The Dragon Boat | Restaurant Review

What’s hotter than the west coast? This Szechuan heat!

The newly opened Dragon Boat restaurant is a Chinese restaurant at The Blue Water Hotel and Spa. Diners are promised an authentic Chinese dining experience, with a sweet, sour and spicy menu that aims to take your taste buds on a cruise through diverse regions of China like Szechuan and Yunnan to name a few. Those flavours are accompanied by a boozy kick from their naval themed cocktails –  a unique addition to what you may initially assume is just your typical Chinese menu. But is it all for show? Let’s find out! 

Note: Prices are not tax-inclusive. 

Appetisers 

Vegetable Spring Rolls — LKR 1,300 (5/5)

Wrapped in thin rice paper and fried to crispy golden perfection, this is a light and fun starter. The fresh veggies inside are complemented by the sweet chilli sauce. Dividing the small portion between us was heartbreaking; we almost had to flip a coin for the last piece!

Prawn Toast with Sesame — LKR 1,600 (5/5)

Sandwiched between slices of toasted bread is a generous smear of prawn paste. The sesame seeds on top add a mild bitter taste that balances the sweetness of the prawn. The well-done toast is filling with just a few bites, making this more of a snack than an appetiser.

Deep Fried Lion Seafood Balls — LKR 1,600 (5/5)

This dish is made by cutting rice paper into thin strips to create funky-shaped balls filled with minced prawn and coriander. They’re then deep-fried to give a fun, crunchy exterior and a juicy and flavourful inside. It’s also shareable between two.

Crab and Sweet Corn Soup — LKR 1,200 (5/5)

The corn soup filled with crab meat is delicious and the portion is big enough to fill you up. The consistency is just right—not too thick—and with its nutty flavours, the soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl!

Szechuan Hot and Sour Chicken Soup — LKR 950 (5/5)

Made Szechuan style, this dish is the opposite of the crab and sweet corn soup. It blends tangy and spicy elements and is richly filled with mushrooms, bean curd, bamboo shoots, carrots, pak choy and chicken stock. Seasoned with black vinegar and Kikkoman soy sauce, it gives much-needed energy and stimulation on a lazy afternoon despite its large portion size.

Sides 

Assorted Mushroom with Oyster Sauce — LKR 1,400 (4/5)

Featuring button, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms, this dish is a dream for any mushroom lover! The mushrooms are cooked in garlicky oyster sauce and garnished with pak choy, which could be a bit overpowering for some. It’s a great pairing for any main.  

Steamed Whole Garoupa Hunan Style — LKR 2,800 (5/5)

Not gonna lie, the garoupa looks a bit intimidating at first, with the whole fish just sitting there staring ahead with an unamused look. But fear not, it is much friendlier on the palate than it looks! Mild in its fishiness and delicate in both taste and texture, this dish is fresh, succulent, slightly sweet and salty, and definitely worth trying!

Sweet and Sour Fish — LKR 2,400 (5/5)

The fish is tender, cut into generous chunks, and coated in a sweet and sour sauce that is just delectable. I’m not exaggerating when I say this curry-like sauce is the star of our meal! I recommend trying it with the seafood fried noodles—the combo will blow your mind!

Szechuan Style Stir Fried Prawns — LKR 2,800 (5/5)

These seven prawns are huuuge! Spiced with chilli peppers in Szechuan style, this dish has bold flavours that are pungent, sweet, and hot at the same time. The prawns are soft and juicy with a little crisp that makes every bite a delight. This is the type of dish you find by accident and then crave monthly. It’s best eaten with your bare hands and can easily be shared between two.

Hot Butter Cuttlefish — LKR 2,600 (5/5)

With just the right amount of seasoning that combines sweet, spicy, and a hint of saltiness, this dish is a Sri Lankan classic done right! The crisp outside pairs well with the chewy inside, and is shareable between two.

