Happy Chinese New Year!

Hakkasan
8 Hanway Place,
London W1T 1HD

Having celebrated our 1^st birthday recently, (who knew that the Chinese New Year coincided perfectly?) we couldn’t have asked for a more exciting time celebrate a year into our food journey. Chinese New Year is one of the most vibrant, colourful and cultured celebrations, and we were absolutely delighted to find out that Hakkasan had a special menu for the occasion with special cocktails to perfectly kick off its Cantonese flavours.

Mother to one of our all time favourites, Yautacha, Hakkasan keeps the consistent low lighting, modern, oriental theme seamless, but invites a slightly older crowd into its underground haven.

Cocktails

Wondering down the dimly lit staircase, you arrive at double glass doors, gating the main restaurant. Greeted by impeccably dressed women who operate both concierge and reception, a cloak room service is provided before being ushered to your table.

The tables are higher than those at Yautacha, making the restaurant more formal looking yet equally snug. Whilst the fitting décor is eye catching, it was the level of service that struck us most. Within 5 minutes of being seated, and beginning our usual chatter, we were greeted by our waitress. Once we communicated that we would be having the Chinese New Year Menu, she was delighted to recommend the festive cocktail specially formulated for this menu. 

Dim Sum Platter

The cocktail 'Kumquatcha' was a citrus, refreshing mojito like tall glass of goodness comprising of Germana cachaça, Campari, Kumquats, Orange and Lime. This pallet teaser surely awakened our senses, preparing us for the feast ahead. 

First up was Dim Sum, with one of our favourites amongst the mix – Scallops Shui Mai! Tender scallops topped with caviar, an absolute must on every visit.

 Alongside the platter, starters also included fried crab and a spicy lamb. The crab was fried lightly and its lacey coating gave a satisfactory crisp crunch with every bite. 

Fried Crab

Contrary to this, the lamb was well spicy! Flavoured purposefully and wrapped in what tasted like filo, the assortment provided such a variety of complimentary flavours, we were itching to get on to our mains.

Spicy Lamb

The main dishes were served very shortly after our plates were cleared. To some this may feel like the staff are rushing you but true to oriental dining, dishes are to be prepared and eaten in their freshest states so as soon as food is ready, you’ll be served it. Love that!

More seafood was on its way as our mains were presented. Seabass with preserved olive and dry chilli - tasted like nothing we'd ever tasted before; honey glazed Salmon is the closest comparison but still doesn’t justify. The fish literally fell apart as we poked our forks in; coated with a perfectly crispy outer layer, we dug in with no delay. 

Prawn Curry

Alongside the seabass, we were served a Spicy Prawn Curry with Lily Bulb and Garlic Shoot. This dish was much more mellow tasting, with a strong coriander presence.

Seabass

A Cantonese main is not complete until you add some mouth watering fried rice. The New Years menu offers an Abalone and dry scallop fried rice which we could have easily eaten two of (almost asking for another!) 

As you’ll know by now, customer service can make or break our dining experiences, and what is so signature about genuine oriental dining, the staff dare not see you lift a finger. Once our small rice bowls were empty (which was pretty often) the waiters and waitresses were right behind us to give us a top up.

Scallop fried rice

The final component of our main was the Stir-fried Lily Bulb and Garlic Shoot with preserved olive and dry chilli. Honestly, who knew veggies could taste so grand? Green and red colours layered the plate with earthy and hearty flavours, the deal was sealed and we wiped this plate clean.

Kumquat wishing tree

And you know what’s coming now? DESSERT! Not massive fans of chocolate and orange, the Kumquat Wishing Tree was draped with chocolate bars of caramelised macadamia and cocoa rocks. We picked at this simply because of our dislike for that combination but presentation wise, stunning!

As women who love and value the little things, this festive menu invites guests to write their wishes for the year of the sheep, on a decorative bookmark, which they’ll hang around the restaurant. The final treat however was being handed a mysterious red envelope. Hakkasan traded out the cash, which is usually gifted at New Year, and replaced with a voucher for a free cocktail at any Hakkasan in the world including locations such as Dubai, New York, and Las Vegas. Winning!

Hakkasan invites a beautiful dining experience, filled with traditional Cantonese dishes all executed with exquisite service. The New Year Menu is available until Sunday 1st March so head down this weekend and get involved!

Happy New Year! With love from Hakkasan x


Overall WOM Verdict?
CHEWS :)