Shaftesbury Capital has unveiled the opening of the Pan-Asian restaurant concept, YiQi, at 14 Lisle Street in Chinatown London.
YiQi’s inaugural location offers a culinary journey through the East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) regions, presenting a menu that combines South East Asian aromas, traditional Chinese flavors, Korean staples, and Japanese finesse. This dynamic array of dishes is the brainchild of Chef Lum Wah Cheok, known for his expertise gained at prestigious dining establishments like Hakkasan and Yauatcha.
The restaurant features standout dishes such as the fried cordyceps flower salad, nyonya pandan chicken, charcoal grilled beef short ribs, and skate fish with yuzu. A unique dessert offering is the wagyu mousse. YiQi’s innovative culinary approach includes techniques like Sous Vide, Teppanyaki, and Binchotan grilling, the latter employing a highly esteemed form of charcoal.
Spanning 2,000 square feet, YiQi’s Chinatown London venue is designed to enhance the dining experience. The décor, comprising rattan, wood, and the symbolic abacus, aligns with the restaurant’s cultural and culinary ethos.
Andrew Price, Executive Director at Shaftesbury Capital, expressed enthusiasm about YiQi’s launch: “The opening of YiQi’s debut restaurant is a brilliant way to start 2024, and is indicative of the unique experiences we look to introduce to Chinatown London. We are always looking to bring distinctive and creative new Asian concepts to the destination, and with its celebration of centuries of dining heritage paired with innovation, YiQi is a fantastic addition to our ESEA food hub.”
Kevin Cheong, Concept Creator at YiQi, also shared his thoughts: “Launching our debut restaurant within the streets of the iconic Chinatown London is a huge milestone for the YiQi brand and we are very grateful for the support received from Shaftesbury Capital. Providing a unique window on the Far East in Europe, Chinatown London is the perfect setting for YiQi’s debut restaurant, and we are delighted to welcome guests to try our authentic dishes created by the renowned Chef Lum Wah Cheok.”
YiQi joins a diverse array of restaurants in Chinatown London, such as the 2023 arrivals Japanese ‘Staircase BBQ’ concept High Yaki, and the casual Korean eatery Pochawa Grill, further solidifying the area’s reputation as a premier destination for ESEA cuisine in Europe.
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