It was only because I was glancing through a ‘freebee’ publication ‘The Local’ that I noticed a Chinese restaurant boasting that they do not use MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) and as I stopped going to Chinese restaurants because I could never be sure when I asked for a meal to be free of this flavour enhancing food additive, that it would be. It has an adverse affect on me being unable to ’switch off’ when getting to sleep!

So post haste that same day we visit the Golden Sun in Benavista and after chatting with the owner Laura who was at pain to tell me that her husband, who is the chef, unlike many Asian eateries who buy in the dozen or so sauces used in Chinese cooking, that he makes them all himself I was more confident.

The nicely appointed dining rooms seat a total of 80 inside with a further 60 in the passageway that surrounds them, although the N340 road noises are quite noticeable. All the table settings, linen, and crockery were quality – altogether a pleasant room to dine in. The extensive menu that includes five fixed price menus, and about everything else you would expect find from this cuisine, including some dishes for children.

We chose Wan Tan Soup – crispy Aromatic Duck with pancakes – Crispy Chili Beef Hong Kong and King Prawns Thai style (with Pineapple) and White Rice. The Chef, Li’ping served us a meal that was flavoursome and plentiful, delightfully served by our waitress Fei Fei. And yes I slept well that night, and we will return.

The Golden Sun is about to celebrate 25 years on the Costa del Sol, and can be found in Centro Comercial Benavista, 28, (First floor) there is a lift. On the N340 at Km.167. half way between San Pedro de Alcantara and Estepona: from Marbella, after going through the San Pedro tunnel, take the fourth exit. Opposite the The Senator Banus Spa Hotel and continue on the slip road for 500 m. If you enter the post code of 29688 in your satnav you will find it

Street parking in service road. They open for lunch and dinner every weekday from 14:00h, and from 12:30h weekends. They offer gluten free.

The in house Sauces that you may get from them are Hoisin, Bar-b-Q, Sweet Chilli, Red Curry, Oyster, Teriyaki, Szechuan, Garlic, Black Been, Sweet & Sour, Ginger Spicy. Average three course with wine 20€.

Bishlin Guide marks out of 5          Ambience:4.5        Food:5            Menu:5           Service:5       Value:5