Blog2020-11-17T21:23:21+00:00

Szechuan style cooking

By |January 25th, 2024|Categories: Blog|

The cold weather makes us crave spice and variety in our diet. A slender red or green chilli set on a dish of almost anything definitely piques our excitement and interest, and even the sight and aroma can do wonders for the body and mind. Spices used in Chinese cuisine perform various functions in enhancing or even subduing over-powering flavours that can come across too strong. Come to think of [...]

Winter warmth and comfort

By |January 18th, 2024|Categories: Blog|

Eating well during the winter months counts for a lot. When the cold steals away our warmth, it’s vital to take care of our bodies by nurturing, celebrating and sharing. Food brings us these benefits and when shared, can bring healing and light into our days and nights. Which would you say are the foods that bring you warm comfort in the winter? And how do you cook them, if you [...]

Unique combinations of ingredients

By |January 10th, 2024|Categories: Blog|

What makes dishes compelling are their aromatic ingredients combined with their nutritional value. Together this makes a compelling combination that tastes unique. The next time you are dining with us, venture to taste some of the more exotic we have to offer on our menu. Couple it with our popular wines, making your experience a fine one. Delicious dishes begin with good ingredients. A simple cooking process is also a [...]

Happy New Year 2024

By |January 1st, 2024|Categories: Blog|

A very Happy New Year 2024 everyone! The new year is always an exciting time; a chance for new beginnings, a chance to start on a clean slate. I am thrilled to see Naturally Chinese step into the next year and with a whole host of new choices that are to come with the territory. There is the feeling of wanting to purge all the old clutter to make room [...]

Appreciating The Quiet Moments

By |December 30th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

We thank you all for your loyalty and support this year. Looking back on 2023 –in spite of the uncertainty and vulnerability most of us have faced, we are thankful to have been able to have kept up and running. We’ve had the opportunity to re-assess goals and make some important changes. And in doing so, have been able to better our service to you. Whatever your plans may be [...]

A Christmas Feast

By |December 14th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

Celebrate this festive season with one of the most auspicious dishes on our menu. The art of roasting duck has been in practice since Imperial times of the dynastic eras in China. Traditionally, the delectable Peking duck is served on most auspicious of occasions. The ceremonial aspect of slicing the crispy outer layer of the roast at the dinner table in front of guests is what makes a great presentation [...]

A cup of warmth and festive spirit

By |December 10th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

Our favourite festive drink comes to mind as this time of year is always very special. The lights, the get togethers with family and the chance for giving back brings warmth and happiness to the heart. Eating with friends and family is a pleasure and a luxury that shouldn’t be taken for granted for at the end of the day, these memories we remember and cherish the most. They are [...]

Setting Your Christmas Table

By |December 6th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

Christmas trees decorated. Lights lining the window panes looking as Christmasy as they can. And what’s left now is all the planning, list making, shopping and also what we tend to leave out last — the relaxing for the holidays. Christmas being essentially the season for family and friends to make time to gather and re-connect is a special one, calling for special things in our life, special food that [...]

Heart warming season

By |November 25th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

Braising in a hot clay pot retaining its moisture and warmth, this dish can be enjoyed with a steamy bowl of rice and a side of green vegetable. A full to medium bodied wine like our house or shiraz works very well with this hot pot. I have a particular fondness for Autumn and especially the advent of Winter. It puts me in the mood to take comfort in a [...]

Bold flavours

By |November 18th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

We take pride in our heartwarming dishes that present a distinct dark, rich gravy to achieve perfect balance of flavour. For those who enjoy a hearty bit of pork, choose from cutlets in a honey peppercorn sauce, sweet and sour sauce or a sea salt and peppercorn cure. And it has been common practice for patrons to mop up all those succulent juices that make these dishes special. A favourite [...]

On a cold rainy night….

By |November 10th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

The sound of coffee beans grinding to brew an aromatic fresh cup infused with a dash of baileys or tia maria — the winter liqueur coffee has been in top demand this month. One wouldn’t necessarily think of Naturally Chinese to be a restaurant serving liqueur coffees, however we are a non traditional Chinese restaurant with an appreciation for fine wines, desserts and coffees alongside a modern Chinese menu. Everything tastes [...]

The culmination of a dish

By |November 3rd, 2023|Categories: Blog|

A Chinese proverb goes: “The more you eat, the less flavour; the less you eat, the more flavour.” In keeping with this old adage, I think of the complex simplicity in the art of Chinese cooking and the aesthetics that go into enjoying a meal. It may be thought that Chinese cooking is fast, easy to assemble and ready to go, but indeed lies a mystery still that though all [...]

Why Colour matters

By |October 26th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

As part of the restaurant’s ethos of maintaining a connection with nature and incorporating a sense of earthiness, green plays an important part of our brand. It’s made more sense as we’ve come a long way since our commencement; striving to offer freshness and clean taste through our cuisine and how we serve it to you. Why is a colour so important? It speaks of something one cannot always articulate, [...]

Delightful Morsels

By |October 17th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

A typical Chinese restaurant serving dim sum on the weekend is a scene of the bustle of energy created from coming together over little morsels of beautifully crafted foods. The art of eating dim sum lies in sharing and sampling those delectable delights. It will always taste better when shared and depending on the occasion, Prosecco or wine can make an interesting combination with it. And if you’d prefer not to [...]

A passion for cooking

By |October 8th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

What makes a culinary fusion interesting might be in using a range of all time staple foods with authentic spices and herbs, and doused with an essence of something seasonal. It’s like taking an old favourite dish, deconstructing it, building it up step by step with a new perspective in mind. Therein also lies a hunger for adventure in creating an entirely new dish. Like any art, it takes years [...]

Autumn sensibilities

By |October 1st, 2023|Categories: Blog|

Traditionally, the Moonlight Festival in China marks the change from summer to autumn at the harvest. With the clear change in weather, it is time to prepare for one of the best seasons of the year. Here are a few things I love to do in Autumn, and to me presents the best way to enjoy the season. We’ve been graced this year with a marvellous run of Summer, and [...]

Seasonal Food Inspiration

By |September 25th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

The beauty in nature is abundant and never short of inspiring. The leaves continue to turn a warm shade of pink, to a deeper red. There are also the golden leaves that hang like large coins gracefully from the trees. Just as a connection with nature is vital for our well being, so also is our connection with natural foods. The two are interconnected.  At Naturally Chinese, I follow on [...]

Heartwarming Celebratory Food

By |September 18th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

This season can be the best time to get together with friends and family to renew those connections we so often take for granted. A celebratory time calls for an auspicious dish, and at Naturally Chinese, there’s a familiar ritual to gather over delicious food and wine. Get set for those fabulous September days. Perhaps one of the best months of the year to be in England –it comes with [...]

The Spice Flower

By |September 12th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

The aroma is testament to how potent these Szechuan peppers really are –the flower pepper that is relished in the region it is grown. Interestingly, this dish although sea food, is paired well with our house red wine or a glass of Rioja. Try our szechuan style chicken or king prawn dish is the perfect concoction of sichuan pepper with spring onions, red chillies and a delicious sauce to bring [...]

Innovative and Delicious

By |September 5th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

In the Shandong region of China, and unlike the southern areas where Hong Kong master chefs specialise in dim sum and the use of spices and flash frying, the northern way of cooking emphasis on accentuating the main flavour of the seafood. Here are some of our delectable seafood treats you won’t want to miss: Crab and Pumpkin Dumplings This was crafted by our pastry chef David Chang whose passion [...]

Nutritious Greens

By |August 26th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

In Chinese cuisine, vegetables play an important role. Aside from the aesthetics of giving colour and vibrance to accompany any dish, Chinese greens can be cooked in many ways which is what makes eating them quite exciting. The methods of cooking vary, going back to the various regions in China in their ways of preserving vegetables or consuming them fresh on a daily basis. From blanching to stir frying to [...]

Art in cooking

By |August 20th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

What makes a culinary fusion interesting might be in using a range of all time staple foods with authentic spices and herbs, and doused with an essence of something seasonal. It’s like taking an old favourite dish, deconstructing it, building it up step by step with a new perspective in mind. Therein also lies a hunger for adventure in creating an entirely new dish. Like any art, it takes years [...]

Slow Eating and Appreciation

By |August 12th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

The ethos at Naturally Chinese has always been to incorporate this quality of home cooking. We bring to you a space where you can relax and take your time. Flowers and plants help soothe and bring a sense of calm to the experience. Unlike the fast food approach, we hope to promote a longer drawn out dining experience, where you can take time to relish more nuanced tastes in our [...]

Serving quality cuisine

By |August 4th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

It’s a struggle in today’s world as there are various factors that make it difficult to sustain. But therein lies the desire even more so, to see the success of bringing good food and nutrition to the community. Going against the current is a hard thing but is not an option when you feel passionately about something and you just have to do it. There is great scope in the [...]

