Shikumen is a three restaurant chain (if I remember correctly). We first went there when they opened a branch inside the new Dorsett Hotel near Aldgate Tube station - they were having a 50% off opening sale. That time we had mostly dim sum and one prawn with chili and cashew dish. We liked it so much we went back before the sale ended.
Just before Christmas they had another flash sale. First 100 people could buy a gift certificate for half price. We bought two £40 vouchers for £20 and sat back to wait for the new year.
Our first visit was last Wednesday and we decided our voucher would go towards dinner this time. It’s expensive Chinese food - elegant and nicely cooked. Service is friendly and courteous so we feel welcome. The space is clean and richly furnished. And no worries about the state of the toilets - this is a hotel! One caveat - it’s warm in here - dress accordingly!
Wednesday, we chose carefully: A small but satisfying hot and sour soup (complete with tiny prawns and scallops), our usual crispy prawns with chili and cashew nut, eggplant with minced chicken in Sechuan sauce, egg fried rice, and a pot of oolong - promptly refilled halfway through our meal. We spent an extra £4 plus service charge of about £5. Sorted!
We’re already looking forward to spending our next voucher. It’s not been easy finding a Chinese restaurant we like in London, although the search goes on for something more affordable and down to earth, but this is a nice treat.
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