Duddell's London

Cantonese weekend lunch in style 

Braised abalone in chicken stock

I returned to Duddell's for the seventh time. The reason I am heading back is simple. Head Chef Chris Tan's style of Cantonese cuisine is something that I really enjoy. While it is not classic at all, it does still maintain the hallmark of great Chinese cuisine essence, with a simple touch of western flair. The modern Cantonese restaurant in London Bridge is the best Chinese restaurant south of River Thames for sure. For my seventh visit, I opted for dim sum as starters, before moving on to a selection of mains that especially put together by Chef Tan.

Dim sum selection

Honey and soy stir fry lobster

Roasted cod in truffle sauce and mushroom

The meal kicked off with a bang with a plate of abalone, cooked in ham and chicken stock. It was so tender and moist, with such a delightful richness. The star of the meal had to be the chicken clay pot, cooked to perfection. The use of shrimp paste and spring onions really enhanced the taste of the chicken, with tones of lovely smoky wok aroma all sealed nicely in the clay pot. The grilled black truffle black cod was also excellent, the mild earthiness of the mushrooms, along with the truffle, really gave it a contrast which uplifted the sweetness of the silky smooth cod. Last but not least was the stir fry honey and soy lobster, a classic Cantonese taste used on a luxury ingredient. It was rich in taste with a robust soy aroma that worked wonderfully with the lobster.

Chicken and shrimp paste in a clay pot

Xo sauce and scallop fry rice

Mango cream pudding and banana cake

The lunch was indeed very special, it packed with luxury ingredients, all cooked in such a fine manner. I always welcome traditional Chinese with a touch of modern and creative refinement, and this is what Duddell's is all about. If you are open to new ideas without giving too much fuss about authenticity, then this is a great venue for you to try. The overall quality I would rate it to be just as good as Hakkasan, if not better, and is not as expensive!



Food 4/5


Average cost without drinks and services :
£60

9a St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY

https://www.duddells.co/london/