Hakkasan is one of those places ranked up among the overrated clouds such as Nobu and Zuma. Even though it sounds like a Japanese restaurant, its actually Chinese. Next thought which runs through is why would you pay over 50 quid for a fine cuisine Chinese dinner?
There is no validated answer for dining at Hakksan especially if you're an Asian. However if you've got too much money in your piggy bank (or really dont but couldn't care less) then an experience at Hakksan can be added to the list of 'one of the places you have to go before you die'.
With 1 Michelin star, you would think the location would be well thought of however it is situated in a corner at the very end of an alleyway. There are lights closer to the restaurant however I wouldn't encourage ladies to walk to and fro the restaurant. Why? Simply because I had a pick pocketing experience-right outside Hakksan.
I was walking from Tottenham station to the restaurant which GoogleMap said it'll take roughly 4 minutes and after walking down one alleyway, I could see a dim light with bouncers at the end of the second alleyway which suggested Hakksan. The Merc outside it confirmed it. A few steps before approaching the entrance, I thought I felt a slight nudge to my right hip and suddenly felt 'werid'. I automatically turned around to face three guys with the white guy in the middle looking rather shocked with a blue bandana scarf held out towards me. Took me awhile to realize it but that scarf was probably meant to hide away whatever they were going to steal away from me. After a shocked glare, I turned back and hurried towards the restaurant. I felt my bag which was to my right hip and it was open, EEK. Luckily there was only my camera and sanitary pad inside my bag (phone and wallet always in my pockets) but if that bastard did end up stealing my camera, I would be running down his ass. (Its brand new and my 21st bday present from my mum so I would run after him even if my heels killed me). Haha it would be funny if they just took my sanitary pad. LOL. As shocked as I was, this was the first time I've ever been 'attempted' pick pocketed and when I told the staff at Hakksan, they appeared to be concern but it was easy to tell they really didn't care unless the police was contacted. Regardless, they would need to up their security plans for their customers before the gang targeting the Hakksan's clients get too cosy.
Atmosphere wise, Hakksan has a weird incense burning throughout the entire restaurant which should either be changed or not be used at all. The place is a dark interior and the dining area is separated from bar which is where they place you if you arrive too early. (Yes, I awkwardly stood there for 2 minutes before I went up to the entrance for some blackberry aid. Only O2 seemed to have reception down there, come on Orange!!) They have tried to fuse some Asian designs with a modern twist which resulted in black furniture and colourful lights. Its very dark and the music is blasted which makes it appear to be more of a club. Hmmm.... The staff at Hakksan is A* where they really do tend to your every need so thumbs up there.
That night, it was a company of 4 and after looking at the menu, we all opted for a'la carte and would do a Chinese share the dishes dinner. They do have a group set dinner menu which start from 35 pounds and end in the high hundreds. However if you're not a fan of the usual Chinese dishes then opt for the a'la carte. These are the dishes we ended up with:
China ware at Hakksan. Simple and elegant. Personally it depicts a painted Chinese cloud with modernised colours. Doesn't the plate sort of look like a supporting moon??? Come to think of it, I forgot to turn around the plate and look at the makers mark....sigh. Anyhow, I'm thankful that the cups have remained traditional and not one of those ones with Western handles.
Our appetizer was the dim sum platter which does not fill one up at all but they are all so yummy. Presentation is neat and the taste of each dim sum was legit. They are abnormally larger than usual dim sum pieces but who's complaining about that? What surprised me was that it actually tasted like Hong Kong dim sum. If the prices for their dim sum during lunchtime wasn't so expensive, then I'm quite sure all the Asians would be flocking there instead of Chinatown. Great shame, maybe they should do a dim sum promotion.
One of the main dishes, quail in lotus leaf. If you want to taste home made then be sure to order this. Do not be deceived by its foul appearance. Why are good things always looking so nasty.
Grilled seabass with fried mushrooms.
Very sweet fish which was probably marinated and glazed with honey of some sort. Tasted more like teriyaki fish. The fried mushroom was light and non oily which made it a good snack on its own. Not so sure about the combination between the fish and the mushroom though.
Fried pork with sweet sauce.
Larger versions of siu yuk, crunchy and salty. There is alot of fat on the pork but strangely enough you don't experience the disgusting soft fat. Not sure what they did but it melts really well in the mouth with the crunchy top part of the pork. Fave!
Fried beans with nuts. Spicy and good.
Seafood pot. Tasty but nothing special, a smaller version of hot pot. Could've ordered something else.
Overall, the food at Hakksan is tasty and supposedly spiced up to be considered 'fine cuisine' however it is everything one can get in Shanghai or Hongkong for an extremely cheap price. However reality is reality and this is London. Even though Chinese food here has improved over the years, as a fellow Chinese, it feels rather weird to spend alot of money on simple Asian dishes but since London isn't going to adapt to the standard of Asia so soon, the fact that Hakkasan has this standard is rather impressive. Or more like, thankful that we can get some piece of mind or 'home' someplace which is so far from what we truly know.
So for the price of 42 quid, Hakksan wins its place closer to Home.
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