I love a visit to an Ivy restaurant. From my first time when I went to the original one in Covent Garden and sat on a table next to Jilly Cooper (don’t know how I stopped myself from telling her how much I love her books!), it’s always been a real treat for me. They are so stylish and I’m always happy with my food – usually sticking to pretty much the same dishes every time, I like them that much. I also love Asian food so imagine my excitement when I heard that they were opening Ivy Asia. Actually there’s two of them and today we headed to the King’s Road in Chelsea to try one out.
The decor is nothing short of spectacular. It’s glitzy and sparkly and cool with vibrant colours and the most stunning green glass floor. It makes you feel like you’re entering into some magical land…which I guess you are!
And the menu is a thing of beauty offering a range of dishes taking inspiration largely from Japan, Thailand and China. There’s so much choice, the only way I could deal with my acute menu indecision was to focus on one section and make all my choices from there. So we had a selection of small dishes. A great decision as it turns out.
What’s on the menu
I can always polish off a bowl of edamame and these were flamed and came with a spicy dip. A great way to wake up the taste buds in preparation for the feast ahead.
Next up a bowl of popcorn shrimp with spicy cream sauce. A dish to dream about – crunchy, luscious shrimp coated in an indulgent creamy sauce.
The spiced beef and lamb with pink peppercorn are peppery (well, they would be) and beautifully tender and flavoursome.
And there had to be dumplings. We chose sesame crusted prawn ones – possibly the best dumplings I’ve ever sampled. And I’ve eaten my share of them…
Our final choice was this delightful buttermilk chicken which is coated with a gochujung glaze and comes with wasabi mayo for dipping. I rarely order chicken in a restaurant but this is a fabulous dish. Chicken has never tasted so good!
Here’s a taster of the fabulous decor – I particularly loved the green, glossy floor.
And how about these fish chopstick holders? Attention to detail is superb, someone has thought of everything down to the stylish pagoda badges sported by the waiting staff. Ivy Asia you have captured my heart and my taste buds. And I have many more sections of the menu to sample. Good news all round.
Today’s price point
Our selection of small dishes came in at a very affordable £40.70.
Both red and white wine start from £27 a bottle.
Ivy Asia Chelsea is at 201-203 King’s Road, Chelsea SW3
