Chugoku Ryori Daizawa Kin'i

At Chugoku Ryori Daizawa Kin'i, the tantanmen has made such an impression that one diner said it was the dish that turned them into a fan. Another lunch guest paired the rich sesame-and-chilli noodle soup with a set offering a choice of three small sides, enjoying the chance to mix and match. For a more substantial lunch, make the noodles the centrepiece, or choose a set that comes with small dishes, dim sum and dessert.

Mapo tofu is another option for anyone seeking heat. One diner described it as “extremely spicy”; someone who added it to a meal with colleagues also found it very hot, but reported that its flavour lingered invitingly. For an evening built around several dishes, orders mentioned by diners include steamed grouper from the Goto Islands, prawn spring rolls and Sichuan-style chicken. One recommendation highlights the steamed grouper, while another meal stood out for chicken with a punch of black vinegar and an appetiser with a pleasingly crisp jellyfish texture. A set course featuring seasonal seafood and vegetables is also available, with the restaurant’s signature prawn shumai and Sichuan-style chicken included in one plan.

Chinese tea makes a considered accompaniment to the food. Jasmine tea is light and refreshing, with a soft floral fragrance; Oriental Beauty has a fuller flavour and a honeyed, fruity aroma. Longjing is another choice for lingering over tea after the meal. Whether you come for a leisurely lunch built around one dish or an evening of dim sum and seafood, there are several ways to shape the meal to suit your mood.