House of Ming Brings Authentic Sichuan and Cantonese Flavors to London's St. James' Court, A Taj Hotel

Globally acclaimed House of Ming is set to open its doors in London this spring, launching a sister restaurant at St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel. This highly anticipated opening will introduce diners to authentic Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine, promising an exquisite culinary journey.

Key Takeaways

• House of Ming, a sister restaurant to the popular New Delhi location, will open on May 25th.
• The menu features authentic Sichuan and Cantonese dishes, including an extensive Dim Sum selection and signature items like the Flaming Duck.
• The restaurant boasts an elegant interior inspired by the Ming Dynasty, designed by Atelier Wren.
• A unique romantic dining experience is offered with private love seats and a special call button for service.
• A dedicated Tea Sommelier and a curated cocktail menu featuring Asian-inspired flavors will complement the dining experience.

A Culinary Gem Arrives in London

The new London outpost of House of Ming, set to open on May 25th, is a sister establishment to the renowned restaurant at the Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi. Guests can anticipate a sophisticated dining experience that marries traditional Sichuan and Cantonese culinary arts with contemporary flair. Mehrnavaz Avari, area director for the UK and general manager at St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, expressed excitement about the restaurant’s arrival, stating, "We are delighted to welcome House of Ming to the Taj Hotels in London, and we are excited for the restaurant to make its mark into the London food scene with unrivaled Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine matched with astonishingly beautiful interiors.”

Elegant Interiors Inspired by the Ming Dynasty

The restaurant's interior design, crafted by award-winning designers Atelier Wren, evokes the grandeur of the Ming Dynasty. It seamlessly blends traditional Chinese design elements with bespoke craftsmanship and artistry, creating a rich and intimate dining space. The 56-seater restaurant features a striking palette of green hues and lush red lacquer, accented with antique brass and handcrafted furniture. Hand-painted ceilings by Lara Fiorentino, inspired by Chinese silk screen paintings, depict motifs of pine trees, mountains, and ginkgo leaves. Large, embroidered silk panels by artist Jacky Puzey further enhance the aesthetic, incorporating plum blossom appliqué for a delicate touch.

A Unique and Romantic Dining Experience

House of Ming is poised to offer one of London's most romantic dining experiences. The restaurant features two exclusive sets of bespoke love seats, each with its own curtain for enhanced intimacy. These unique seating areas are equipped with a discreet brass button to summon service, adding a touch of surprise and personalized attention. The golden seats are upholstered in Opium fabric, and marble tables are illuminated by distinctive "twisted gingko" pendant lights.

A Culinary Team and Exquisite Menu

The restaurant will operate under the guidance of a seasoned team, including food and beverage manager Asif Bajwa, executive chef Sujoy Gupta, and Hong Kong-born head chef Dickson Leung. Chef Leung brings a wealth of experience from prestigious restaurants in China and London. The menu is designed to be modern and accessible, showcasing celebrated authentic flavors from China's provinces. It offers a variety of shareable dishes that balance hot, sweet, and sour notes, alongside an extensive Dim Sum selection. Highlights include prawn truffle siu mai, crispy taro and oyster dumplings, and classic char siu bao. Small plates feature items like salt & pepper water chestnut and stuffed crab claws, while larger plates include stir-fried lobster and the signature Flaming Duck, which is presented with a traditional gong sound and flambéed at the table.

For a truly exclusive experience, an imperial dining option offers a seventeen-course menu curated by the chef, available in the private dining room.

A World of Beverages

Complementing the culinary offerings, House of Ming presents a diverse beverage selection. This includes a variety of Chinese teas—white, green, black, and oolong—served with the assistance of a dedicated Tea Sommelier and a unique tea trolley. The cocktail menu features innovative drinks with Asian-inspired flavors, such as the House of Zhu, a vodka cocktail with clarified oolong tea and grapefruit bitter, served in a traditional Chinese teapot.

Sources

• House of Ming to launch sister restaurant at London's A Taj Hotel, Foodservice Equipment Journal.