Someone brought me to the moon
Located on the 33rd floor of The Shard, one of the London’s most iconic skyscrapers, Hutong offers a dining experience that transports guests to the luxury Chinese cuisine with their breathtaking views.
While I was taking the stairs, I already felt that our evening was destined to be an unforgettable love story. It was a heartfelt love letter from my significant other that added a touch of enchantment to our already special day.
Ambience:
The interior was a captivating fusion of contemporary chic and traditional Chinese elements that set the stage for an enchanting culinary journey. With a moody dark room, bathed in moody red lighting, and intricate latticework, it created an intimate setting that to celebrate one of the most cherished moments.
However, it was the view that truly stole my heart – with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a mesmerizing panorama of the London skyline, including my favorite sight, Tower Bridge. It transformed the restaurant into a haven for starry-eyed couples like us, where love seemed to be etched into every corner.
Service:
The staff played no pivotal role in making our evening memorable. They were inattentive and appeared quite casual. The quality of their service resembled that of a casual place in Chinatown. Charging a 15% service fee for this level of service was questionable.
Drink:
They had a good wine list. Although I’m not sure if the price tag was entirely honest. I suppose half of the cost was attributed to the view.
Recommend to try their artisan cocktails expertly crafted in our Shanghai Bar as well.
Price: £££
Amidst the captivating view and the embrace of sophisticated luxury, the price feels like a fair trade for the enchantment. While their appetizers and desserts lean toward the pricier side, their main dishes offer a delicious value that warms the heart.
What I Ordered:
Chilled thinly cut pork belly with cucumber slices
It is one of my dad’s favorite appetizer dishes, and it’s also one of my favorites.
This dish had an artful presentation, arranged gracefully. The contrast in textures was immediately apparent, as the silky, tender pork belly met the refreshing crunch of the cucumbers.
Pan fried Iberico pork dumpling
The pan-frying technique unveiled a work of art—a beautifully crisp exterior, which greeted each bite with a satisfying crunch.
As I savored each bite, the natural sweetness of the pork danced with umami notes, resulting in a symphony of flavors that felt like a warm, comforting embrace. No sauce was needed; the love story was complete as it was.
Roasted Peking duck
I can’t speak for everyone, but for me, Peking duck is more than a mere dish. A perfect Peking Duck immerses you in the depths of tradition, craftsmanship, and an unrivaled tapestry of flavors that sweep you off your feet.
First and foremost, the performance of carving the duck tableside is a vital aspect of this dish. Please, don’t bring a random lady. This dish requires finesse to engage with the splendid duck. Unfortunately, the meat was sliced too thick. To be precise, I have a preference for just the skin – the crispy, paper-thin skin.
Additionally, the pancakes required a bit more steaming, as they were somewhat powdery.
I appreciate the concept of being able to try the Duck in two ways though, and actually I found the second serving more enjoyable, possibly because of the immature roasting and carving techniques employed for that style.
I could distinctly savor the delightful aroma of Chinese pepper and fell in love with it.
*Wok fried kai-lan with ginger sauce
I must confess, I found this dish quite delightful. Their ginger sauce was nothing short of perfection.
Yet, I understand that it may not be the star of the show that everyone rushes to order or capture with their cameras, so I’ll conclude here.
You’ll find it in the next image, subtly enhancing the backdrop for the rice – a hidden gem, just like a quiet, unspoken love story.
*Seafood fried rice with dried salted shrimp & ginger
They fried the rice exceptionally well. It wasn’t overly oily and received a perfect stir-frying. I experienced a warm embrace of ginger, followed by the savory, slightly briny notes of the salted shrimp.
These shrimp had an intense umami flavor, and their texture was spot on.
Mango pudding with fruit salsa, mandarin sorbet
While they didn’t have sorbet as it says on the menu, and it appeared the portions were rather modest, the flavors were lovely.
Conclusion:
Hutong London is a restaurant renowned for its stunning ambiance, though some may question the quality of their service and the authenticity of the Chinese culinary experience they provide.
Whether you’re in search of a romantic dinner with a view, planning a special celebration, or just aiming for a memorable night out with your colleagues, Hutong is a top choice for anyone seeking an elevated dining experience in the heart of London.
Tips from Hanako:
- Be sure to make a reservation in advance to secure a table with a view.
- They have a set menu but I recommend to order A La Carte.
- If I were you, I would dress up, but a casual dress code is also acceptable.
- Your company does not like Chinese? Poor you, than Aqua Shard is another option.
- Check my another Chinese recommendation Gouqi, which is located in centre of London
