Hakkasan celebrates its milestone 21st birthday this year. Executive Chef Alan Yau’s Hakkasan really is a golden gem in London’s culinary scene. Today’s post reviews the first branch, Hanway Place – the perfect place to celebrate birthdays and special occasions.
Born in London’s Hanway Place in April 2001, Hakkasan now has 10 global locations. Both of Hakkasan’s London branches, Mayfair and Hanway Place, have coveted Michelin Stars. Impressively gaining a Michelin Star after only 2 years of opening, Hakkasan Hanway Place was also the first Chinese restaurant in the UK to achieve this accolade. The Mayfair branch opened in 2012 and achieved this illustrious star after less than 1 year. Most recently, Dubai’s The Palm Hakkasan has achieved a Michelin Star… Hakkasan really has a constellation of stars.
Alan Yau has built quite the culinary empire. Founding popular chain Wagamama in 1992 and Busaba Eathai in 1992, he is also the mastermind behind some of London’s hottest Chinese restaurants. From Hakkasan, to Yautcha and Park Chinois, Yau’s empire also extends across the pond, through Hakkasan locations in the USA and beyond, and digitally, through Softchow, a taste aggregation platform.
Of course, I visited the original Hakkasan with my best friend, and the experience was nothing short of dazzling. Moody lighting, dark panelling, and alcohol lined walls create the impression of entering an Oligarch’s underground lair. Situated at the end of Hanway Place, from the outside, the thick, dark restaurant doors firmly hide what’s inside. Walk down the illuminated stairs to discover a land of pure luxury. Christian Liaigre’s interior will have you thinking you’re dreaming; opulence and grandeur really are at the heart of this glamorous dining experience.
Hakkasan features a selection of menus, including the Pearl (£148), Shou (£108), Plum blossom (£80), Chrysanthemum (£78) and A La Carte. There is also a weekend brunch menu, available on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6pm, and is accompanied with a selected cocktail or Half a bottle of 2012 Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Champagne. My best friend and I opted for the A La Carte Menu on this occasion.
The show stopping dish? The truffle roasted duck. It’’s have you dreaming for days after. The fresh crispy duck salad is another delicious dish – waiters mix the salad with shallot, pine nuts and pomelo at the table for an immersive experience. Next time, I cannot wait to try the spicy King Prawns, with Chinese egg fried rice and asparagus. I’ve heard that the creamy sauce provides a truly fiery kick to the prawn dish.
Hakkasan caters to veggies and vegans through tofu, aubergine and mushroom dishes. The vegan dim sum features golden squash, purple sweet potato and wild mushroom and black truffle. The Hakka noodles are also on my list for next time – himeji mushroom is combined with beansprout. This is vegan dining heightened to a luxury level.
I can’t wait to try Hakkasan Dubai when I go later this year! As always, let me know what your favourite dishes are and what you recommend. Lots of love, Jo xoxo