Spare ribs in honey sauce

By |July 28th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

Sometimes a plate of succulent ribs and a cool beer just hits the spot, especially on a sunny sweltering day.  And if it has crossed your mind to feast on a summer favourite such as ribs — The chefs at Naturally Chinese have worked these different styles of ribs on the menu. The idea is small plates as appetizers or even a tapas style dining experience. This Cantonese style of [...]

On the rotisserie

By |July 22nd, 2023|Categories: Blog|

Cooked just at the right temperature, with succulent juices in each bite and crackling rind around, this dish has to be one of my favourites. The fat is just as important as the tenderness of the meat and the crispiness of the rind. To pair this dish with wine, try our house red or a Rioja. A complement of pak choi greens make a good balance to this wholesome meal. [...]

Understanding what we eat

By |July 14th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

There is great value in understanding the foods you’re fond of and why they make you feel good. It’s simple details such as these that brings the food we eat closer to an understanding of our health and vitality. The time it takes to wash, nurture, and cook real foods also brings a sense of simple achievement to our daily lives. This ties in with our philosophy for eating and the [...]

Summer Wine and Food

By |July 6th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

Those precious days of sunshine are coveted. And though they flit between the thick clouds even in what is supposed to be the middle of Summer, we need to make the best of it. The important thing is to get out of the house and soak up as much Vitamin D as you can. Give yourself to a DIY day off — with an afternoon lie in the sun in the [...]

Taste of the Sea

By |June 24th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

The sizzling hot fish that comes out of the steamer strewn with sticks of ginger and spring onions is best enjoyed with our range of white wines. And though this is a dish that can be easily cooked at home, the delight comes from having it served to you fresh off the steamer.A touch of garnish such as coriander brings a feeling into play, one of freshness — wondering even where [...]

New spring of Modern Chinese cuisine

By |June 17th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

Chinese cuisine traditionally has always maintained a healthy approach to food. And from the possibilities remain endless for the new spring of modern Chinese cuisine. Whether it be chopping, tossing, flash frying or carving a flower out of a vegetable, there’s an art or science to it all. And so the search to evolve the cuisine continues, listening to feedback from customers, keeping an ear to the ground to see [...]

Crispy Chicken Deliciousness

By |June 10th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

Chicken in a crispy golden batter – all cooked from scratch and fresh off the pan. It doesn’t finish there. It has a perfect lemon sauce to accompany. A burst of citrus zing, light and smooth. This dish is best served for one as a main or shared by two as a starter. There are a dozen or more ways to make a lemon chicken. It’s the dish I’d like to say [...]

Aromatic ingredients

By |June 2nd, 2023|Categories: Blog|

What makes some of these special dishes fine are their aromatic ingredients combined with their nutritional value. Together this makes a compelling combination that tastes unique. The next time you are dining with us, venture to taste some of the more exotic we have to offer on our menu. Couple it with our popular wines, making your experience a fine one. Delicious dishes begin with good ingredients. A simple cooking [...]

Wellness

By |May 25th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

Many times the stress of life takes over our better judgement and we can forget to take time to evaluate what we put into our bodies. Whether it be taking more vigilant steps to enforce our health and safety practices, or using the highest quality ingredients possible in our cooking, our focus is to help you bring to focus wellness and good food to your homes. We are in the [...]

Naturally Chinese in nature

By |May 21st, 2023|Categories: Blog|

Chinese cuisine offers a range of foods, not only the usually meat dishes like pork, beef and chicken, or seafood and fish, but even vegetarian. From zingy ginger, crunchy turnip to peppery mustard greens, the aim is to deliver the crisp flavour of these vegetables in the dishes we serve. Much of our focus at Naturally Chinese has been on sourcing ingredients as fresh as possible. I wanted to highlight [...]

Eat Fresh

By |May 10th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

It’s not just about what we eat, it’s also what we contribute to our environment. It is easy to see that if we treat our environment well, and give it the care and sustainability it requires, it will take care of us in the long run. Every small deed counts, whether it be eating locally grown foods, cultivating your own vegetables in the back garden, saving on gas, energy and water, [...]

National Vegetarian Week

By |May 5th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

An exciting proposition in the third week of May (15th- 21st), is the focus on tantalising options for vegetarian cooking and dishes. The Vegetarian Society of the UK promotes this week as one to celebrate vegetarianism. On a more pertinent point, the goal is to go meatless.  Of course, it is a choice that is not always easy or accessible for everyone to make. However, for the National Vegetarian Week, [...]

New season new energy

By |April 24th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

The foods we eat play an important role in maintaining our energy levels. A detox of some kind while at the same time keeping the essential nutrition makes a good start. I always like to begin my detox menu with a pot of jasmine tea. Sipping on this fragrant concoction awakens the senses and builds an appetite for a wholesome meal. Hints of Spring are in the air, and although [...]

The joy of Chinese cooking

By |April 14th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

It may be thought that Chinese cooking is fast, easy to assemble and ready to go, but indeed lies a mystery still that though all these three things are true, the complexity in details is what brings a dish to its culmination. A Chinese proverb goes: “The more you eat, the less flavour; the less you eat, the more flavour.” In keeping with this old adage, I think of the [...]

Happy 11th Birthday Naturally Chinese

By |April 6th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

After completing a decade of still standing strong, Naturally Chinese celebrates its 11th anniversary today. We've evolved and come a long way through the years. And  it has been fulfilling to watch the developments in the restaurant take their course. With the creativity of many people who have worked for us, the restaurant is what it it today along with a steadfast mission to serve top quality Chinese cuisine with [...]

Nature’s ingredients

By |April 4th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

The beauty in nature is abundant and never short of inspiring. Just as a connection with nature is vital for our well being, so also is our connection with natural foods. The two are interconnected.  At Naturally Chinese, I follow on the ethos of keeping a connection with nature, be it in the flower pots on every table to the combination of dishes that fit well together. When a natural [...]

Sustainable and quality food

By |March 28th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

Our mission stands to serve quality to you. We want our food to be delicious and safe at the same time. For us it is not a case of serving bulk, but a respect for your needs and to illuminate on the dishes we serve. We want our cuisine to transcend with being safe for people of all allergies to be able to enjoy, at the same time using sustainable [...]

Heavenly delights

By |March 21st, 2023|Categories: Blog|

Taking a bite into one of these heavenly delights is a treat to behold. Going for a dim sum experience cannot be complete without a serving of char sui bao that is fresh, and warm, with a texture – as a customer recently said – that feels like biting into a soft cloud. At Naturally Chinese, this Cantonese specialty is served steamed. A filling of barbecued pork makes a delicious [...]

March is for mums

By |March 12th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

One of the biggest celebrations of the year is here again, and it means that Spring is nearing! Mother's Day is Sunday, the 19th of March and we at Naturally Chinese are looking forward to welcoming you and your mums, and family to commemorate this beautiful occasion. We have a tradition of celebrating Mother’s Day with you. Our auspicious lunch has always been a traditional preparation of the Peking Duck [...]

International Women’s Day 2023

By |March 8th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

As Spring unfolds, we observe the celebration of International Women’s Day, and the recognition for the progress of social, cultural, economic and political achievements for all women in all walks of life. Women need to support other women, be ambitious for change and see the bigger picture.  And for 2023 the slogan is for Digitall: Innovation and technology for gender equality.  This is powerful in that as women, we need [...]

Healthy luxuries

By |February 25th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

To enjoy a small bowl of rice, some kind of meat and vegetables is a luxury in itself. Bringing together a group of foods to accentuate taste, delight, aroma and nourishment is the complex simplicity of Chinese cuisine. A good chef knows how much cinnamon, sichuan pepper or fennel to use in a pot au feu, and it takes years of understanding the elements of taste to harmonise a dish. [...]

Kick of spice

By |February 19th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

For that kick of spice to the palette, this makes for an exciting dish to order and try at least once. Our chefs make it in a way that is unique to Naturally Chinese’s ethos of natural flavour and clean taste. The aroma is testament to how potent these Szechuan peppers really are –the flower pepper that is relished in the region it is grown. Interestingly, this dish although sea food, [...]

Valentine Celebration

By |February 13th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

There is more reason to cheer up the home with bouquets of flowers and warm up with candlelight especially on those cold nights. Maybe that is why we have the season of love in Spring. But more importantly, the focus on good health and rejuvenation is called for during the coming of Spring. So how would you spend your Valentine’s Day? Would you bake a sweetheart cake for your loved [...]

Spring Energy

By |February 11th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

Our bodies are strong and resilient, but can very easily be let down by environmental and other hazards. Making the effort to eat healthy, clean, and cooking with foods that boost our immunity, we can be one step ahead. We at Naturally Chinese continue to practice this and incorporate in our cooking ingredients that continue to bring you good health. The following weeks to come, we will be featuring some [...]

The Year of The Rabbit

By |January 18th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

These dark days of winter leave no excuse to have an abundant table of good food, warmth and great company. We welcome the Year of The Rabbit this 2023, and no matter how big or small your party may be, our menu has various choices for you and your guests. In celebration of Chinese new year,  Naturally Chinese prepares its auspicious Peking Duck for the occasion, where our chefs get to [...]

