Oh my! Our experience of the new lunch menu at Zheng Chelsea, the London outpost of the Oxford restaurant, was just marvellous. As we walked up to the gorgeous restaurant, we were greeted with such warmth, just as you would be welcomed to someone’s home. The restaurant has such a lovely style and the decor is incredible and highly tasteful. The tables are also unique and made from a material which wipes clean instantly and still manages to look very high end! Upon enquiring, they have been specially ordered in from Denmark.
Malaysian cuisine has been something I have really enjoyed as it is an eclectic fusion of so many wonderful South East Asian flavours. For our starters we shared a selection that included Vegetarian Spring Rolls, Salt and Pepper squid and Satay chicken skewers.
Each one was so tasty, full of flavours and spices, and rather addictive. My favourite was definitely the salt and pepper squid, which had a lovely crunchy exterior, was so well seasoned, and served with delicious garnishes of chopped spring onions and finely sliced red chillies.
The satay chicken skewers were also sublime. The perfectly cooked chicken pieces were covered with a delicious peanut marinade and some extra satay sauce was served as a dip on the side, which was scrumptious, and I also enjoyed dipping my vegetable spring roll in the sauce.
For mains we were spoilt with so much choice, and was so happy when the chef offered to make the decision for us, and he picked really well too! We shared Mango Chicken and Roast Duck, which both come served with rice and a salad, and are both such a generous portion!
Roast duck was just phenomenal – I loved that there were hints of Chinese cooking in some of the dishes, and it pretty much not only had amazing Malaysian dishes, but other South East Asian favourites too.
The mango chicken was a revelation – I wasn’t sure how the two would go together but they really complimented each other so well. The mango was diced into the tiniest of cubes, and was so fresh and juicy, and the chicken was cooked so well and had so much depth of flavour. I really enjoyed this dish, and both portions were such great ones, so really ideal for lunch.
For dessert we shared Sagu Melaka, which is something I actually tried when I was last in Malaysia. It is made by boiling pearl sago in water. Various layers and flavours are added to it and it is usually served chilled – the ideal way to end a spicy meal.
We also tried the Kuih Ketayap, which was such a gorgeous green colour and beautifully presented, and is a pandan pancake filled with coconut palm sugar coconut filling. It was so delicious and it brought some nostalgia about something from my childhood, but I have yet to figure out what!
Both desserts were scrumptious and I thoroughly enjoyed my entire meal from start to end. The service was excellent, and the staff were so lovely and friendly. The restaurant is close to South Kensington Station, and is a stunning space, and really lovely for lunch.
The Lunch menu is such great value if you are in the area and fancy something different to the usual sandwich. You can have one course for £13.50, two courses for £16.90 and three courses for £21.90. The portion sizes are really good and you would definitely leave full and satisfied as the food is divine.
The restaurant is also an ideal venue for dinner, whether it is a catch up with your family or friends, and it has such a fantastic ambience. If you are on the hunt for somewhere new to try or fancy really excellent Malaysian cuisine, get yourself to Zheng Chelsea!
You can visit their website here.
Disclaimer: My meal was complimentary but all views and photos are my own.
Angie says
I really enjoyed this restaurant too 🙂
Laura says
That lunch menu is such good value! The food sounds and looks delicious!
Sarah Taylor says
Thank you Binny – great review!