When visiting Chi Kitchen the other day I remembered two important things about living in London.

The first is the best places are slightly off the beaten track – the pan-Asian restaurant is just a minute’s walk from Oxford Street - one of the busiest streets in the capital.

The second is to always look up as you never know what you may find.

I spent two years of my life, admittedly over 10 years ago, in that area of London but I had never noticed the restaurant on the walk back to Bond Street station, even when I returned recently to visit a friend.

Now I know Chi Kitchen is there, I may well visit again as you can get a taste of Asia.

Indeed, we had food from China, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia, while enjoying a Thai beer or two.

The restaurant itself is bright and vibrant and, most importantly, feels warm and welcoming especially in these winter months.

Prawn Crackers

To kick things off, we opted for some prawn crackers with dips. Now, I’ve had these in Chinese takeaways and like them but these were the best I’ve ever had.

Then salmon sushi rolls, with a mist surrounding them, created by dry ice and water, came to our table.

I’ve never tried sushi before but I must say I enjoyed eating them with chopsticks, which added to the fun.

I may not have a textbook technique with chopsticks but they went from the plate to my mouth without falling on the floor so that was a win in my book.

Tom attempting to use chopsticks

As a starter, we both went for the roasted wagyu beef puffs which were certainly hotter than we had originally anticipated. However, they were delicious and I’d highly recommend them.

Roasted wagyu beef puffs

My main course was the Korean steak. I’d been to South Korea and I enjoyed the food there, in particular bibimbap, but I’d never tried a steak there.

While expensive, it was worth every penny and warmed me up no end. It was perfectly seasoned and the sauce was excellent.

Korean steak

My friend, on the other hand, opted for the kung po chicken stir fry and the portion size was certainly one to fill him up and he thoroughly enjoyed it.

For dessert, I went for sago gula melaka, which is a Malaysian sweet, and I must say it rounded off the whole meal perfectly.

Sago gula melaka

Would I go back again? Absolutely. Next time I catch up with my friend in the area, I’m going to suggest we go there for some food rather than our usual place.

Factbox

Price: £30-50 a head

Address: Debenhams, Oxford Street, Marylebone, London W1C 1JG - it's at the back of the shop in relation to Oxford Street. It can be accessed on the corner of Henrietta Place and Marylebone Lane

Opening Hours: 7.30am-10.30pm weekdays, 9.30am-10.30pm Saturday, 11.30am-10pm Sunday

Telephone: 0203 841 6888

Website: chikitchen.co.uk

Parking: Multi storey car park on Marylebone Lane

Dress Code: Smart Casual

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