By Mewati Sitaram
The globally renowned House of Ming, originally founded in New Delhi, is celebrated for offering one of the finest Chinese dining experiences. Now, expanded to London, welcoming locals and guests from around the world. Situated within St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, House of Ming invites diners to indulge in a menu inspired by the bold flavours of Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine, alongside innovative creations from its expert chefs and timeless House of Ming favourites.
House of Ming, a 56-cover restaurant designed by Atelier Wren, blends traditional Chinese elements with bespoke craftsmanship, including hand-painted canvas by Lara Fiorentino and embroidered silk panels by Jacky Puzey. The space exudes elegance with antique brass and handcrafted furniture. Known for one of London’s most romantic dining experiences, it features bespoke loveseats and a discreet button for a surprise from the kitchen. The design, inspired by Ming nobility, incorporates gingko leaves, symbolizing longevity and vitality, creating a unique culinary destination.
Superstar DJ Gok Wan, Chef, and TV personality has exclusively curated a playlist for House of Ming, enhancing the dining experience beyond taste. His carefully selected tracks set a stylish, relaxed ambiance, with the playlist updated seasonally to offer a fresh vibe on every visit.
The restaurant, opened under the guidance of an exceptional team with extensive experience in kitchens across Hong Kong, China, and London, offers a menu inspired by the original House of Ming in New Delhi. With nearly five decades of culinary history, the menu reflects the evolution of House of Ming’s authentic flavours, blending regional Sichuan and Cantonese favourites with a creative twist. The chef has drawn inspiration from his travels, adding unique touches to popular dishes, resulting in an experimental menu designed to delight the palate.
House of Ming’s menu has been thoughtfully curated with culinary additions specific to London, including Yu Xian fresh black cod, diced chicken Tai chin kai, and BBQ lamb with cumin and chili. For those with dietary preferences, there is also a diverse range of vegetarian and vegan options, such as stir-fried edamame beans with Sichuan sauce, crystal pickled vegetables, and the tofu pouch filled with mushroom, water chestnut, garlic, and chili sauce. While the dishes are designed for sharing, the restaurant offers a special single diner menu, allowing solo guests to enjoy a selection of dishes. For an elevated experience, House of Ming also provides an imperial dining option with a ten-course Chef’s Choice menu, exclusively designed for the private dining room, offering a chic and intimate setting.
Mehrnavaz Avari, Area Director Taj UK, inaugurating House of Ming.
It offers an exceptional selection of beverages from around the world. Its wine list features some of the finest wines, focusing on small producers and emerging vineyards, alongside a choice of premium Chinese Chateau wines. Additionally, HOM boasts its own dedicated Tea Sommelier, offering a unique tea trolley with a wide variety of Chinese teas, including white tea, green tea, black tea, and oolong tea, ensuring a refined and diverse drinking experience for every guest.
Sujoy Gupta, Executive Chef at Taj St. James Court, expresses, “Taj has always been renowned for its culinary excellence, a key element of its legacy. House of Ming has rapidly become a favourite among food enthusiasts wherever it has been launched. At Taj Buckingham, we are committed to carrying forward this tradition, with the goal of further enhancing its reputation. Over time, the House of Ming will undoubtedly be recognized for its exceptional Chinese delicacies. Our focus goes beyond maintaining high standards; we are continuously evolving and adapting our legacy to ensure it stays at the forefront of fine dining.”
The Taj Group of Hotels (IHCL) has a rich legacy of introducing exclusive dining experiences, and the launch of House of Ming in London marks a major milestone for classic Chinese cuisine. Established in 1974 at the Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi, House of Ming has expanded to locations like Taj Amer in Jaipur, Taj Lakefront in Bhopal, and now Taj Buckingham in London. Known as India’s first to feature bold Sichuan and Cantonese flavors, it offers a refined dining experience with signature dishes and personalized service, delighting discerning diners while evoking nostalgia.
*House of Ming, closed on Mondays, operates from Tue. to Sun.: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM, 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