Sourcing Sustainable Foods

By |January 12th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

Here at Naturally Chinese, one of our main tasks this year is to source as much sustainable foods into our menu. We believe that serving these will make a huge difference. Stay tuned for our updates to the menu, and the introduction of some of our chef’s specials and new dishes to tantalise over. We’re bringing more colour to your plate. Depending on what your needs and aims are for [...]

The Taste of Goodness

By |January 6th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

Be it a traditional dinner roast, to the taste of spaghetti and meatballs or, in the case of Chinese food, a plate of crispy custard buns or bowl of comforting noodles, the thought of home food goodness is very appealing to us at the end of the day. It’s familiar, safe and brings us back to balance with what we know and fuels us. The taste of home cooking can [...]

A New Chapter

By |December 31st, 2022|Categories: Blog|

As we put 2022 to rest, the new year comes with the chance for renewal and a new chapter. Keeping in mind the good and the other that we’ve had in the year serves as a reminder helping us to better our year ahead. I’ve always found this month before the new year to be one of the most creative and even spontaneous. And whatever the project I undertake, I [...]

A happy Christmas celebration

By |December 20th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

The chance for renewal and the start of something new and putting to rest the year behind us. We shouldn’t forget the year as they are reminders to move forward. This time of year is always very special. The lights, the get togethers with family and the chance for giving back brings warmth and happiness to the heart. Eating with friends and family is a pleasure and a luxury that [...]

Igniting the Christmas Spirit

By |December 13th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Bring out your best self this Winter. In spite of the cold and dark days upon us, there's every reason to celebrate the light within you. And after a long day of work, and when it’s warm and cozy in the comfort of your own home, this recipe is like magic to lift the spirits and put you in the mood for the Christmas. A mild touch of cinnamon and [...]

Power dumplings

By |December 7th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Since the pandemic, we at Naturally Chinese have been working to create dishes that bring health and well being to our customers. As an option you can now have a healthy array of foods that you might not get elsewhere. We designed an approach to serving dishes with ingredients that support the immune system, and hopefully keep infections away and overcome viruses. With the flu season coming in, we bring [...]

Clean tasting and healthy food

By |December 1st, 2022|Categories: Blog|

As we ascribe to the practices of preparing gluten free food in our kitchen, we continue to keep cross contamination at bay, at all costs, whilst serving clean and healthy food. We serve organic eggs and chicken (certified organic by the soil association), as sourced by a local British farm with high safety and hygiene practices. It is our quest to make sure that we serve top quality cuisine and [...]

Fruits from the Sea

By |November 16th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

In China, various concoctions of seafood are common in the coastal but mostly stem for the north east coastal region. This is the Shandong region, and unlike the southern areas where Hong Kong master chefs specialise in dim sum and the use of spices and flash frying, the northern way of cooking emphasis on accentuating the main flavour of the seafood. Here are some of our delectable seafood treats you [...]

Nutritional benefits

By |November 10th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Chinese cuisine is undoubtedly more complex than it might seem. The finer foods require attention to subtle details that elevate the dining experience, by finding ways to keep the dishes delicious without compromising on the nutritional benefits. For instance, we don’t use any artificial food colouring. If you see a bright ochre, we will have used turmeric which not only provides that golden yellow which forms the aesthetic colour palette [...]

Serving quality food to you

By |November 2nd, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Demand for good high quality food, we believe, is going to become more and more relevant to the discussion on sustainability of food. With the growth of diets depending on their protein source coming from chickens or other meats, it is important to care about the process of growing these protein sources and making sure that we are putting quality foods into our daily diets. As a customer, it is [...]

Concoction of flavour

By |October 25th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

In Asian cuisine, very often the range of vegetables runs between a variety of colours, textures and tastes. This is to bring balance of sweet, bitter, astringent and sour. The smooth, salty and spicy are added by way of spices, salts and oils. A sprinkle of seeds such as sesame are a common practice. In designing our menu, the pairing of all these factors have been paramount in creating the [...]

Homestyle Peking Duck

By |October 15th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

We’re in the run up to Winter, and as the Autumn leaves turn to gold, we begin to feel the need for comfort, warmth and connection. This season can be the best time to get together with friends and family to renew those connections we so often take for granted. A celebratory time calls for an auspicious dish, and at Naturally Chinese, there’s a familiar ritual to gather over delicious [...]

Authenticity in food

By |October 5th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Transparency and integrity are two key qualities that we constantly work hard to achieve for our brand. Transparency in our processes and integrity in our service. With the growth of our gluten free cuisine, there has come the ever important responsibility to make sure all processes are followed as per the standards set. What we value is our authenticity in our food and that delivery of food and service to [...]

A closer look

By |October 1st, 2022|Categories: Blog|

The leaves continue to turn a warm shade of pink, to a deeper red. There are also the golden leaves that hang like large coins gracefully from the trees. The beauty in nature is abundant and never short of inspiring. Just as a connection with nature is vital for our well being, so also is our connection with natural foods. The two are interconnected.  At Naturally Chinese, I follow on [...]

Chinese aesthetics in cooking

By |September 22nd, 2022|Categories: Blog|

A Chinese proverb goes: “The more you eat, the less flavour; the less you eat, the more flavour.” In keeping with this old adage, I think of the complex simplicity in the art of Chinese cooking and the aesthetics that go into enjoying a meal. It may be thought that Chinese cooking is fast, easy to assemble and ready to go, but indeed lies a mystery still that though all [...]

On our rotisserie platter

By |September 15th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Cooked to perfection with succulent juices and crackling rind around, this dish has to be one of my favourites. The fat is just as important as the tenderness of the meat and the crispiness of the rind. To pair this dish with wine, try our house red or a Rioja (with a powerful tempranillo). A complement of a french beans make a light balance to this wholesome meal. We offer [...]

Richness and vitality

By |September 10th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Soups and hot broths are back in season. We pride ourselves on these delicious concoctions made of ginger, greens, berries and more. What they offer is a well balanced meal bringing you protein, fibres and fats all in one. And of course, a little carbohydrate to energize you if you are feeling the autumn blues. For those days when the air is chillier, a soup or broth will keep your [...]

Lunch Set Deal

By |September 5th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

From the array of steamed dumplings to rice and noodle platters, one cannot deny these dishes that have been a long time favourite. With the autumn winds soon coming to steal away our warmth,  it’s vital to take care of our bodies by eating well and keeping our spirits up. It perhaps takes time to enjoy the subtle flavours brought out by the seasoning. We've gathered a selection of delights, [...]

The Last of Summer

By |August 30th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Get set for those fabulous September days. Perhaps one of the best months of the year to be in England --it comes with a hope of new changes and inspiration to take you through the winter months ahead. It's a time where cooking healthy meals and baking warm delightful things become an exciting task to embark on with all the seasonal fruit and vegetables that are available. Dark and vibrant [...]

Quality Cooking

By |August 21st, 2022|Categories: Blog|

The taste of home cooking can bring back memories of a home far away, one that we left behind for the lights of a bustling city. The ethos at Naturally Chinese has always been to incorporate this quality of home cooking. We bring to you a space where you can relax and take your time. Flowers and plants help soothe and bring a sense of calm to the experience. Unlike [...]

Szechuan Style

By |August 12th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

On those days when you just want something hot peppery and delicious, this is our signature King prawn Szechuan style, and it is what hits the spot. A melange of Szechuan peppers, hot chillies and spring onions in a succulent sauce brings vigour and enhances mood. Sichuan pepper is also known as Chinese coriander. It is grown abundantly in the Sichuan region of China. The hull of the seed is [...]

Lunch on the Go

By |August 4th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

August days are here, and it's this month where we get to make good Summer moments count. Gone are the days where one cooks a large meal at lunch time. These days, a plate of a quick bite of something nutritional and delicious does the trick in the midst of busy work afternoons. This is why we introduced our special lunch platters --ones you can take TO GO, or you [...]

Food and sunshine

By |July 26th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Planning a summer birthday or a get-together with friends?  Barbecue season is definitely on! Some of our versions of delectable tender meats featured this month are the sizzling lamb, mandarin steak and honey barbecued fillet of pork. We also feature our Rotisserie platter which comes with the fillet of pork. If you and your party are meat lovers, we can design a roast of delectable meats to savour the celebration. Not [...]

Live Well Gluten Free

By |July 20th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Embracing a gluten free diet is about making a lifestyle change --one based either out of necessity to not be ill from eating gluten, or the cutting out of gluten from ones eating habits and diet. The popularity of gluten free eating has been growing due to the awareness and consciousness of our bodies, our health and desire to stay vital. The taste of gluten free foods and dishes is [...]

Exotic combinations

By |July 10th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Delicious dishes begin with good ingredients. A simple cooking process is also a key factor, with care and attention to the finer details. Our range of the finer dishes on the menu incorporate these aspects. For instance, the rice parcels wrapped in lotus leaves brings an aroma to inspire out of a simple wholesome ingredient that is rice. And though we are a Chinese restaurants, we include some special pieces [...]

