome return to finger food.  

Stir fried Beef in Black bean sauce with spring onions was our choice for main course accompanied by curried vermicelli, chilli garlic prawns and egg fried rice. As the watery winter sun finally set and the restaurant filled to capacity we were finally fit to burst and preparing to thank our hosts for this fabulous feast when our newly confident staff addition just had to mention the sticky rice and Mango dessert! Coats off, belts loosened, well… be rude not to.

Playa Max Beach, Autovía del Mediterráneo, Km 198, 29649 , Urb. Riviera Sol, Mijas Costa

T. 951 89 15 05 maorestaurante.es