Hotels & Preference Hualing Tbilisi is a five-star hotel that belongs to The French International Hotel Chain. Introduced to Georgia for the first time by “Hualing International,” it features the unique Chinese restaurant Ensemble, where guests can experience authentic dishes from various regions of China.
Located on the second floor, Ensemble offers five private dining rooms and serves Xinjiang delicacies in an exclusive setting that also highlights Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine. Chef Jianhua Yin tells us more about the restaurant.
What makes Restaurant Ensemble special?
First and foremost, at Ensemble we believe that Chinese cuisine is more than just food… it is an art that has been passed down from generation to generation. What makes us special is our dedication to authenticity, combined with a modern touch. We don’t just follow recipes; we reinterpret them, using locally sourced Georgian ingredients to enhance traditional Chinese flavors. This creates a unique fusion you won’t find anywhere else. In addition, we place great emphasis on the presentation of every dish, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
How many Chinese chefs work at Ensemble?
We are proud to have eight incredibly talented chefs from China working in our kitchen. Each of them specializes in a different regional cuisine, giving our menu an even more distinctive character. Their knowledge, experience, and passion for Chinese culinary traditions shine through in every dish they prepare.
Can you tell us about Chinese cuisine and the dishes you prepare here?
China’s culinary landscape is remarkably diverse, with each region offering its own unique flavors and cooking styles. At Ensemble, our mission is to showcase this diversity. We serve dishes inspired by Xinjiang cuisine, known for its bold and spicy flavors, such as our spicy chicken. We also feature Cantonese dishes, distinguished by their delicate taste, such as our Cantonese-style sweet and sour shrimp balls. And, of course, we prepare Sichuan specialties, including Mapo Tofu. Altogether, Ensemble’s menu offers guests a culinary journey through China from right here in Georgia.
Which Chinese dishes are most popular among Georgian customers?
Our Georgian customers are very open to discovering new flavors. It is motivating for us to see how much they enjoy our food. I am especially pleased that Chinese cuisine is becoming increasingly popular here. In terms of favorites, Georgians particularly enjoy chicken with pineapple, Kung Pao chicken, and fried rice. They are also very fond of our dumplings and noodles, which we prepare fresh every day.
Do you use any special techniques that make your dishes unique?
Absolutely. One of our signature techniques is the slow-cooking of chicken and beef, which allows us to create tender, flavorful dishes. We also use the special wok hei method cooking over very high heat in a wok to achieve a smoky, stir-fried aroma that is distinctive to Chinese cuisine. And, of course, we focus heavily on balancing the flavors in every dish to ensure that all ingredients complement one another perfectly.
How do you see the promotion of Chinese culinary culture in Georgia?
I believe that food is a universal language capable of building bridges between cultures and bringing people closer together. By sharing Chinese cuisine with Georgian customers, we hope to contribute to a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture. We also plan to host culinary events and workshops where people can learn more about Chinese cooking techniques and ingredients. Our goal is to create a space where people can come together to celebrate the richness and diversity of China’s culinary traditions.
By Kesaria Katcharava