Afternoon tea

By |July 4th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

If you fancy an afternoon dim sum tea rather than lunch, then yourself to an experience. If typical afternoon teas seem overdone to you, then try an afternoon dim sum for a change. At Naturally Chinese, we have some of the best dim sum choices to tantalise and fulfil your taste buds. You can choose from an array of delights that will touch your heart and never be forgotten. Spoil [...]

Pak Choi

By |June 24th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

One of our top vegetable recommendations to customers: pak choi. Not only is it delicious but works as an elegant and wholesome complement to any of our dishes on the menu. And it is filled with nutritional value being high in Vitamin A and C. The dish served at the restaurant works well with a  simple garlic sauce although we can tailor it to suit your preferences. Pak Choi is one of [...]

Summer food and feasts

By |June 16th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Summer will soon be upon us, and our team of chefs at Naturally Chinese are gearing up to bring you some exciting twists on some of your favourite delights. What brings to mind this season is the sharing table comprising of delectable morsels of food that can be enjoyed by all. Everyone gets to taste everything, and isn’t sharing more fulfilling anyway? So try some verdant dumplings, puff pastries or [...]

Celebrating Father’s Day

By |June 9th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Like all occasions we love to celebrate here at Naturally Chinese, Father's Day is one that ranks top of our list. We have a few dads amongst our team and I see the hopefulness and excitement on Father's Day to receive a card or a hug from their children which I find to be very endearing and heart warming. We'd love to see more of you celebrate with your dads [...]

Value and Aesthetic

By |June 4th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Having a great team of chefs who are not only passionate about the food but highly skilled at what they do is a big asset. Their effortless way of delivering food well cooked on a plate has proven to be an art in itself. Apart from our daily lunch and dinners, there are those occasions when a special event calls for the traditional dishes that are essential to Chinese celebrations. [...]

Distinct taste

By |May 25th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

From a big bowl of wanton soup to a mandarin steak sizzler, to a sweet finish of custard buns and creamy coffee, the taste of home goodness is alive and well in our cooking at Naturally Chinese. Ingredients that are sourced carefully and broths that are made from scratch in house. The idea is to enjoy every morsel of food and take time to digest and appreciate the taste of [...]

Sustainable sourcing

By |May 18th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

It’s not just about what we eat, it’s also what we contribute to our environment. It is easy to see that if we treat our environment well, and give it the care and sustainability it requires, it will take care of us in the long run. Every small deed counts, whether it be eating locally grown foods, cultivating your own vegetables in the back garden, saving on gas, energy and water, [...]

Surbiton Food Festival 2022

By |May 9th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

This year’s Surbiton Food Festival will kick off from the 7th - 22nd of May, and as usual the preparations are underway. Naturally Chinese will be part of the festivities promoting our gluten free and dim sum menu. Apart from the stall that we will be at preparing some delicious bites for you to taste, you won’t want to miss Chef David who will be working his skills at the [...]

Energy boosting foods

By |May 4th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

One of the most commonly used spices in our cooking is Star Anise. Shaped like a star – a woody, refreshing flavour really works well with our braised stews and hot pots. So also the Cloves that are part of the five spice mix. Cloves provide that dynamic variety of pungent, slightly smoky and somewhat sweet like essence that contribute a great deal to a nuanced taste. And even though [...]

The joy of eating

By |April 24th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Chinese cuisine is undoubtedly more complex than it might seem. The finer foods require attention to subtle details that elevate the dining experience, by finding ways to keep the dishes delicious without compromising on the nutritional benefits. To enjoy a small bowl of rice, some kind of meat and vegetables is a luxury in itself. Bringing together a group of foods to accentuate taste, delight, aroma and nourishment is the [...]

The topic of greens

By |April 19th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Mistaken for a flower, this dark green vegetable side dish on our menu is a relative of the spinach family. Morning glory is rich in nutrients, it grows in abundance by rivers in most Asian countries like China, Indonesia, Vietnam and many more. Its most unique quality is its tubular structure, is crunchy to eat and retains its colour and texture even when cooked. As a child, I recall waking [...]

A feast to remember

By |April 11th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

With Easter just around the corner and chocolate eggs making their way into our homes, there is much to take advantage of a nice long weekend. After the exhilaration of Easter egg hunts with the children, a delicious lunch is always expected. Naturally Chinese will remain open offering a range of our zesty Spring dishes that will add to your Easter weekend spirit. From Champagne or Prosecco, to light white [...]

A decade of Naturally Chinese

By |April 6th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

We are celebrating ten years of Naturally Chinese today! It is indeed a big milestone for us. Through all the upward and downward shifts in the last ten years, it is an honour to be still standing with a well defined brand and restaurant we are proud of. I can remember like it was yesterday, opening the restaurant to a new slate --the journey into the unknown and hoping for [...]

The feel of Spring

By |March 21st, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Hints of Spring are in the air, and although the cold chill is still hanging around, we have much to look forward to with a new season and new opportunities. If you feel it is time to clear out the old and make room for the new, there couldn’t be a better time. A big part of a Spring detox is making sure to enjoy the process, no matter how [...]

Mothering Sunday Celebrations

By |March 17th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Mothering Sunday to me denotes a distinct change in season. I see the flowers blooming, blue skies, the sun shining (even if it isn’t). This is perhaps because as a mother myself, the joy follows when my children come home to spend the weekend with me. I like to see the whole weekend as a treat to relax and gather some much needed family time. The rush of Spring is [...]

The pleasure of gluten free Chinese cuisine

By |March 11th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

With a little extra diligence and knowledge, our team has adapted to a new way of serving Chinese food. It is of course an option when one comes to dine at Naturally Chinese, as some would prefer wheat in their diet. But the choice of having a gluten free and non gluten free menu is achievable. If ever Chinese food could be unimagined as gluten free, it can exist. As [...]

International Womens’ Day

By |March 4th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Just as Spring wakes the earth to the youthfulness of a new cycle, so also is a chance for all women to start fresh. Nurturing relationships, celebrating our achievements no matter how big or small, and embracing the beauty that is closely associated with our feminine side. I think these make up the magic of womanhood. We celebrate International Womens' Day on Tuesday, 8th of March, and this year’s slogan [...]

London’s Best Dim Sum

By |February 20th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Naturally Chinese Restaurant over the past ten years has evolved in a myriad of ways. From adopting its wide range of gluten free dishes, to offering some of the best dim sum in town, to promoting a greener way of functioning reducing food waste and even observing Earth hour each year, the restaurant is in full swing marking what makes it unique as one of London’s premier Chinese restaurant. What [...]

The season of new blossoms

By |February 15th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

The month of the peach blossom as many know it in China, is when the sweet smelling blossom begins to bloom and falls delicately to the ground. This denotes the coming of Spring and the air filled with romance for new love to blossom. With their perfumed fragrance and relation to the rose, jasmine and elderflower groups, they are also used as edible decoration. Spring brides in China usually have [...]

Valentine Warmth

By |February 10th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

February brings a mixed bag of winter and warmth, and by warmth I mean, the celebration of love. In Chinese tradition, this is the month that is meant to show first signs of the peach blossom – one that feeds romance and sweetness to the air. People usually fall in love in February. Is that just a coincidence? There is more reason to cheer up the home with bouquets of flowers [...]

Philosophy of eating well

By |February 6th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Our bodies are strong and resilient, but can very easily be let down by environmental and other hazards. Making the effort to eat healthy, clean, and cooking with foods that boost our immunity, we can be one step ahead. We at Naturally Chinese continue to practice this and incorporate in our cooking ingredients that continue to bring you good health. There is great value in understanding the foods you’re fond [...]

New Year Specials

By |January 17th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

No matter how big or small your party may be, our menu has various choices for you and your guests. These dark days of winter leave no excuse to have an abundant table of good food, warmth and great company. And if you and your party are meat lovers, we can design a roast of delectable meats to savour the celebration. Not forgetting fine wines to pair with the feast. [...]

Winter Comfort

By |January 10th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

Depending on what your needs and aims are for the season, we have it ready for you to avail of. A must try is our platter designed to fortify with good amounts of protein, a nutritionally well balanced meal that will keep you going throughout the day. Take a look at our menu menu. And of course, we highly recommend our rotisserie especially for all Winter occasions. Succulent flavours delight the [...]

Year of the Tiger

By |January 5th, 2022|Categories: Blog|

In celebration of Chinese new year 2022,  Naturally Chinese prepares for a celebration the weekend of  28th to the 30th January. Treat yourself to authentic luxury of fine Chinese cuisine as we celebrate the prelude to the Year of the Tiger. This year being a year of optimism and bravery, we celebrate qualities of confidence, positivity and enthusiasm. We all have been through some trying times the past two years, [...]

New Year 2022

By |January 1st, 2022|Categories: Blog|

A very Happy New Year 2022 everyone! The new year is always an exciting time; a chance for new beginnings, a chance to start on a clean slate. I am thrilled to see Naturally Chinese step into the next year and with a whole host of new choices that are to come with the territory. There is the feeling of wanting to purge all the old clutter to make room [...]

