Chinese food in London has been turned into a stylish and sexy event at Hakkasan. Located in a subterranean basement in Soho, Hakkasan looks like a cross between a hip nightclub and an over the top movie set.

Owner Alan Yau decided to strive for “Modern Authenticity” with Hakkasan; staying true to the roots of Chinese cooking while not being afraid to do things a bit differently. Chef Tong Chee Hwee resides over the trend-setting kitchen. The restaurant has a Michelin star and is especially popular among the rich, trendy and fashionable, and reservations are advisable.

The lighting is low and moody, lit by indigo bulbs and pierced by spotlights here and there, Chinese screens divide the space, and the design is first rate.

People come here as much to see and be seen as for the food, and they are rarely disappointed. Celebrity sightings are common; you might see both Jordan and the King of Jordan dining there on any given night.

The bar is a stylish world all on its own, serving up top notch cocktails in a deliciously decadent “Sex in the City” setting.

The food is modern Cantonese with influences from Japanese, Malaysian, Indian, European and Thai cuisine. Dim Sum is a special lunchtime treat here and comes with a great variety of fillings.

The restaurant’s “Small eats” are very popular, dishes like Crispy Duck Salad and Marinated Abalone with Corn Fed Chicken and Jellyfish are quite memorable.

There are some truly magnificent dishes at Hakkasan that require 24 hour notice to prepare, such as “Monk jumps over the wall”, a special abalone soup, and Peking Duck, which comes with royal beluga caviar.

As you might expect, the prices for these specialties are equally magnificent! For the more budget-conscious, unusual favourites like Jasmine Tea Smoked Chicken and Roasted Silver Cod with Champagne and Chinese Honey are good choices, as are Stir-fry Ostrich with Yellow Bean Sauce and Stir-fry Mongolian style Venison.

Desserts are usually quite interesting, with things like Praline Ice Cream and Mandarin Sorbet in Baked Alaska; the exotic fruit plate is a showstopper.

Chinese food in London has never been so modern, so unusual, and so much fun as it is at Hakkasan.

Visiting Hakkasan

Address: Hakkasan, 8 Hanway Place, Fitzrovia, W1T 1HF

Telephone: 020 7927 7000

Opening Times

Weekdays: 12:00-15:00, 18:00-Midnight | Weekends: 12:00-17:00, 18:00-Midnight (Sundays 23:00)

Photo courtesy: Wolfiewolf

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