Despite the ethereal paper swans and pretty white flowers decorating Chi Sing - a "Hue-inspired" restaurant in Mitte, I found the atmosphere there oddly cold and uninviting during a dinner with friends in from New York a few weeks ago. Our food was fine, but nothing special. The best thing I ate was an appetizer of grilled eggplant marinated in a nuoc mam-rich dressing with scallions, hot chiles and sesame seeds.
We ordered many appetizers and main dishes and drinks, yet weren't brought the tap water we requested at the beginning of the meal until we received the check. I know that stinginess with tap water (Leitungswasser) is a hallmark of Berlin restaurant dining, but it never fails to irritate me.
In a city where Vietnamese restaurants are a dime a dozen, pretty décor only goes so far. I'd rather be eating at Good Morning Vietnam.
Chi Sing
Rosenthaler Strase 62
10119 Berlin
(030) 200 89 284
