Kai at Mayfair, London, UK

Was in London for Christmas and New Years Day. Celebrate New Years Eve at Kai Mayfair. Prior to this visit, we came to Kai for Lunch. Knowing we were Malaysians, the chef so kindly greeted us at the table at the end of the meal. Hence, we decided to celebrate New Years Eve here. The chef Alex Chow (is a Malaysian as well) has been published in The Star (Malaysia's largest circulating newspaper) numerous times. Kai is famed for the most expensive soup in the world (Buddha Jump Over the Wall). They serve it at 108 quids per serving.

For this visit, the chef told us he would prepare an exceptional spread for us. We gave him a decent budget and came not knowing what to expect. These were the dishes he prepared in the order it was served.



Seared Diver Scallop- Spicy XO Sauce, lotus root crisp, stir-fried vegetables                             



Lightly seared sirloin- Soy vinaigrette, shallot oil & chopped coriander                             



Braised Abalone- Asparagus, Jus Reduction                          



Wasabi prawns- Mild wasabi mayonnaise, mango & basil seeds                          





Aromatic Crispy Duck- The most iconic ‘Chinese’ dish in the UK probably had its origins as a deep-fried adaptation of the more traditional Peking Duck. It may surprise you to hear that it is a British invention not widely available in the Far East. However, its incredible popularity has undoubtedly earned it a place as a genuine, authentic, Chinese classic.
                          


Lobster Braised with Spring Onions & Ginger- Unusually, a recipe which people in the Far East come to London to eat. It is a dish which has evolved over the years in the London Chinese restaurant to be come a classic. Served with poached egg noodles.
                         


Roasted Chilean Seabass- Caramelised marinade of full-bodied Chinkiang black vinegar syrup, mustard, soy. Chickpeas, shallots & ginger.
                              


Iberico Pork Loin- Crisp bean & shrimp crumble, washington apple compote, granny smith jelly, apple blossom    

     


‘Peranakan’ mango cake- Fresh mango cubes, gula Melaka & coconut ‘milkshake’ / ice cream,  inspired by the flavours of the Peranakan Chinese community of south-west Malaysia.




Durian soufflé, vanilla & salted caramel- Durian & vanilla soufflé, durian tuile, salted caramel sauce.
Native to South-East Asia and regarded as the ‘King of Fruits’, its unique bitter / sweet taste comes for the soft layer surrounding the seeds within a hard, thorny exterior weighing around 2kg.
                          


Amedei chocolate fondant with pistachio- Iranian green pistachio ice cream rolled in pistachio crumbs, cocoa nibs.                             


If you think the food looked good, it tasted even better. Was really impressed that a Malaysian could come this far in the world of international cooking. Kai is currently a one Michelin star restaurant. Will definitely want to come back the next time I am in London.


*Opinions expressed are solely based on my personal experience

Map to Kai Mayfair

Address:
Kai Mayfair,
65 South Audley Street
London W1K 2QU

Contact:
Telephone number: +44 2074938988
Fax: +44 2074931456

Opening hours:
Open from Monday to Sunday
12pm-2pm, 6.30pm-10.45pm