What: A high-end Asian restaurant in Knightsbridge that celebrates ‘the rich heritage and thriving food culture of the Nanyang region’. Translating as ‘southern ocean’, Nanyang is the Chinese term for the parts of Southeast Asia that are accessible from China’s southern coastal regions (it is also used to describe people living in South East Asia that are of Chinese descent).
Who: Nanyang Blossom is headed by Daren Liew whose CV includes senior roles at a number of top Chinese restaurants in London including Hakkasan, Duddells and the Good Earth group. Even more relevant to this project - which sees Cantonese technique applied to Malay dishes and ingredients - are posts at The Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons Hotel in Singapore and Malaysia. Front of house is overseen by David Chan, whose CV includes Zen in Hampstead and Phoenix Palace in Marylebone.
The food: Artfully presented, Liew’s dishes are in general original creations with options including a stir fry of abalone, wild prawns and noodles; oatmeal-battered squid with curry leaf and coconut butter; and red honey chicken with toasted walnut, chilli and pea beans. There are also a handful of more obvious Malay-inspired dishes crab fritters flavoured with ginger flower and lime leaf; seaweed prawn toast with edamame; and an exceptional chicken satay topped with cinnamon-spiced pineapple. Prices are in line with other lusary Asain restarants in the capital with smaller plates averaging out at £20 and larger dishes ranging from £30 to £78. There are two tasting menus available: the £128 Nanyang Essence and the £188 Nanyang Symphony.
To drink: Starting at £38 a bottle, Nanyang’s wine list is not short of premium options topping out at £4,000 for a 1986 Château Lafite-Rothschild. The cocktails echo the theme of the menu with options including Dragon Breath (Mancino Sakura, red vermouth, cranberry juice and Champagne)and the eponymous Nanyang Blossom (Tito’s vodka, lychee juice, citrus, coconut and violet syrup).
The vibe: Set over two floors, the 56-cover restaurant and bar blends Chinese and Malaysian elements with design details include mahogany panelling, ornate Chinese stonework, chandeliers and chairs upholstered in vibrantly coloured fabrics. There is a 30-cover area downstairs with its own bar that doubles as a PDR.
And another thing: Nanyang Blossom is one of a handful of London restaurants to serve the furiously expensive Musang King durian. Billed as an ‘explosion of Asia’, the dish costs £30 and sees the famously smelly fruit served in thin crepes.
12 Knightsbridge Green, London SW1X 7QL