Shikumen

Top notch Chinese cooking in The City

King Prawn Curry with Almond Slice

Shikumen, the highly acclaimed Chinese restaurant in Shepherds Bush has long been on my to visit list. The only thing that has been stopping me is due to the western location, but this has all changed with it has launched a new site in Algate, right by the tube station, inside Dorsett City hotel. The restaurant offers a dim sum menu at lunch hours and an a la carte for dinner. What really stood out is its menu is pretty short for a Chinese restaurant, which could actually be a good thing, as the chefs can focus on really refining the dishes and reducing waste. Below are some of the highlights from my two visits.

Stir Fried Scallop with Asparagus & XO Sauce

Crispy Chicken in Sha Cha Sauce

Roasted Chilean Seabass Fillet in Honey

The stir-fried scallop with asparagus dish got us off to a great start, it had an interesting combination of crisp and smooth texture while offered a mouth-watering umami aroma. Roasted Chilean seabass fillet, a usual dish that was cooked in honey was moist and the sweetness was spot on, without overtaking the freshness of the fish. Chicken in sha cha sauce was another high-level dish, the skin was crispy and the meat was so tender, it was a far cry to anything you would get in China Town. Top class fried rice is a rarity, but Shikumen has done an amazing job with its version that contained fish roe, prawn, and scallop, topped with XO sauce which was packed with some powerful savory taste, it was simply wonderful.

Steamed Whole Sea Bass with Ginger

Spicy Singapore Noodles with Seafood

Fine quality Chinese food is not something you can easily find in London, sure there are plenty of decent Chinese restaurants around China Town, but what if you are looking for something a little more special? Something more upmarket and really showcased the authentic tastes of China and offer a touch of elegance and refinement at the same time? Shikumen seems to tick a lot of boxes, this modern Chinese restaurant's creation is all at a very high standard, mostly classic dishes, with some interesting and creative dishes in the mix. For anyone who fancies Chinese cuisine in a more refined manner, Shikumen is well worth a visit, not to mention the service is a far cry compared to most Chinese restaurants out there.  

Food 3.5/5

What I paid: 
£22 (soft launch offer)

Average cost without drinks and services:
£25

1st Floor, Dorsett City Hotel, 9-13 Aldgate High Street, London EC3N 1AH

http://www.shikumen.co.uk/