I love Asian food. It’s almost an obsession. It’s the sort of dining that can lift my spirits on even my worst days. Chilli, ginger, noodles and deeply flavoured seafood and meat. What is not to love?
So I was thrilled to be asked to try some of the delights offered by newly appointed Head Chef Jun Yung Ng at Straits Kitchen. This was to be Asian food at it’s best!
Situated in the imposing Pan Pacific Hotel, we were treated to views of Tower Bridge in the near distance and wrapped in a very warm welcome. The restaurant is intimate but buzzing, with a cool vibe but friendly atmosphere. A perfect place for a date night or perhaps a relaxed work meet up. The menu is incredibly extensive, offering goodies such as sharing platters loaded with duck rolls, satay chicken, golden vegetable cups and more. Plenty for all tastes! The cocktail, mocktails and wine lists were varied and considerable, it was almost hard to choose our drinks. But when we finally did, we opted for a couple of fruity, refreshing and very pretty mocktails. A wonderful partner to our delicious starter platter which included perfectly cooked scallops in delicate sauce and those exceptional duck rolls!
I was craving noodles and I adore seafood so I chose the Hokkien Mee with egg noodles, king prawns, giant squid rings and shredded vegetables. A thing of joy, bursting with goodness and flavour! Although, I had dining envy when I spotted my partner’s meal arrive. He went for the Hainanese Chicken Rice, with corn-fed chicken, fragrant chicken rice with ginger purée, dark soy and sweet chilli dips. Plus a side of fried onion and tofu broth poured from a tea pot, which ensured deep flavours and added moisture to the dish.
Our side dishes were just as carefully thought out and beautifully presented, with some ridiculously tasty broccoli that would have tempted even a fussy toddler to eat their greens!
Also at the helm is Cherish Finden. This superstar pastry chef is behind the selection of beautiful, hand crafted dessert and patisserie – these desserts are on another level! If you wish for drama in your pudding – Straits Kitchen delivers! These are true works of art! My Apple dessert seemed simple and classic in its description on the menu. Apple compote, caramel sponge, and cinnamon crumble were the only clues in writing, but what was produced was one of the most stunning and intricate desserts I’ve ever seen. This is the work of an incredibly talented and dedicated chef. And the taste of it matched its wonderful looks – no wonder this dessert is fast becoming a firm favourite star dish of the restaurant.
Straits Kitchen also offers a Sunday menu delivering a Sunday roast with a twist. Where succulent Asian roasting meats take centre stage at carving stations alongside a selection of seasonal sides, followed by a generous dessert buffet. And believe me, you must leave room for the desserts! If you’d like to visit Straits Kitchen find more details.
Review and images by Saffron Bentley Meet the Team
