"A Culinary Adventure at Bugis Kitchen: A Taste of Southeast Asia in London Tucked inside the elegant Copthorne Tara Hotel in London Kensington, Bugis Kitchen is a hidden gem offering a delightful journey through the rich and diverse flavours of Southeast Asia. During our visit, we indulged in a variety of dishes that left our taste buds singing. Here’s a detailed account of our culinary adventure. Starters: A Promising Beginning Chicken Satay Our meal began with the Chicken Satay, featuring corn-fed chicken skewers served with cucumber, red onion, and a spicy peanut sauce. The skewers were perfectly grilled, tender, and flavorful. The accompanying peanut sauce added a rich, nutty depth that complemented the freshness of the cucumber and the sharpness of the red onion. Mongolian Prawn Next, we tried the Mongolian Prawn. This dish featured succulent prawns in a light batter, stir-fried with a sweet and savoury sauce infused with a hint of black pepper. The prawns were delightfully crispy on the outside while maintaining a juicy interior, making it a standout starter. Mains: A Feast of Flavors Chicken Curry Malay Style For the main course, we savoured the Chicken Curry Malay Style. This dish showcased tender chicken pieces cooked in a blend of authentic Malay spices, with okra, potatoes, red chilli, and coconut milk. The curry was rich and aromatic, with a perfect balance of spice and creaminess that made it incredibly satisfying. Beef Rendang The Beef Rendang, a slow-cooked beef stew with coconut milk and spices, was another highlight. The beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the complex flavours of the stew were deeply comforting. This dish is a must-try for anyone who enjoys robust, hearty flavours. Chilli Crab A visit to Bugis Kitchen wouldn’t be complete without trying the Chilli Crab. The whole crab was braised in a spicy-sweet egg gravy that was simply irresistible. The sauce was so delectable that we eagerly mopped it up with the accompanying Mantou Buns, not wanting to leave a single drop behind. Char Kway Teow The Char Kway Teow was a delightful stir-fry of flat rice noodles with egg, prawns, beansprouts, a hint of chilli, and sweet soy sauce. The noodles were perfectly cooked, and the dish had a wonderful smokiness from the stir-frying process, known as wok hei. Nasi Goreng Our final main was the Nasi Goreng, a flavorful fried rice served with satay, shrimp, peanut sauce, prawn crackers, and a fried egg. This dish was a delightful mix of textures and flavours, with the peanut sauce adding a rich creaminess to the perfectly cooked fried rice. Desserts: A Sweet Ending Bubur Cha-Cha For dessert, we sampled the Bubur Cha-Cha, a dish of taro, sweet potato, and pearl sago infused with coconut milk. The dessert was pleasantly sweet and had a comforting, creamy texture that was quite enjoyable. Red Bean Sago Lastly, we tried the Red Bean Sago, a red bean sago infused with coconut milk. While I didn’t personally enjoy this dessert, my wife found it quite palatable. The unique texture and flavour combination may be an acquired taste for some. Service and Atmosphere The service at Bugis Kitchen was exceptional, with Abbas ensuring we had a memorable dining experience. Additionally, all the meat served at the restaurant is Halal, catering to diverse dietary preferences. Final Thoughts Bugis Kitchen offers a vibrant and authentic taste of Southeast Asia in the heart of London. From the rich and spicy curries to the sweet and savoury seafood, every dish is a testament to the region’s culinary heritage. If you find yourself in London Kensington, a visit to Bugis Kitchen is a must."
Peking Duck
