Chai Wu, Harrods

“Adding a luxury spin to the best of pan-Asian cuisine, Chai Wu boasts a menu that is bursting with flavours, textures and colours. You’ll find picture-perfect dim sum (topped with beluga caviar, gold leaf or black truffle), alongside sizzling Szechuan chicken and Japanese Miyazaki beef.”

Review

Embarking on a culinary journey at Chai Wu in the heart of Harrods, London, was an experience that exceeded all expectations. From the moment we stepped through the doors, we were greeted with warmth, setting the tone for an unforgettable dining experience.

Each dish we sampled was a testament to the skill and creativity of the chefs at Chai Wu. The Truffle Har Gao, with its delicate flavours and luxurious truffle accents, set the bar high from the start. Equally impressive were the Wagyu Puffs, which practically melted in our mouths, leaving us craving more.

As we continued our culinary exploration, the Seared Salmon and O-Toro Nigiri showcased the freshest seafood expertly paired with perfectly prepared rice, resulting in a symphony of flavours. The Peking Duck with pancakes was a true delight, each bite offering a perfect balance of savoury and sweet. This was followed by Duck Fried Rice and Schezwan Chicken both of which were revelations of authentic Chinese flavours, expertly balanced and executed with finesse.

In addition to the incredible food, the atmosphere at Chai Wu was lively and welcoming, making us feel right at home. And with the recent expansions, the restaurant now offers even more space for diners to relax and enjoy their meal.

Although Chai Wu's service is usually exemplary, our visit was during a particularly time and fell slightly short of expectations. The bustling atmosphere seemed to overwhelm the staff, resulting in slower-than-usual attention to our table. While the quality of service may have been affected by the rush, it's worth noting that this was not representative of our typical experiences at Chai Wu.

It's worth mentioning that dining at Chai Wu is on the pricier side, especially in comparison to other restaurants of the same standard. This is primarily down to being located in Harrods and the premium attached to this. However, the taste and quality of the food justify the cost. For anyone looking to indulge in authentic Chinese cuisine in London, this restaurant is an absolute must-visit. 

With its impeccable food, welcoming atmosphere, and recent expansions, Chai Wu is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone dining there.

What we ordered

Wagyu Puffs - £25

2x Otoro Nigiri - £21 (£10.50ea)

2x Sake Nigiri - £11 (£5.50ea)

Prawn Dumplings With Black Truffle - £22

Half Duck - £82

Chicken With Szechuan Sauce - £36

Still Water (75CL) - £7.60

Service Charge @ 12.5% - £25.58

TOTAL BILL (2 People) - £230.18

Final Ratings:

Food Quality: 9.5/10

Service: 7.5/10

Ambience: 8/10

Value for Money: 7/10

SK ESCAPES RATING: 8 / 10