A PERFECT CHINESE MEAL IN MAYFAIR | REVIEW: HAKKASAN, BRUTON STREET
It’s hard to choose a favourite restaurant in Mayfair, so I have a top 5, and Hakkasan has always been on that list. I recently returned to Hakkasan with my husband and daughter for lunch - my first visit post-pandemic. The familiar air of exclusivity, Sounds of Hakkasan and impeccably presented staff greeted us and were shown into the lift to the lower ground floor. The doors of the lift open to reveal the alluring, low lit restaurant floor boasting opulent interiors and that familiar sense of escapism that Hakkasan brings. We do love a refined explosion of colourful cocktails, signature Chinese dishes and lunchtime chatter.
Taking inspiration from both contemporary and ancient China, Hakkasan’s extensive menu celebrates fine dining and Cantonese flavours. Once you have sampled the menu, it’s easy to see why there are now 12 Hakkasan restaurants worldwide - ‘modern authenticity’ is at the core of Hakkasan’s DNA, and they’ve struck the perfect balance between tradition and progression. Dishes are bold in flavour and pleasingly light; artfully plated and seamlessly delivered. In the best way possible, you just can’t get enough.
There’s Dim Sum and there’s Hakkasan Dim Sum - sadly, once you’ve tried it, there’s no going back. I dived straight into a vibrant, vegan Dim sum - golden squash and lily bulb; black pepper and purple sweet potato; sugar snap and edamame; wild mushroom in a black truffle and bean curd wrap. Truly fantastic.
Next, an extremely generous portion of crispy silken tofu arrived - perfectly light tofu encased in Szechuan pepper, fried garlic and soy floss. James opted for Sesame Prawn Toast - juicy prawns encased in crunchy, sesame coated spheres, served with crispy seaweed and enoki mushroom.
Tofu, Aubergine and Japanese Mushroom Claypot
For the mains, we ordered Roasted Chicken in Satay Sauce with chestnut and peanut and my all time favourite - Tofu, Aubergine and Japanese Mushroom Claypot with chilli and black bean sauce. Both were excellent. We ended the lunch with coffee and a Jivara Bomb - an incredible hazelnut, praline and milk chocolate dessert.
All in all, an excellent Chinese meal. Staff are friendly and work seamlessly to ensure your perfectly prepared dishes arrive fast. When the food arrives, staff talk you through each dish and then you are left to soak up the much talked about Hakkasan ambience within this relaxing Mayfair haven.
For those with no idea where to begin, why not try Jade (£208), Pearl (£148), Shou (£108), Plum Blossom (£80) or Chrysanthemum (£78), special set menus available for two or more? Hakkasan in Bloom (£128 per person; available for two or more) is perfect for summer lunches and dinners, celebrating British food and wine and featuring locally sourced ingredients within signature dishes. Taste of Hakkasan (£34 / £39) per person is great for quick working lunches, available Monday - Sunday, 12-6pm.
