Hakkasan Hanway Place

 The OG Chinese fine dining joint in London

Char siu, radish and mustard

It has been more than 20 years since Hakkasan launched in London. It has taken Chinese cuisine upmarket which at that time, was revolutionary. Few names hold as much prestige when it comes to Chinese fine dining in London as Hakkasan. With its signature blend of contemporary Cantonese cuisine, and stylish, club vibe ambiance, it has firmly established itself as a must-visit destination for food lovers, jet-setters, and those looking for an elevated dining experience. For my 7th visit, I revisited mostly its signature dishes which have been around since day 1.

Grilled ocotpus and aubergine

Steamed scallops with soy

Jasmine smoked beef ribs

One of its signature dishes is the roasted silver cod with honey, and it is easy to understand why. The fish is silky, delicate, and perfectly glazed for a sweet-savory contrast. The smoked jasmine beef ribs had a very tender texture, and that hint of tea-smoked aroma was very inviting, but I felt the sweet yellow bean marinate could tone down a little. The best dish of the meal was the black truffle roast duck, a decadent twist on a Cantonese staple that combines the rich umami of truffle and mushrooms with perfectly roasted duck. The skin was top-class, well roasted with a sweet and crunchy texture, and the meat really benefitted from the mild earthiness of mushrooms and truffle sauce. It was wonderful.

Black truffle roasted duck

Black pepper beef fillet

Roasted silver cod in honey

While Hakkasan is no longer the hottest ticket in town and is no longer a trendy place, it is still able to deliver high food quality, and the decor is what makes this place special. From the moment you step into Hakkasan, you are transported into a world that feels both exclusive and intimate. The restaurant’s interior design is dark, moody, and sensual, with deep wood lattice screens, plush seating, and a touch of modern Asian minimalism that creates a mysterious yet inviting ambiance. Price is not cheap so best for a special occasion only for a one-of-a-kind upmarket Chinese experience.

Food 4/5


What I paid: 
£110 per head

Average cost without drinks and services:
£100

8 Hanway Pl, London W1T 1HD

https://hakkasan.com/hanway-place/