The background

Celebrating the rich heritage and thriving food culture of China’s Nanyang region, Nanyang Blossom opened its doors at 12 Knightsbridge Green at the start of June. Its delectable menu has been conceived by celebrated Asian and Cantonese chef de cuisine Daren Liew.

The space

Nanyang Blossom’s small but gloriously elegant dining space is a lesson in the art of decadence. Capturing the essence of China with metallic gold drapery and walls offset against deep walnut furniture and bright floral table decorations, it’s low lit and plays a gentle soundtrack of classic Chinese music replicating the sounds of nature. This perfectly sets the tone for taking a slower pace and really enjoying the feast that ensues.

The food

Anyone who knows about Daren Liew’s skills in the kitchen should order from his special tasting menu, which rounds up the best of the best from the main menu. A standout starter for Brummell was the seaweed prawn toast, a perfectly crafted slice of edible heaven, where the prawns are blended with edamame and topped with almond slices – a familiar dish taken to new levels thanks to Liew.

Just when we were hankering for more toast, the friendly waitress delivered the deluxe Hokkien “stir-fry” to the table: a hearty mix of giant wild prawns, six-head abalone, crispy noodles, hot spring egg (added to the dish at the table) and grated salted fish roe (also ceremoniously grated over the dish at the table): a vibrantly flavourful choice that is a real feast for the senses. If seafood is your thing, this is a must-order.

Meat eaters can enjoy Knightsbridge crispy beef ribs with caramelised pineapple and a succulent jasper-grilled Baba chicken with blue pea rice, but should you have a non-meat eater at the table the restaurant will happily accommodate. We opted for the chargrilled baby octopus with blue pea rice, which gets its baby blue colour from a traditional (edible) Chinese flower.

The inspiration of nature continues through to Liew’s Nanyang dessert symphony – which included a creamy coffee crème brûlée. There is also a generous and creative selection of crafted cocktails and mocktails – we recommend the Tropical Bramble (Bobby’s gin, lychee syrup, citrus, blackberry) and the Lychee Passion Ice-Tea is a refreshing non-alcoholic alternative.

The bill

Chef Daren Liew’s Tasting Menu is £88 per person (minimum order for two, 24-hours’ notice required), cocktails from £15, mocktails from £10.

The verdict

A calm, welcoming environment and some of the most delicious Asian cuisine we’ve ever tasted, all in a beautiful Knightsbridge setting. The food here ticks the box for covering all the familiar favourites but takes it up a notch for a truly elegant dining experience. See you at the golden bar!

Nanyang Blossom, 12 Knightsbridge Green, London SW1X 7QL; nanyangblossom.co.uk