Saturday 14 November 2009

Yauatcha, 15 Broadwick Street, London

Awarded a Michelin star in 2005 and retaining one ever since, Alan Yau now has two top draw restaurants in his portfolio in Hakkasan and Yauatcha.  Yauatcha delivers a stylish update to the oriental tea house serving classic and contemporary dim sum right throughout the day.


Located in the backwaters of Soho, Yauatcha isn't the easiest place to find, but there's no mistaking its sleek blue glass exterior once you arrive. From the outside, you're offered a tantalising glimpse of beautifully crafted single desserts laid out in orderly rows, already signalling a departure from the traditional dim sum experience.

Yauatcha's dim sum is edgy and original with a contemporary twist applied to old classics with some surprising results. Given the sophisticated surroundings, this is dim sum for the discerning diner. During the daytime, Yauatcha draws crowds of London's young trendy urbanites taking a break from the nearby Oxford Street shopping. Evening time gives way to small groups and couples it seems, revelling in the buzzy atmosphere. Make sure you book a table downstairs to make the most of the moody underground bar/club feeling.

Playing a classy riff on the traditional dim sum experience, Yauatcha lands firmly on the must-try list for those who enjoy high quality Chinese cuisine in an equally sophisticated setting.

0871 971 3443