Merry Christmas 2021

By |December 25th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

In addition to the feast and festivities, Christmas to me is more about family and rejuvenation. Eating with friends and family is a pleasure and a luxury that shouldn’t be taken for granted for at the end of the day, these memories we remember and cherish the most. They are what leaves us with the most warmth. Simple, elegant and fulfilling just as our aim for 2022 is – to [...]

Family Dining

By |December 18th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Christmas trees decorated. Lights lining the window panes looking as Christmasy as they can. And what’s left now is all the planning, list making, shopping and also what we tend to leave out last — the relaxing for the holidays. Christmas being essentially the season for family and friends to make time to gather and re-connect is a special one, calling for special things in our life, special food that [...]

All about great taste

By |December 14th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Bringing together a group of foods to accentuate taste, delight, aroma and nourishment is the complex simplicity of Chinese cuisine. A good chef knows how much cinnamon, Sichuan pepper or fennel to use in a Pot-au-feu, and it takes years of understanding the elements of taste to harmonise a dish. Deciphering the right cooking method is also of key note: shallow frying versus stir fry, simmering versus steaming to attain [...]

Christmas festivities

By |December 10th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

It's that time of year again and thoughts of that perfect hot pot of goodness that we cook up here at the hands of our esteemed chefs comes to mind. And while preparations for the last couple of weeks of 2021 are moving forward; it’s time to clear out the old to make room for the new. The chance for renewal of some kind, the start of something new and [...]

Organic lemon chicken

By |November 29th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

One of the better comfort foods you can rely on. I was asked if there could be a variation on the lemon, making it a more citrus sauce to see what that might be like (by adding a mix of all kinds of citrus fruits  – limes, lemons, orange, even yellow grapefruit). The fact is that the lemon on its own commands a distinct flavour, and isn’t sweet. There are [...]

Shanghai Dumplings

By |November 12th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

The crown imperial of dim sum! This heavenly delight is a dish you won't want to miss. Known as Xiaolongbao, this soupy dumpling holds the element of surprise in that initial bite. Synonymous with the complexity of Chinese cuisine, the Shanghai dumpling is created with the finest skills of the pastry chef to achieve the perfect structure. The pastry of the dumpling usually contains a seasoned pork filling with a [...]

Scents of spices

By |November 5th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

After a long day of work, and when it’s warm and cozy in the comfort of your own home, this recipe is like magic to lift the spirits and put you in the mood for the Christmas. A mild touch of cinnamon and spice to this medium bodied red wine releases an aroma that delights beyond one you can imagine, and the fruit and nuts in each cup are good [...]

Mid-Week Vegan Special

By |October 29th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Let us introduce you to our new Vegan Wednesday feasts. Naturally Chinese is offering this healthy set menu option which includes a delectable range of vegan delights. With the holidays around the corner, and the bustle of wanting to make things happen, treat yourself to this nourishing seasonal spread put together just for you. It's also dairy free and gluten free, so all our Coeliac customers can rest assured that [...]

Crispy Pork Belly

By |October 25th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Back by popular demand, we are bringing you this all time favourite once again at Naturally Chinese. This dish holds a special place for the onset of Autumn.  For those who enjoy a hearty meal, this Chinese crispy pork belly is a treat to discover in every morsel. And it has been common practice for patrons to mop up all those succulent bits of crackling that make this dish special. [...]

Handcrafted with taste

By |October 19th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Like any art, it takes years of practice to cultivate a mode, a pattern, a personal touch that makes the cooking unique. At Naturally Chinese we see a culinary fusion of sorts, and our chefs continue to test their palettes to see if there may be room for something interesting to come along –something exciting, something modern! Our chefs carry the depth and breadth of experience in culinary skills through [...]

Autumn Delight

By |October 13th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

We're in the run up to Winter, and as the Autumn leaves turn to gold, we begin to feel the need for comfort, warmth and connection. This season can be the best time to get together with friends and family to renew those connections we so often take for granted. A celebratory time calls for an auspicious dish, and at Naturally Chinese, there's a familiar ritual to gather over delicious [...]

Succulent Sauces

By |September 21st, 2021|Categories: Blog|

A favourite all year round, this dish holds a special place for the onset of Autumn. The tender meat with sweet peppers in a black bean sauce offers the chance to enjoy the sweet and savoury flavour delicately cooked to perfection. Its succulent taste stems from a mix of Chinese spices and vegetables. It’s a dish to behold. We take pride in our heartwarming dishes that present a distinct dark, [...]

Gluten Free Seafood Delights

By |September 10th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

In China, various concoctions of seafood are common in the coastal but mostly stem for the north east coastal region. This is the Shandong region, and unlike the southern areas where Hong Kong master chefs specialise in dim sum and the use of spices and flash frying, the northern way of cooking emphasis on accentuating the main flavour of the seafood. Here are some of our delectable seafood treats you [...]

The art to ‘feel good’ dinners

By |September 6th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

What makes a ‘feel good’ dinner worth the effort? It not only delights the senses but has the ability to inspire us to be our better selves. There is great value in understanding the foods you’re fond of and why they make you feel good. It’s simple details such as these that brings the food we eat closer to an understanding of our health and vitality. The time it takes to wash, [...]

September Days

By |August 29th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Our favourite task is to put together healthy meals that bring warmth and comfort. There’s nothing like the feel of surrounding yourself with a steamy bowl of rice and soup, followed by a light plate of chicken in cashew sauce, or a platter of stir fry vegetables of the season. Steamed sea bass or succulent lamb with all the flavours intact are a healthy meal choice this month. Combine it [...]

Sichuan Pepper & Wine

By |August 21st, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Our szechuan style chicken or king prawn dish is the perfect concoction of sichuan pepper with spring onions, red chillies and a delicious sauce to bring comfort as well as robust vitality to the heart. Sichuan pepper is also known as Chinese coriander. Grown abundantly in the Sichuan region of China, its literal meaning is the flower pepper. The hull of the seed is often used for medicinal purposes. It is curious [...]

Silken Tofu Delicacy

By |August 14th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

What makes this dish exquisite is the quality of the tofu. Being one of our top dishes, it has garnered attention from enthusiasts.  Silken tofu might be a delicate food to touch but it is one of great resilience and strength. Most tofu appears silky smooth but the difference with Japanese silken tofu or Hiyayakko is that it is softer, milkier with a mild flavour. The process of creating this beautiful food [...]

Chicken Claypot

By |July 29th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

For a week that gets a little chillier in the middle of Summer, try our version of chicken in wine, prepared with essentially Chinese herbs and wine. What makes it distinctive to the Chinese version of the dish is the wine – fermented rice wine known as Xaoxing wine. It is sweet, almost like a sherry which gives a mild marinade to the chicken. Unlike its French counterpart, this dish [...]

Summer reunions

By |July 23rd, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Celebrating a birthday this Summer? No matter how big or small your party may be, our menu has various choices for you and your guests. And if you and your party are meat lovers, we can design a roast of delectable meats to savour the celebration. Not forgetting fine wines to pair with the feast. Those precious days of sunshine are coveted. And though they flit between the thick clouds even [...]

The taste of organic chicken

By |July 15th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

If you're curious about the difference in taste of free range organic chicken or the other alternative, there is no comparison. The taste of free range organic chicken is more delicious, tender and juicer we have found. But the more important reason we decided to offer it at the restaurant was so that you as a customer have the choice, and know where the chicken is coming from and how [...]

July’s Chef’s Special

By |July 8th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Introducing Naturally Chinese's house special fried rice! ... What a sight to behold in this almost architectural sculpture of food. This is a new dish concocted by our talented chef who combines great taste and arrangement in a symphony of culinary delight. You might wonder, well, where is the rice? The element of surprise is revealed when the softly embedded casing of egg white, like a humble gift wrapped around [...]

A word of appreciation

By |June 20th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

For those times we forget to appreciate a father's love, today is a reminder that we benefit to remember that in spite of any differences we've had with parents, we are lucky that we were given life by them. I love the saying that goes about a father: "a son's first hero, a daughter's first love". Doesn't it ring true for most of us? Indeed we are influenced by our first [...]

Father’s Day

By |June 14th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Like all things we love to celebrate here at Naturally Chinese, Father’s Day is one that ranks top of our list. We have a few dads amongst our team and I see the hopefulness and excitement on Father’s Day to receive a card or a hug from their children which I find to be very endearing and heart warming. Whether your plans might be to treat dad to a home [...]

Summer days

By |June 7th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Summer will be here before we know it. And this year, there is plenty to look forward to --a fresh new approach to Summer activities, birthday parties or family reunions. Here at Naturally Chinese, we look forward to provide a setting that is hospitable with food to enjoy to your heart’s content. We’re revamping our menu to offer some delicious delectables -- with a view to give you a comprehensive [...]

Authentic with a modern flare

By |May 31st, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Chinese cuisine traditionally has always maintained a healthy approach to food. It was perhaps the advent of fast food -adding MSG and other additives to preserve that developed into a new kind of Chinese cuisine. And from that there possibly could be a new spring of modern Chinese cuisine. Whether it be chopping, tossing, flash frying or carving a flower out of a vegetable, there’s an art or science to [...]

