The first of the Hakkasan realm of restaurants, Hanway Place plays host to a celebration of food, drink and dance (known as the Izakaya concept) with its limited edition summer menu.
Mirroring the dishes launched in Hakkasan, Mykonos in Greece, diners will be able to opt for one of three choices from the Ling Ling menu:
– Fish and seafood
– Meat and seafood
– Vegetarian.
And this week we sampled the variety of Cantonese-style dishes which are “perfect for island living and late night revelry”.
But on our own English island and in the heart of London, the vibe was fun, the food had flair and the drinks were flowing. While we sipped on bubbly, a signature cocktail to accompany the dishes has also been released – the Ling Ling Collins.
My favourite was the grilled Chilean seabass in honey, oozing with taste and textures. The seabass slithered on the tongue; it was smoky yet sweet which contrasted with the crispy deep fried mushroom nestled on top.
Next the spicey prawn with lily bulb and almond left an explosion in the mouth – hot but moreish and the plump prawn was beautifully juicy.
The homemade pumpkin tofu was deep-fried and a rather nice alternate dish among the seafood dishes. Crispy on the outside and squidgy on the inside, there was just the right hint of pumpkin to mask the distinctive flavour of the tofu.
And the steamed dim sum platter of scallop shumai came beautifully presented in the bamboo steamer.
The array of macarons were a feast for the eyes, each with their own distinct flavour. I bit into a pink macaron which radiated flowery tastes in the palate, a rose-water-like tang.
And I also sampled a macaron filled with sweet chocolate, ending the evening on a sugary high.
The limited edition Ling Ling summer menu will be available at Hakkasan Hanway Place and Mayfair until 31 August, priced at £35/person and £45/person respectively.