Luxury Pan Asian Restaurant Bugis Kitchen Arrives in Kensington – Review

Get ready to fire up your taste buds, with international Head Chef Sang’s exotic Pan Asian cuisine. Drawing inspiration from traditional Asian flavours, and expertly reworked with a contemporary twist, these delicate small plate dishes are great for sharing and comparing.

Located in the heart of Kensington within the grand Copthorne Tara Hotel, Bugis provides an intimate and sophisticated dining experience. Ideally situated for hotel residents, locals and shoppers on the famous Kensington High Street, the rich interior and friendly staff are dressed to impress.

We were invited to indulge in their new fusion menu for the restaurant’s grand opening. Their repertoire of exotic dishes incorporates classic spices and flavours from the Orient with expertly sourced ingredients. These reimagined delicacies pay homage to traditional Malaysian, Chinese and Thai cuisine, along with Bugis very own special sauce.

Stand-out dishes include spiced corn-fed Chicken Satay Skewers with a sticky soy and peanut glaze, an imaginative update on the traditional satay recipe. Egg Fried Rice is given a make-over by using delicious Burford Brown eggs for added depth of flavour.

For vegetarians, the Salt & Pepper Chicken can be adjusted to include a mouth-watering cauliflower creation, all tossed with Bugis spice and garnished with garlic aioli. Traditional squid is also available.

The Nasi Goreng, a tantalising spicy fried rice with emulsified preserved chilli, shrimp sauce, pickled cucumber and fried egg is expertly fiery.

Other hero dishes include Hainanese Chicken with Bugis Signature Sauce and Peppered Hereford Sirloin Steak. Prime cuts of feather-soft steak, presented on a bed of savoy cabbage and topped with a pepper sauce. A rich and hearty dish which should satisfy the hungriest diner. Another unexpected delight was a Black Rice Pudding with ice cream, this creamy and light dessert is delicate and not too sweet.

The restaurant has an impressive wine list, with pairing wines to suit all tastes, plus a menu of exotic cocktails, with and without alcohol. On this occasion, we indulged in minty Mojitos with plenty of crushed ice, as well as a refreshing fruit punch.

To book visit www.millenniumhotels.com/en/london/copthorne-tara-hotel-london-kensington/bugisstreet

Address: The Copthorne Tara Hotel, Scarsdale Place Kensington London, W8 5SR

By Claire Bloom

Photos by Tara Copthorne