London Michelin Restaurant Recommendation | Hakkasan Fine Chinese Cuisine

Few cities can offer such a rich tapestry of visual and auditory experiences as London. As Samuel Johnson said two hundred years ago: "When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford."

Strolling through London feels like traveling between art, entertainment, politics, and economics across the ages. Countless literary works and classic films celebrate this city, whose classical and refined British charm is eternally captivating. As an international metropolis, London is open and inclusive, blending cultures and customs from around the world. Food culture, as an essential part of human life, naturally flourishes here.

London certainly has no shortage of top-tier restaurants, but it is the Chinese restaurant Hakkasan that I find most unforgettable.

Hakkasan was born in London in 2001 and now has ten branches worldwide across Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and Asia. Currently, it has two restaurants in London. The first, located on Hanway Place, received a Michelin star in 2003. The second branch opened in 2010 in London's most luxurious Mayfair district and was awarded a Michelin star less than a year after opening.

For me, Hakkasan's uniqueness lies in its dishes that blend traditional Chinese recipes with modern cooking techniques. The creative fusion of Chinese and Western elements brings an unprecedented taste experience.

Hakkasan's signature caviar roasted duck is crispy and rich. The dim sum platter of abalone puff, truffle duck pancake, and lobster thousand-layer roll is stunning. The champagne cod highlights the tender and flavorful fish.

Beyond the exquisite dim sum, dishes like pipa duck, 24-hour slow-roasted Kurobuta pork char siu, and golden fried soft-shell crab are mouthwatering. Authentic flavors paired with avant-garde concepts, along with an innovative cocktail and wine selection, perfectly completed my culinary journey.

From classic wines to rare vintages, Hakkasan offers over 400 wines from around the world.

According to the restaurant's staff, Hakkasan's wine team holds weekly tastings to evaluate how wines pair with different dishes. Only those that perfectly complement Hakkasan's menu are selected. This strict selection ensures that the wines enhance Hakkasan's exquisite cuisine.

Hakkasan's approach to pastry is also unique. The pastry chefs continuously explore the relationship between European techniques and traditional Cantonese flavors, creating a wonderful collision between seemingly unrelated elements. The resulting delicate pastries are like works of art on a plate. Desserts such as raspberry pistachio cake, chocolate "caviar" ice cream, and lemon yuzu cream cake are seasonal highlights designed with fresh fruits. They are sweet but not cloying, and each is worth trying.

The heart of Hakkasan's beverage menu is six signature cocktails, which reflect not only the bartender's extraordinary imagination and enduring passion but also Hakkasan's remarkable skill and creativity.

Beyond the distinctive food and drinks, the dining experience at Hakkasan is excellent. Every detail, from interior design, fragrance, music to artistic coherence, has been carefully considered. The opulent yet welcoming interior, conceived by renowned designer Christian Liaigre, combines modern design with traditional Chinese motifs, rich materials, and subtle lighting to create Hakkasan's signature style. Such attentive service and pursuit of perfection make Hakkasan a well-deserved Michelin restaurant in London.

Highly recommended is Hakkasan's collaboration with the famous English sparkling wine brand Nyetimber, offering a limited summer set menu called Hakkasan in Bloom at both Hanway Place and Mayfair. The main courses include the popular crispy duck salad, honey-roasted salmon, and stir-fried rib-eye beef. Side options feature seasonal vegetables and onion egg fried rice. The dessert is Shanghai Mess, blending strawberry, sea buckthorn, and meringue for a rich, sweet-and-sour summer sensation.

The entire set menu uses high-quality seasonal ingredients sourced locally in the UK. Before enjoying the exquisite dishes prepared by Michelin chefs, guests also taste a glass of Nyetimber Blanc de Blanc 2014, a crisp and delicate wine that pairs well with appetizers such as Wagyu siumai from Yorkshire, abalone, and chicken. The rich flavors of the dim sum combine with the wine's refreshing sweetness to create a unique taste experience.

To complement the theme, Hakkasan has thoughtfully decorated both London restaurants. From hanging plants at the entrance, floral and bamboo decorations on the stairs, to brightly colored wine cabinets and simple yet elegant plating, there are no overly complex or flashy elements. This photogenic and romantic Michelin restaurant is undoubtedly the most Instagrammable food landmark in London. Here are the addresses of Hakkasan's two London restaurants:

Hakkasan Hanway Place: 8 Hanway Place, London W1T 1HD

Hakkasan Mayfair: 17 Bruton Street, London, W1J 6QB