Min Jiang, Kensington – review

For breathtaking views and the finest of dining Lussorian readers need look no further than Min Jiang, an award-winning restaurant situated on the tenth floor of Kensington`s Royal Garden Hotel. Internationally famous it`s been attracting visitors far and wide since opening in 2008, and they come not just for the setting (jaw dropping panoramic views of West London) but also to sample cuisine that can otherwise only be found in China`s gastronomic provinces. I was invited to experience some of their signature dishes and celebrate their spring menu available throughout April.

Diners can enjoy `Legendary wood-fired Beijing Duck` alongside a bottle of Louis Roedrer Champagne, which makes for decadent dining. The duck is delivered in stages, first in slivers of crispy skin which are dipped into fine granulated sugar (a classic treat of old Beijing, very naughty indeed) and then with pancakes, cut finely and cooked so tender as to be mistaken upon appearance for sashimi, it melts in your mouth without any fattiness usually associated with this meat. Finally, guests can choose between several dishes for the remainder of the duck, we opted for a few lightly spiced minced lettuce wraps, aware that more was to follow!

Along came Alaskan black cod cooked following some brilliant yet mysterious method – I have never sliced through cod like butter or known it to have a texture so velvety smooth it made the simple cod feel indulgent. There are other similar temptation to choose from (I`ve already got my eye on their soft shell crab) yet I`d advise sharing a basket of steaming dim sum, they`re lighter and tastier than any other dim sum I’ve ordered and one of their star attractions. In fact, visiting Min Jiang is such a glamorous experience, from the location and setting through to the elegant interior, amazing staff and their attention to detail that it would be makes sense to come more often, even if just for cocktails and dim sum. I can personally testify to an excellent Margarita – although I’m told an Oriental watermelon mojito is where it`s really at.
I leave you with one word: GO. To do otherwise would be to miss out on one of the best dining experience around.

Min Jiang at the Royal Garden Hotel, 2-24 Kensington High Street, London, W8 4PT

www.minjiang.co.uk