China Garden is a jewel of a Chinese restaurant hidden inside the shopping center near the fancy InterContinental Hotel of Geneva. In fact, it is so well hidden that many do not know about its existence; yet, it is very well known to the groups of diplomats and United Nations staff who fill its tables every day at lunchtime. At dinner, it’s only for those who love it, or those who live in the neighborhood. 

To me, China Garden is comfort food – especially in the long, cold Swiss winter nights where all I want is a bowl of warm soup. I like to start my meal with hot and sour soup, spicy and sweet at the same time; then taste the wonderful steamed ravioli, filled with meat or vegetables. My best friends, who introduced me to this great place, love the Vietnamese spring rolls, fragrant and crunchy, to dip into a delicious mint sauce.

As a main dish, I have become addicted to the sizzling Mongolian beef. It comes on a very hot plate where it’s still cooking, and it’s a sublime taste of tender meat with onions and veggies, accompanied by steamed or fried rice. My best friends just love the delicious Shanghai noodle soup – just what’s needed to warm body and spirit. 

We love it so much that we have become regulars! And it’s open on Sundays, too – what more can you ask for?