Chai Wu restaurant on Harrods Fifth floor has been offering up contemporary pan-Asian dishes since its opening back in February. At the launch (which was a particularly lavish bash), I wondered whether dinner would live up to expectation. I finally got to visit last week and was impressed by the stunning presentation, delicious food and decadent surroundings, although this indulgent experience did come with a rather hefty price tag (as you’d expect when eating in the heart of Knightsbridge in an infamous building).
The interior concept at Chai Wu is inspired by the 5 elements in Chinese philosophy, so you get a slick contemporary design incorporating wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Although it is located on the Fifth floor near the sportswear and shoe departments, you do feel tucked away and separate from the actual store, once inside.
Living up to its ‘money no object’ Chai Wu mantra, we were offered champagne as soon as we sat, while we waited for our mixed sashimi platter to arrive. I’m a massive Japanese food fan and this didn’t disappoint – a gorgeous mix of high quality tuna, salmon, yellow tail and scallop on a bed of bamboo leaves. The salt and pepper squid with chill was deep fried and served with spring onions – again a very appetising starter from the small dishes section, but a little pricey at £15.
The steamed dim sum platter came next (£32) – a favourite of my friend Sylwi. Definitely dressed to impress, these extravagant dim sums included lobster with caviar and crystal sea bass with edible gold leaf – one of the showiest snacks I think I’ve seen. With the ingredients packed tightly into each dumpling, these were really filling and I had to stop myself from eating them all, knowing there were a few more courses to come!
Beijing duck followed – a Chai Wu signature dish served in two courses. As the big glossy bird was brought to the table and carved up in front of us, it looked almost too good to eat, but the carnivore in us kicked in and we devoured fresh pancakes with all manner of dips and sauces. The second serving of duck was minced and came back to the table wrapped in lettuce.
I absolutely loved the main dishes – massive Malaysian coconut prawns, wok fried and covered in toasted coconut, I think this had to be my absolute favourite, mainly down to the fact I really love the sweet and savoury combination. Together with an ample bowl of egg fried rice, we enjoyed this along with the sweet and sour chicken which came served in a scooped out dragon fruit. A very fancy take on a Chinese classic and really delicious, all washed down with a very expensive bottle of buttery Chablis – minerally and lemony with a long finish.
Unfortunately we didn’t manage dessert – the store closes at 9pm as does the restaurant and because we’d been sitting for hours chatting and devouring each dish, we didn’t realise the time! We were also suitably stuffed and couldn’t actually manage another thing.
Try Chai Wu if you’re looking to impress – the restaurant certainly has the wow factor in terms of food and price… and make sure you get there early!
