Date night! Olivia Gibson reviews Harrods contemporary Chinese restaurant Chai Wu

The menu is brimming with delectable modern Chinese dishes that feature unique twists to elevate the dining experience through bold flavours and exquisite presentation. One dish that truly stood out for its beauty was the steamed dim sum platter, which was visually stunning and bursting with flavours. The platter included options such as crab meat, seafood spinach, crystal sea bass with gold leaf, prawn with black truffle, vegetarian, and my personal favourite - lobster topped with caviar. Each bite-sized piece was perfectly steamed, showcasing a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients that took my taste buds on an exciting journey. Another highlight was the wagyu puffs topped with gold leaf. The succulent and tender meat encased in a light, airy, buttery puff pastry provided a delightful crunch with every bite. Surprisingly, the popcorn shrimp with creamy, spicy dressing became an unexpected favourite of mine, leaving a lasting impression with its tangy flavour and crispy texture. I find myself still reminiscing about this dish and could easily enjoy it regularly.

The highlight was undoubtedly the Beijing duck, accompanied by soft pancakes and mantou buns. This delectable dish was garnished with crisp spring onions, refreshing cucumber, tangy plum sauce, savoury hoisin sauce, spicy Szechuan sauce, zesty siracha, and aromatic garlic truffle oil – a true delight for the taste buds! The succulent duck boasted an impeccable combination of crispy skin, succulent fat, and tender meat, resulting in an unparalleled flavour sensation.

Afterwards, I relished a diverse assortment of sashimi comprising of richly flavoured tuna, salmon, yellowtail, scallop, and maguro. Accompanied by pickled ginger and wasabi, this delectable combination left a lasting impression!

One cannot go without trying the renowned sweet and sour chicken, presented inside a dragonfruit; its heavenly appearance and captivating taste have melted my heart. It comes as no surprise that this dish is a favourite among many, as the combination of sweet and tangy flavours, along with its crispy texture, left me yearning for another bite.

The next dish to arrive was the delectable Chai Wu fried rice, featuring succulent prawns and luscious scallops. It was followed by the delicate baby pak choi and a flavourful sauce made with black truffle and garlic. Soon after, we were treated to the delightful stir-fried lobster noodles, enhanced with the refreshing flavours of ginger and spring onions, providing a satisfying crunch. The fish was skilfully prepared, offering a tender and substantial texture that pleased the taste buds.

Concluding this outstanding dining experience with the Chai Wu dessert platter is truly a delightful choice. The platter showcases a variety of light and delicious sweet treats such as coconut and passion fruit, guava and strawberry sorbet, anko, and raspberry ice cream. One particular standout for me was the rich green tea chocolate fondant with a luscious centre, a dessert I typically wouldn't choose but am grateful that I did!

From the moment I arrived until I left, the service I received was flawless. This can be attributed entirely to the exceptional staff members who were dedicated to their work and incredibly well-informed about every aspect of their job. Their enthusiasm and knowledge were evident in every interaction, and they went above and beyond to ensure that everything ran smoothly during my entire visit. Thanks to their efforts, I could enjoy a seamless and truly memorable experience – I can’t wait to return!

Book your visit: www.chaiwu.co.uk