Share a little, live a little

By |May 28th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Our team of chefs at Naturally Chinese have been working away and gearing up to bring you some exciting twists on some of your favourite delights. Summer will be here soon, and what brings to mind this season is the sharing table comprising of delectable morsels of food that can be enjoyed by all. Everyone gets to taste everything, and isn’t sharing more fulfilling anyway? So try some verdant dumplings, [...]

A path to originality

By |May 24th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

We all have our path to focus on and how we drive our business is indicative most likely of how we run our lives. In threading our own paths, it leads us to finding an originality and authenticity that is unique to each one of us. In my business, I don’t pretend to be anything other than what I truly believe and have a passion for. I am happy to [...]

Re-Opening

By |May 16th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Naturally Chinese will be re-opening on Wednesday, the 19th of May. This week brings a buzz of excitement after the long hiatus from dining in. You will be pleased to know that we have been working away during this time to make your dining experience with us as safe and delicious as possible. Our head chef has a tantalising range of dishes that he will be presenting in the weeks [...]

The verdant palette

By |April 30th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

It’s formed a big part of our colour palette since we started the restaurant: the verdant greens that create the environment of Naturally Chinese restaurant make for the naturally green effect that we strive to achieve. In a similar vein, the dishes we’ve put together on the menu hold a bit of green whether in the whole dish, or just as a tantaliser to excite the palette. Each green has [...]

The lightness of being

By |April 19th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Here at Naturally Chinese, one of our main tasks this year is to source as much natural foods into our menu. We believe that serving these will make a huge difference. Stay tuned for our updates to the menu, and the introduction of some of our chef's specials and new dishes to tantalise over. We're bringing more colour to your plate. Depending on what your needs and aims are for the [...]

Happy 9th Birthday Naturally Chinese

By |April 6th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Through thick and thin, and the amazing journey we've had so far, we celebrate our 9th anniversary this year! When I look back over the years, I'm overwhelmed by the bundle of great moments -- recollections of a bustling restaurant on Saturday nights, happy customers, the aroma of tantalising dishes. Also, the moments of challenges, fears and making it through. And here we are today, standing proud and still going [...]

A new season of appreciation

By |March 31st, 2021|Categories: Blog|

The beauty in nature is abundant and never short of inspiring. Just as a connection with nature is vital for our well being, so also is our connection with natural foods. The two are interconnected.  At Naturally Chinese, I follow on the ethos of keeping a connection with nature, be it in the flower pots on every table to the combination of dishes that fit well together. When a natural [...]

Seafood delights

By |March 24th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

With the onset of Spring, it makes a wonderful addition to a range of fun and flavoursome dishes to pair with light wines, even prosecco. It also is one for all seasons being great to pair with a Summer wine and deliciously comforting with a warming wine in winter. The squid fillet can be found on our appetizer/ starter section. First the hot peppery king prawns, now proceeding with an ongoing [...]

Mother’s Day Weekend

By |March 9th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Spring is just around the corner ---cherry trees blossoming and daffodils peering out waiting to bloom. It’s exciting — the change of season, and especially the change from Winter to Spring. At Naturally Chinese, we love to undertake the warming welcome of Spring with flavours to put a kick back in your step. And with Mother’s Day on the 14th of March, we look forward to serving you a special [...]

Choose To Challenge

By |March 7th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Women need to support other women, be ambitious for change and see the bigger picture.  The 2021 campaign slogan is #ChooseToChallenge  #IWD2021 — this is powerful in that as women, we need to all do our part, no matter how small or big. It all makes a difference. The day also pushes for a call to action to stand up to gender inequalities in all areas of work and life. [...]

Clean Tasting and Gourmet

By |February 28th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

The care that goes into food preparation affects the food we eat. At a restaurant, you know the feeling when a dish is being served to you with diligence and care. The presentation, smell, taste, texture –the entire experience should add benefit to your overall mood and leave you feeling hopefully, in an elevated state. The value for healthy, natural and unprocessed food to me, is one of the greater [...]

Fresh and Frozen Dim Sum

By |February 21st, 2021|Categories: Blog|

The art to enjoying dim sum lies in spacing those delicate bites in between a heart warming beverage together with what your eyes take in from the delectable pastries set before you. It seems to enhance the flavours even more and bring a kind of lightness and joy to the aesthetic. The tradition began in China when travellers on the Silk Road stopped for rest at little tea houses for yum [...]

Celebration packed Weekend

By |February 8th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Valentine's day is this weekend, and together with it you might be celebrating Chinese New Year too. The month of the peach blossom as many know it in China, is when the sweet smelling blossom begins to bloom and falls delicately to the ground. This denotes the coming of Spring and the air filled with romance for new love to blossom. With their perfumed fragrance and relation to the rose, [...]

Chinese New Year Feast

By |February 6th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

This year we celebrate the year of the Ox! A strength to surpass our feats is the expectation for this year. And indeed a celebration to commence sets the tone. We offer you a feast you might consider featuring our delicate rotisserie meats which include roasted duck, crispy skin pork belly and barbecued fillet of pork. The Chinese five spices are often used as a spice rub on our rotisserie [...]

Soup for the soul

By |January 31st, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Soups and hot broths are back in season. We pride ourselves on these delicious concoctions made of ginger, greens, berries and more. What they offer is a well balanced meal bringing you protein, fibres and fats all in one. And of course, a little carbohydrate to energize you if you are feeling the winter blues. For those days when the air is chillier, a soup or broth will keep your [...]

Spice for the heart

By |January 25th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

The cold weather makes us crave spice and variety in our diet. A slender red or green chilli set on a dish of almost anything definitely piques our excitement and interest, and even the sight and aroma can do wonders for the body and mind. Spices used in Chinese cuisine perform various functions in enhancing or even subduing over-powering flavours that can come across too strong. Come to think of [...]

Nurturing our spirits

By |January 17th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Paying attention to what is on our plates, where it comes from, how it has been cooked and of course, how it is served to us or how we serve it to ourselves? Find a way to slow down from the rat race of life and destress. Our bodies are strong and resilient, but can very easily be let down by environmental and other hazards. Making the effort to eat [...]

A new year of good food

By |January 8th, 2021|Categories: Blog|

Happy New Year! One of the most positive times of the year --some get inspired by a new look, a change, a resolution, of simply getting rid of the old energy energy attached to things that have no purpose. It's the Year of the Ox this Chinese New Year which brings good news that through hard work, a positive outlook and earnestness, we can overcome anything. Whatever the desire is [...]

New years feast

By |December 30th, 2020|Categories: Blog|

We begin our journey in the new year after a much deserved break. The weather being much colder conjures up thoughts of that perfect hot pot of goodness that we cook up here at the hands of our esteemed chefs. And while preparations for the last couple of days of 2020 are moving forward; it’s time to clear out the old to make room for the new. The chance for renewal [...]

A christmas of reflection

By |December 22nd, 2020|Categories: Blog|

With a quieter Christmas to look forward to this year, we at Naturally Chinese will be closed for Christmas break and re-open on the 30th of December at 5pm. We will be open through the New year including New Year's Day. We thank you all for your loyalty and support this year. Looking back on 2020 --in spite of the uncertainty and vulnerability most of us have faced, we are [...]

Christmas connection

By |December 10th, 2020|Categories: Blog|

Make the season count to reconnect with old friends, those you may not have talked to for a while. Whether a catch-up on the phone, a chat from balcony to balcony or a zoom session, toast to the season with a mild touch of cinnamon spice. This is a drink you'll love with its medium bodied red wine that releases an aroma to delight, and the fruit and nuts in [...]

A Christmas celebration

By |December 3rd, 2020|Categories: Blog|

A chilly Christmas may be upon us. But the good news is that the festivities are also about to begin. It’s the most exciting time of the year, but it can also get intense with expectations, shopping, planning dinners, families, and the list is a long one.Whether you are planning a small family celebration or just taking this time to sort out the superfluous that needs to disperse, we want [...]

Organic Taste

By |November 27th, 2020|Categories: Blog|

Looking for food that is comforting and wholesome? We have you covered. Our dim sum has a light and organic taste, one that you might not have had before. Some of our dim sum have been created by our pastry chef  that are unique, with a fusion of traditional and modern; and special to Naturally Chinese Restaurant. Naturally Chinese Restaurant over the last few years has gathered a few cornerstones [...]

Quality Ingredients

By |November 20th, 2020|Categories: Blog|

Chinese cuisine is undoubtedly more complex than it might seem. The finer foods require attention to subtle details that elevate the dining experience, by finding ways to keep the dishes delicious without compromising on the nutritional benefits. For instance, we don’t use any artificial food colouring. If you see a bright ochre, we will have used turmeric which not only provides that golden yellow which forms the aesthetic colour palette [...]

Dim sum and lunch is back

By |November 14th, 2020|Categories: Blog|

It’s a tradition many of us love -to do a weekend Dim Sum brunch. A typical Chinese restaurant serving dim sum on the weekend is a scene of the bustle of energy created from coming together over little morsels of beautifully crafted foods. The art of eating dim sum lies in sharing and sampling those delectable delights. It will always taste better when shared and depending on the occasion, Prosecco [...]

