Dragon Spring, Helsinki, Finland
French Films is a five-piece band from Espoo/Järvenpää, Finland. Their music is often described as sunny garage pop from the 60’s combined with 80’s punk and new wave. The band was formed in February of 2010 and has already been getting attention all over the world after releasing the debut EP, Golden Sea, in October of 2010. Currently working on their debut album, they’re also getting ready for touring Europe in May.
Judging by the creative name you probably never would have guessed it’s a Chinese restaurant we’re talking about. It’s located in Kamppi, in all aspects a very central part of Helsinki. Right next to the restaurant is Finland’s most well-known music venue Tavastia and the hectic shopping center / bus terminal –combo “Kamppi”.
About the restaurant itself… Let’s keep it simple. Whenever we’re playing a gig nearby or just strolling around town, Dragon Spring is for us the place to eat and have that relaxing moment to ourselves. The food, as in almost every Chinese restaurant around here, is generally very basic and somewhat influenced by Finnish food customs. There are of course a few exceptions that make Dragon Spring a place worth mentioning: Try any dish that involves sweet & sour sauce, the must-have beef with mushrooms and bamboo shoots, or perhaps most importantly the garlic-chili paste that’s on every table. Vegetarian meals do really good job aswell! Just don’t try the whatever with curry sauce unless you have no idea of what real curry tastes like…
In addition to the food, the atmosphere is something else. The staff welcomes you with sincere smiles, takes your orders way too fast, and, after you’ve been to the place a couple of times, starts guessing what you’ll have this time. In other words, it’s utter perfection.
All in all, if you are nearby and happen to have a thing for Chinese food, give Dragon Spring a chance. It might not give the Sichuan cuisine connoisseur a new, mind-blowing gastro-experience, but it will definitely leave you with a satisfied feeling and a smile on your face. And at what price? During lunch hours (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) you can get the whole three course deal for less than 10 €. Bié kèqi!”
Chinese restaurant Dragon Spring
Urho Kekkosen katu 4 – 6
Helsinki. Map