Chilli Chicken with Cashew Nuts and Red Chilli — LKR 2,400 (4/5)

The chilli chicken is a fiery dish with red chilli sauce and ketchup, mixed with scallions, tomatoes, and plenty of juicy chicken pieces. Zesty and pairable with any main dish, it’s also loaded with roasted cashews for added crunch.

Wok Fried Sliced Beef with Kang Kung — LKR 3,200 (5/5)

The beef is tender, thinly cut, and marinated with just the right amount of seasoning. Combined with kang kung, the dish is colourful and interesting with its blend of textures. Garnished with tomato slices arranged in the shape of a flower, it’s absolutely picture-worthy.

Mustard Honey Pork — LKR 2,400 (5/5)

This is an absolute hit! Doubly cooked pork with a caramel-sour kick stands strong on its own—no sidekicks needed! The meat is firm, golden brown, and sweet with tart undertones. Shareable in size, it easily becomes one of our top picks.

Fried Sliced Lamb with Cumin — LKR 4,500 (5/5)

The lamb’s fresh, herby scent had me drooling from the moment it hit the table. It is soft, chewy, and warm, making it easy to devour. The cumin superbly complements the well-spiced, savoury lamb with tangy and bitter notes. The Dragon Boat team definitely knows their meat!

Mains 

Spicy Mixed Fried Rice — LKR 2,600 (5/5)

What is your dream fried rice like? Whatever you’re imagining, this one has it and then some! Rich with veggies, egg, seafood, and chicken, and drizzled with soy sauce, it delivers signature Chinese flavours. 

Seafood Fried Noodles — LKR 2,600 (3.5/5)

Fact: there can never be too much seafood on a plate. Loaded with prawns and cuttlefish, this dish is a winner! Mixed with scallions, it adds depth of taste and texture, complementing the subtle seafood flavours. It was slightly under-seasoned for my taste. A splash of sauce from the sweet and sour fish saved the day!

Desserts 

Chinese Crepes, Lychee, Mango, Salsa with Coconut and Mint Ice Cream — LKR 1,200 (5/5)

These Chinese crepes are soft and thin pillows filled with fresh, sweet mango salsa—a match made in heaven! The crepes also have a slight crisp that contrasts amazingly with the smooth mango. It’s accompanied by two juicy lychees that hit all the right spots so the ice cream isn’t even necessary – call it a bonus!

Salted Peanut Chocolate, Fruit and Nut with Green Tea Ice Cream and Gold Leaves — LKR 1,200 (4/5)

This tart is perfectly creamy and melts in your mouth. The green tea ice cream complements it well. Green tea isn’t really my thing, but I definitely wouldn’t mind having that presented in front of me again.

Drinks 

Sulzer — LKR 2,750 (5/5)

Made with vodka, ginger, lemongrass syrup, lemon, and passion fruit, this cocktail offers a zingy aroma and bright yellow hue, glowing in a tall glass. The subtle sweetness of lemongrass syrup balances the tartness of the other ingredients, delivering on taste and beautifully complementing the Chinese dishes we tried.

Gangway — LKR  2,750 (4/5)

With floral notes and powder pink hues, it is gentle and inviting at first. But a sip reveals it doesn’t taste like it looks. Bold and a little liquor-like, it’s a complex drink that’s still great for a night out with your gal pals!

Purifier — LKR 2,750 (5/5)

This vibrant and refreshing blend of gin, lemon, rose water, cherry brandy, and blue curaçao produces a stunning blue cocktail. Light and incredibly easy to drink, each sip is refreshing and invigorating. Whether you’re a gin lover or seeking something new and exciting, this cocktail won’t disappoint!

Ambience 

The Dragon Boat is tucked in a corner of the hotel, overlooking a pretty garden on one side and an incredible beach view on the other. Adorned with Chinese lanterns, the restaurant creates a cosy atmosphere and adds an authentic touch to the cuisine.
The Blue Water Hotel and Spa is breathtaking and peaceful. Elegantly decorated and airy, with the refreshing smell of the sea, it’s perfect for a relaxing holiday. Plus, the wonderful staff makes the experience all the better!