Stepping into the Winter Season

By |October 31st, 2020|Categories: Blog|

I have a particular fondness for Autumn and especially the advent of Winter. It puts me in the mood to take comfort in a heart warming claypot, accompanied with the perfectly paired glass of wine. We are about to step into the Winter season, so let's make the best of it this year. Of all our claypot dishes on our menu, this one warms my heart instantly with its strength [...]

Delectable Duck

By |October 13th, 2020|Categories: Blog|

The art of roasting duck has been in practice since Imperial times of the dynastic eras in China. Traditionally, the delectable Peking duck is served on most auspicious of occasions. The ceremonial aspect of slicing the crispy outer layer of the roast at the dinner table in front of guests is what makes a great presentation when ordering this dish. Apart from the duck itself, the trimmings are just as [...]

An elegant dinner

By |October 3rd, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Chinese claypots can make a heartwarming meal at the onset of Autumn. Pairing it with a cool Pinot Grigio or our house red wine can make an elegant dinner for those special occasions. Our version of chicken in wine, prepared with essentially Chinese herbs and wine. What makes it distinctive to the Chinese version of the dish is the wine – fermented rice wine known as Saoxing wine. It is [...]

The art of cooking

By |September 30th, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Our chefs at Naturally Chinese carry the depth and breadth of experience in culinary skills through those years of practice and experimentation. What makes a culinary fusion interesting might be in using a range of all time staple foods with authentic spices and herbs, and doused with an essence of something seasonal. It’s like taking an old favourite dish, deconstructing it, building it up step by step with a new [...]

For the coming season

By |September 4th, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

We pride ourselves on our heartwarming claypots that present a distinct dark, rich gravy with hints of star anise and ginger – braised and stewed for hours with the pork to achieve perfect balance of flavour. For those who enjoy a hearty bit of pork, this Chinese braised pork belly clay pot is worthy of every morsel. And it has been common practice for patrons to mop up all those [...]

Heartwarming broth

By |August 31st, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

For those days when the air is chillier, a soup or broth will keep your heart warm. With a few windy days coming our way leading us into a change of season, there’s always some kind of adjustment to be made. Whether it is getting the sweaters out of storage, or eating well to stay hydrated and nourished, or warding off any unwanted colds, it calls for a little autumnal [...]

Succulent Seafood

By |August 23rd, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

At Naturally Chinese, we use a range of techniques still paying homage to the traditional ways of cooking seafood in Chinese cuisine. We have a mix of spice and steamed, subdued flavours to enhance the taste of the meat, for instance the sea bass and scallops. We also have a pan fried version. A Chinese menu isn’t complete without an array of seafood dishes. In China, various concoctions of seafood [...]

Harmony simplicity and taste!

By |August 14th, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

There is great value in understanding the foods you’re fond of and why they make you feel good. With the knowledge of different cultures and the worlds’ cuisines coming together in such close proximity that is the city we live in, we are indeed privileged to have such variety and nuance to our taste buds. Agreeably we live in a time where we can have any type of cuisine and [...]

Summer Bites

By |August 10th, 2020|Categories: Blog|

The Summer heat is on, cooling down only slightly when the sun goes down. August days are here. And it is this month where we get to make good Summer moments count. Gone are the days where one cooks a large meal at lunch time. These days, a plate of a quick bite of something nutritional and delicious does the trick in the midst of busy work afternoons. Try a [...]

Vibrant Veggies

By |July 27th, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Being highly nutritious and fortifying, this spinach is a wonderful addition to broths. It can also be thrown into a salad. A true emerald green with plenty of vitality and makes its distinctive mark on Chinese cuisine. One of the simplest and easy to eat Chinese greens is the River spinach (morning glory) as we call it. I remember as a little girl seeing these growing in abundance by the [...]

Authenticity through food

By |July 18th, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

The value for healthy, natural and unprocessed food to me, is one of the greater things to offer. It’s a struggle in today’s world as there are various factors that make it difficult to sustain. But therein lies the desire even more so, to see the success of bringing good food and nutrition to the community. Going against the current is a hard thing but is not an option when [...]

Free Range Organic Chicken in Lemon Sauce

By |July 11th, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Chicken and lemon simply make a fine combination universally. One of the better comfort foods you can rely on. I was asked if there could be a variation on the lemon, making it a more citrus sauce to see what that might be like (by adding a mix of all kinds of citrus fruits  – limes, lemons, orange, even yellow grapefruit). The fact is that the lemon on its own [...]

Serving Quality Cuisine

By |July 4th, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

As a customer, it is beneficial to know that asking for organic chicken creates an awareness of good food, sustainable food and its importance in the long run. In this day and age, we can't always know where our food comes from and though it can be frustrating, there is an opportunity to get more involved in insisting on quality food. Demand for good high quality food, we believe, is [...]

An elegant dish

By |June 30th, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

If you haven’t tried this yet, it’s a dish that will not disappoint. At Naturally Chinese, we make ours in a yellow bean sauce. Although black bean is more popular in Sichuan and Cantonese cooking, to use the yellow bean brings out the umami of the mix of chicken and cashew nuts. Both ingredients fortified in proteins make this an excellent choice for a meal at anytime of the day. [...]

Sharing and caring

By |June 26th, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Sharing a meal is beneficial on so many levels. Aside from a good feeling of well being that comes from sitting down with others to eat, one can also monitor portion sizes (which are an important factor in eating healthily). A meal at Naturally Chinese would typically include a main dish of fish/seafood, some kind of meat or vegetable, a side of greens, a soup or a side of rice. [...]

Distinct Flavour

By |June 22nd, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

We offer a variety dish of rotisserie meats which include roasted duck, crispy skin pork belly and barbecued fillet of pork. The Chinese five spices are often used as a spice rub on our rotisserie meats to give them the distinct flavour and tenderness . Our chefs marinade these for long periods of time where the flavour is absorbed. These platters make for a perfect sharing dish amongst a family [...]

Father’s Day

By |June 15th, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Father's Day falls on this coming Sunday, the 21st of June. The weather leaves open the possibilities to treat your dad to a fantastic Father’s Day celebration. This year will be a first for us not hosting a celebration at the restaurant. But we still want you to know that we will be open for take away dinners that you could complement with your dad's favourite bottle of wine. For [...]

Good Food Sourcing

By |May 31st, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Sustainable food sourcing can be highly rewarding to everyone on many levels. In a restaurant where ingredients need to be carefully supervised for quality, sourced and replenished, it helps staff feel good about what they are serving and respectively, makes the customers feel safe about what they are eating. On a more individual level, say at home — one can be selective about what they buy when they check to [...]

For that kick of spice

By |May 26th, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

For that kick of spice to the palette, this makes for an exciting dish to order and try at least once. Our chefs make it in a way that is unique to Naturally Chinese’s ethos of natural flavour and clean taste. There is no MSG to enhance or over power flavour. The aroma is testament to how potent these Szechuan peppers really are –the flower pepper that is relished in [...]

Good Health

By |May 19th, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

We are in the midst of a big change in our world, and we are all connected no matter where we are. Health and wellness are words that are used together, and reason being because one feeds in to the other. The quest for good health comes through a conscious search for wellness. For us, health and wellness have always been the centerpoint focus for what we offer and now [...]

Wellness May

By |May 9th, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

The topic of wellness and health are big on my mind these days. In light of the current situation of pandemic, it’s hard not to wonder how long is all this going to carry on until. Are things going to go back to normal soon? There isn’t a clear answer to these questions that is on everyone’s mind. We however can take action with regard to that which we can [...]

New Takeaway Plan

By |April 27th, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

A warm greeting from us at Naturally Chinese to all our patrons and friends. We wanted to take the opportunity to get in touch with you and update you with our latest developments. It has been nearly a month since our restaurant closure in accordance with government advice and regulations. Though we were permitted to do takeaways, we had made the decision to close fully as it is almost next [...]

Taking Care of Our Health

By |March 13th, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

As the status quo forces us to pay attention to how vulnerable we can be at anytime, we must all bear in mind that taking care of our health is of grave importance. When we think about food and consuming it, two factors come into play: what are the choices of food we have to eat, and secondly, how do we obtain them as quickly as possible. Many times the [...]

International Women’s Day 2020

By |March 2nd, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

It’s amazing when women come together to achieve a shared goal --the impact is contagious. International Women's Day 2020 will be celebrated on the 8th of March. International Women’s Day is about celebrating the progress of social, cultural, economic and political achievements for all women in all walks of life. And in seeing so many advancements that have taken place, there is still so much that needs to change to [...]

Hints of Spring

By |February 27th, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

The weekend brings us an extra day in this leap year. Perhaps an extra day to do taxes, or an extra day to take it easy! Either way, it's comforting to see a few hints of Spring as the blossoms are beginning to show. A celebration such as Easter is one of a new chapter in the year. We’ve endured a long winter so now we can feel free to [...]

