London is a culinary powerhouse, featuring some of the best restaurants in the world and hundreds of options from almost every cuisine on the planet. But how well does the capital of the UK fair when it comes to dishes from the eastmost corners of the earth?
Boasting a large, proud, and strong community from across Asia, London has some of the best chefs from the continent who have set up award-winning restaurants all around the city. From Michelin star-winning eateries to sky-high dining experiences, the following recommendations are the toast of London when it comes to Asian cuisine.
Hutong (Northern Chinese, The Shard)
Few restaurants can match the views from Hutong. Located on the 33rd floor of London’s tallest building, The Shard, the building carries a reputation for luxury, and dining at Hutong is no exception. An elegantly arranged restaurant, the distinct, warm glow of Chinese lanterns illuminates the decor comprised of polished Zitan and Hua Li wood ornaments.
Known for its exceptional dim sum, razor clams, and Sichuan dishes like deep-fried lobster with chilli, diners can look forward to classic staples of Chinese cuisine. The Shanghai Bar, boasts an impressive cocktail menu, with some excellent twists on classic cocktails such as the Bright and Stormy, which combines jasmine and perfumed mint for an oriental twist on a classic Caribbean cocktail.
Hakkasan (Various Locations)
Hakkasan is a beacon for Cantonese cuisine, with a well-earned Michelin star that was awarded within the first year of the restaurant opening, in recognition of a menu that balances tradition, with innovation. Signature dishes include succulent Peking duck served with caviar, stir-fried black pepper rib-eye, and an indulgent selection of dim sum.
The equally impressive cocktail menu features drinks crafted with Asian-inspired ingredients like lychee and sake. The interior exudes understated glamour, with dark wood panelling complete with intricate lattices, and moody, low-lit lighting that sets the stage for an immersive dining experience. Hakkasan's unique blend of honouring its cuisine heritage and modern-inspired dining make it a destination restaurant for those looking to indulge their palate in London.
Nobu (Mayfair & Shoreditch)
Nobu is synonymous with high-profile dining around the world. With a menu that boasts innovative Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes, the signature black cod miso is a must-try, as is the yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño and rock shrimp tempura. Each dish is a work of art, reflecting founder Nobu Matsuhisa’s iconic culinary philosophy that has taken the world of fine dining to new heights.
Set in a sleek, minimalist space with a mix of warm woods to contrast against the darkened interior, Nobu invites diners in with a distinct air of sophistication that’s apparent from the moment guests arrive outside the restaurant. The Mayfair location offers a lively atmosphere within the vibrant heart of Central London, while Nobu Shoreditch, off the main high street, provides a more relaxed, yet no less indulgent experience.
Din Tai Fung (Various Locations)
Famed for its expertly crafted Taiwanese dumplings, Din Tai Fung offers a casual yet, refined take on authentic flavours from the island nation. The traditional xiao long bao (soup dumplings) are the star of the show, complemented by dishes like spicy wontons, braised beef noodle soup, and crispy golden prawn pancakes for simplistic, yet thoroughly satisfying staples of Taiwanese cuisine.
The restaurant is bright and airy, with contemporary touches that include an open kitchen allowing diners to watch the chefs meticulously fold each dumpling, which keeps the focus on the food while providing a relaxed atmosphere for group dining. As an international culinary powerhouse present on three continents at 13 separate restaurants, Din Tai Fung knows how to deliver its sensational taste of Taiwan to a global audience.
Umu, Mayfair
A bastion of Kyoto-style Japanese cuisine, Umu is a Michelin-starred venue, recognised for its dedication to perfecting the food of its heritage. The menu spans from delicately prepared kaiseki-tasting courses to fresh sushi and sashimi, with the best saved for the likes of Wagyu beef sukiyaki with seasonal vegetables, elevated by the high precision art of Japanese cooking.
Within the restaurant, diners are transported to Japan, in a tranquil, heavily zen-influenced environment with stone accents, traditional artwork, and a subdued colour palette to create a dining space that offers an intimate escape from the bustling streets of Mayfair.
Gymkhana, Mayfair
Gymkhana elevates Indian dining with a two-Michelin-starred menu inspired by the social clubs of colonial India. Signature dishes like the wild muntjac biryani, kid goat methi keema, and a selection of expertly spiced curries bring bold flavours to the table. Pair them with one of the restaurant’s creative cocktails, like the masala chai espresso martini, for a fantastic taste of India unlike any other.
Spread out across two floors, the interior is a celebration of old-world elegance, with vintage mirrors, leather banquettes, and brass fixtures creating a warm and inviting parlour to dine in. Located amongst stiff competition in Mayfair, Gymkhana rises above many competing restaurants in this popular part of the London dining scene thanks to its unique approach and attitude to Indian cuisine.
Endo at the Rotunda
Endo at the Rotunda is a paradise for sushi lovers, offering an exquisite omakase menu that highlights seasonal ingredients and freshly important produce, that is married in a delicate combination of flavour with some of the finest sushi pairings. Each of the 20 courses, from the delicate uni to perfectly aged toro, is a testament to Chef Endo Kazutoshi’s masterful artistry of one of the highlights of Japanese cuisine.
Situated in the former BBC television centre in a circular glass room overlooking the city, the setting is as bold a choice as the food. The minimalist design, with wooden counters and natural light, creates a meditative space where diners can focus on the craftsmanship of each dish by day or, under the warm glow of soft overhead lighting at night.
London's Asian culinary landscape is spectacular, offering a blend of traditional recipes and contemporary flair at each of these establishments representing the pinnacle of Asian dining in London. Combining extraordinary flavours with unparalleled attention to detail, Michelin-starred excellence, and luxurious settings, these restaurants showcase the very best the city has to offer.
