Pan-Asian restaurant Yiqi launches in London’s Chinatown

Pan-Asian restaurant concept YiQi has officially launched its debut location on Chinatown London’s 14 Lisle Street.

Celebrating a range of cuisines from across the ESEA region, YiQi’s menu includes South East Asian dishes, regional Chinese favourites, Korean classics, and Japanese dishes, with recipes and techniques created by chef Lum Wah Cheok, who has worked at Hakkasan and Yauatcha.

Signature dishes include YiQi’s fried cordyceps flower salad, nyonya pandan chicken, charcoal grilled beef short ribs, and skate fish with yuzu, alongside a dessert of wagyu mousse.  

The 2,000 sq ft Chinatown London restaurant has been designed to “convey a warm cultural richness”, featuring a blend of rattan, wood and abacus, all chosen to complement the culinary experience.

YiQi joins Chinatown London’s array of restaurants showcasing the ESEA region, including 2023 arrivals such as Japanese ‘Staircase BBQ’ concept High Yaki, and casual Korean concept Pochawa Grill. 

Andrew Price, executive director at Shaftesbury Capital, said: “The opening of YiQi’s debut restaurant is a brilliant way to start 2024, and is indicative of the unique experiences we look to introduce to Chinatown London. We are always looking to bring distinctive and creative new Asian concepts to the destination, and with its celebration of centuries of dining heritage paired with innovation, YiQi is a fantastic addition to our ESEA food hub.”

Kevin Cheong, concept creator at YiQi, added: “Launching our debut restaurant within the streets of the iconic Chinatown London is a huge milestone for the YiQi brand and we are very grateful for the support received from Shaftesbury Capital. 

“Providing a unique window on the Far East in Europe, Chinatown London is the perfect setting for YiQi’s debut restaurant, and we are delighted to welcome guests to try our authentic dishes created by the renowned Chef Lum Wah Cheok.”