There are moments in London that feel like a secret whispered just for you, a pocket of impossible calm tucked away from the city’s relentless rhythm. Stepping from the sharp-suited energy of Liverpool Street into the serene embrace of the Straits Kitchen at Pan Pacific London is precisely one of them. The air changes, softens. The world outside fades to a distant hum. As you ascend the magnificent, swirling staircase to Straits Kitchen, that feeling of transport only deepens. It’s a space that breathes elegance, with soaring glass windows that frame the city like a living painting and soft, inviting curves that promise comfort. It’s here, in this urban sanctuary, that I discovered their new summer menu: a vibrant, intelligent celebration of Southeast Asian flavours that I simply have to share.
An Unforgettable Culinary Journey
From the moment you’re greeted, there’s a sense of genuine warmth that elevates the experience beyond simple luxury. The atmosphere is one of relaxed sophistication; it’s undeniably a fine dining establishment, yet it’s entirely devoid of stiffness. The service is a masterclass in intuition, attentive without ever hovering, with a quiet confidence that makes you feel utterly cared for. We opted for the five-course Experience Menu, a beautifully curated journey through the kitchen’s heart. Each dish that arrived was a work of art, a testament to Executive Head Chef Adam Bateman’s vision of weaving the best of British produce into the bold, exciting tapestry of Singaporean cuisine.
The Stars of the Show
Where to even begin? The meal opened with a chilled native scallop, its sweetness a perfect counterpoint to a delicate soy and red curry crisp that provided a whisper of heat. But it was the Cornish crab pappardelle that truly stole my heart. The ribbons of fresh pasta were coated in a luscious laksa emulsion so fragrant and complex it felt both comforting and thrillingly new, with a hint of chili that danced on the palate.
Just when I thought it couldn’t get better, the two-day braised Hereford beef short rib arrived. It was a moment of pure culinary bliss, so impossibly tender it yielded to the gentle nudge of a fork, its richness perfectly balanced by a glossy sweet soy and stout jus and the sharp, bright notes of hibiscus-pickled onions. We also couldn’t resist adding the glazed truffled hispi cabbage, a side dish so masterfully executed with its layers of savoury, earthy flavour that it nearly upstaged the main event. And for dessert, the ice-cream sandwich with its vanilla and soy caramel centre was a playful, yet utterly delicious, finale.
A Taste of Modern Singapore
Straits Kitchen is a beautiful, thoughtful homage to the melting pot of cultures that defines Singapore. The cuisine is a delightful and clever fusion of Southeast Asian traditions and modern European techniques. The focus on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients is not just a talking point here; it’s a philosophy that shines through in the profound freshness and vibrancy of every dish. The atmosphere mirrors the food: one of modern luxury, with a subtle Asian influence in the décor that is both chic and deeply calming. It’s the kind of place that feels truly special, yet wonderfully unstuffy.
Who is it For?
This is a restaurant for the discerning diner, for someone who appreciates the finer things in life but also craves an experience that is authentic and full of heart. It’s for the couple celebrating an anniversary, lost in conversation in a quiet corner booth. It’s for the group of friends marking a milestone, their laughter mingling with the soft clink of glasses. It’s for the solo traveller seeking a moment of exquisite indulgence. If you have a passion for travel and a love for food that tells a story, you will be utterly charmed by Straits Kitchen.
An Unmissable London Experience
In a city filled with endless dining options, Straits Kitchen truly stands out. It is a celebration of flavour, a testament to culinary artistry, and a beautiful, restorative escape from the everyday. For an experience that is both elegant and exciting, a taste of Southeast Asia in the most luxurious of settings, Straits Kitchen is, without a doubt, an essential London destination.
