Tao Group Hospitality opened the first Hakkasan in London in 2001. Thus, a culinary institution was born that soon became a popular dining destination in London and just about every city where Hakkasan set up operations. Renowned for its remarkable Cantonese cuisine, Hakkasan has tantalised the tastebuds of gourmands worldwide. And Hakkasan has now arrived in Muscat much to the delight of fans of the brand and foodies alike.
The acclaimed brand, which bagged Michelin stars in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, has debuted at The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort. We were invited to a special launch event presented in true Hakkasan style, which included great food, heady cocktails, music and even some entertainment. After all, Hakkasan is not just a dining destination but an experience in itself.
A floral tunnel at the entrance of Hakkasan leads into the alluring, dim interiors where you come up to the bar counter lit up in the luminescent blue light that the brand’s fans are bound to recognise. The restaurant’s interiors feature intricate wooden accents, spacious dining spaces that include inviting alcoves and upbeat music to set the tone. The outdoor seating is just as captivating as the interiors and is perfect with the weather set to become more pleasant soon. The Hakkasan Muscat team is upbeat, attentive, and discerning, which added to our experience.
Our menu for the evening included some of the best picks from the menu. Our absolute favourites in the starters were the Supreme Dim Sum platter, which is a must-have, especially on a maiden visit and the crispy duck salad that had us going for seconds. The charcoal-grilled Chilean Seabass is a Hakkasan signature speciality and one of the most popular dishes among diners. The seabass is often served with Chinese honey but in Muscat, it’s the Omani honey that is drizzled over the fish. An absolute culinary masterpiece, this is one dish you might end up ordering every time you visit Hakkasan. We were blown away by the delicate yet distinctive flavour profile of the Wagyu Beef Fried rice. And it’s best enjoyed without any accompaniments.
The pièce de résistance of the evening for us was the Milk Chocolate and Hazelnut Parfait served with warm chocolate sauce. Crunchy and rich with a soft centre, this delightful dessert, yet another Hakkasan speciality, was the perfect ending to a wonderful evening.
Dining at Hakkasan is a sensory experience, and it’s no different at the Muscat outpost. From the chic, almost mysterious ambience to the exquisite menu and the wonderful staff, Hakkasan is a dining delight.