Organic, free range and better

By |February 18th, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

In a market place today we don’t always know whether we are eating farmed or free range, organic or not. You can now relax with us in the knowledge that we are serving you the healthy options. We also believe that supporting local farmers who take great pains to produce these valuable goods and services will help them deliver better products. For if the demand for them increases, we all [...]

Food health and safety first

By |February 10th, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Naturally Chinese follows a thorough practice of food safety and hygiene. We believe this to be of paramount importance to the well being of the restaurant and the community. As part of our policy for transparency and authenticity in our establishment, we would like to let you know of some of the practices we follow in pursuit of serving clean tasting food.  Steps are taken to sanitize all entry and [...]

My Chocolate Valentine

By |February 6th, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Make memories and enjoy your time together whether it be over some bubbly, great food and chocolate dessert. We have them all in store for you. This year Naturally Chinese will have a special chocolate surprise to delight you and yours. Valentine evokes a sense of romanticism in our minds, one that associates with flowers, Spring, sunlight or candlelight, wine and delicious sweet indulgences like chocolate. And our Valentine's Day [...]

The Taste of Gluten Free Cooking

By |February 4th, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

The taste of gluten free cooking is evolving in a sophisticated way thereby making it very appealing and appetising to the taste buds. When we decided to have gluten free Chinese food on the menu, the choice wasn’t hard although it was a combined and involved effort to make sure a smooth process was followed. But it also gave us a clear sense of why additives and MSG were not [...]

Food nature and wellbeing

By |January 27th, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

The beauty in nature is abundant and never short of inspiring. Just as a connection with nature is vital for our well being, so also is our connection with natural foods. The two are interconnected.  At Naturally Chinese, I follow on the ethos of keeping a connection with nature, be it in the flower pots on every table to the combination of dishes that fit well together. When a natural [...]

Feast of a special kind

By |January 20th, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

As the new year begins to gain momentum and move into the realm of resolutions and possibilities, it is also of huge benefit to keeping in mind the time for creativity and spontaneity. To commemorate Chinese new year, a feast of a special kind is an order. This is to mark a sense of renewal and celebration, and promise to do better in whatever the task may be at hand. [...]

A Seasoned Palate

By |January 14th, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Like any art, it takes years of practice to cultivate a mode, a pattern, a personal touch that makes the cooking unique. Every little morsel of dim sum brought to your table has been handcrafted dexterously in a matter of seconds by a highly skilled chef. Our chefs at Naturally Chinese carry the depth and breadth of experience in culinary skills through those years of practice and experimentation. At the [...]

Year of Infinite Possibilities

By |January 9th, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

  With only a couple of weeks to Chinese new year, a few tasks remain to be completed for the arrival of the year of the Rat. Therein lies the opportunity to make a renewal of some kind, to turn over a new leaf to a year of infinite possibilities.  In traditional Chinese custom, the week leading up to Chinese New Year is bustling with preparations in most Chinese families’ [...]

Happy New Year 2020

By |January 1st, 2020|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

As we embark on this brand new day of 2020, we want to wish all our patrons and friends a very Happy New Year 2020. With all our resolutions and good intentions for this year, let's make it a great one! Daunting as it may seem to some, the next two weeks are a good opportunity to adjust to the new things we want to accomplish for the coming year. [...]

Compliments of the season

By |December 27th, 2019|Categories: Blog|

A very merry Christmas to you all. We hope you all had a happy Christmas break these past few days. Naturally Chinese is now re-open and getting set to embrace a new year. With an ever evolving menu and style that we strive to improve at the restaurant, I want to say that we value your constructive feedback, and I welcome you to continue to make suggestions on how we [...]

Celebration week

By |December 19th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Christmas to me is more about family and rejuvenation. At Naturally Chinese, our staff is like family too. Our celebration kicks off this weekend with a staff party that was a wonderful gathering to appreciate a good 2019 and that after a long journey of putting together a reliable team, our staff have delivered and we are very thankful for this.  Simple, elegant and fulfilling just as our aim for 2020 is [...]

Add a little sparkle

By |December 15th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

The small luxuries make life’s journey light and fun – a card from a colleague, a flower from someone special, even a box of home-made sweets we receive from a friend, and just like that, we feel loved and cared for. This season, add a little sparkle to yours and someone else's christmas.  We want to add a little sparkle for you. I had thought about creating a space at Naturally [...]

Christmas Moments

By |December 9th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Eating with friends and family is a pleasure and a luxury that shouldn’t be taken for granted for at the end of the day, these memories we remember and cherish the most. They are what leaves us with the most warmth. The chance for renewal of some kind, the start of something new and putting to rest the year behind us. We shouldn’t forget the year as they are reminders [...]

Heart Warming Celebrations

By |November 30th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

We're now stepping into the Christmas season. Lights lining the window panes in shops looking as Christmasy as they can. And what’s left now is all the planning, list making, shopping and also what we tend to leave out last — the relaxing for the holidays. Christmas being essentially the season for family and friends to make time to gather and re-connect is a special one, calling for special things [...]

Countdown to Christmas

By |November 25th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

A party this time of the year doesn’t have to be time consuming or painstaking. With the cold weather settling in, it can feel overwhelming to arrange a venue, cater, and plan all the little details. We hope that with all those to-do things on your list, we can be of help to your party planning needs.  The time passes so quickly and before we can take that step back [...]

Winter Warmth

By |November 21st, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

All our desserts are selected to complement our wines and dishes. They aren’t sugary but just the right amount to hit the sweet spot. And with the cold season upon us, a little winter warmth from our liqueur coffees could complete the perfect dining experience. Try our house made mango pudding with a citrus coulis, as well as our crispy and steamed custard buns (a delicate and fine pastry bun [...]

Christmas 2019

By |November 15th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

With less that six weeks to go before Christmas, the streets are slowly beginning to unravel that familiar Christmas feeling. The shops have already stocked on Christmas decorations and presenting their holiday offers, and I’m sure that Christmas bug will be upon you soon, if it hasn’t already! It certainly has for me. This time of year is always very special. The lights, the get togethers with family and the chance [...]

Holiday Hustle

By |November 11th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, and feeling like the shorter days leave less time to get things done, it’s important to still make time for oneself. A little luxury and pampering at Christmas is more than acceptable. I’ve had to work harder at making time for that little luxury – to make my Christmas sparkle, whether it be going to dinner with a friend, or creating [...]

Small Bites and Fizz

By |November 8th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

Thinking of having a get-together for a company Christmas do? No one likes to feel forced into attending a company party. But making your team feel that they are valued, and that you’re taking the time to plan something exciting (and especially with good food), can make a big difference. Maybe you’re thinking of planning a night out at a comedy club, a concert or even an evening of dancing for your [...]

Claypots and Casseroles

By |October 31st, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Eating well during the holidays counts for a lot. When the cold steals away our warmth, it’s vital to take care of our bodies by nurturing, celebrating and sharing. Food brings us these benefits and when shared, can bring healing and light into our days and nights. This is why we’ve brought together the christmas feel good dinners at Naturally Chinese. Which would you say are the foods that bring you [...]

Pan fried sea bass with pine nuts

By |October 24th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

To grace the Christmas season with exciting flavours and aromas, our pan fried sea bass with pine nuts is not one to be missed out on. The pairing of spices, herbs and vegetable purees make this dish a tantalizing contender on the cold days of winter. The pine nuts are not merely a garnish but balance the creaminess of the fish and the zesty freshness of the spiced sauce. Sea [...]

Cooked to Perfection

By |October 19th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

On our corner of rotisserie meats on the menu, take note of the crispy pork belly which is like a fine delicacy in Chinese cuisine. Cooked to perfection with succulent juices and crackling rind around, this dish has to be one of my favourites. The fat is just as important as the tenderness of the meat and the crispiness of the rind. To pair this dish with wine, try our house red [...]

Seasonal Sampler Menu

By |October 12th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Here's a seasonal sampler that might just inspire the holiday mood. The excitement of Christmas can be all consuming with shopping for presents, traffic jams and other events that leave us preoccupied. So we're putting together a fortifying and satisfying menu that we hope will bring you good cheer, taking away some of the holiday stress to leave you relaxed. And, if you're having a birthday Christmas, a family get [...]

Holiday Season Planning

By |October 7th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

The countdown to the biggest celebration of the year begins! You can see glimpses of sparkles and Christmas trees in the big shops already. And the significant change in weather reminds us that Christmas will be here before we know it. For me, the build up to the day is always exciting. And early as it might seem, it’s always good to plan ahead. Those heart warming days in December [...]

The Price of Health

By |September 30th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

For many of us, the price of health is becoming an important discussion in our daily lives. We are often faced with the question when buying our food, what would be a healthier option? And if we don't know the answer for sure, we find ourselves in a dilemma --researching ingredients and trying to understand where our food is coming from. Cost is not necessarily the primary factor anymore, it [...]

Szechuan Peppers

By |September 18th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

On those days when you just want something hot peppery and delicious, this is our signature King prawn Szechuan style, and it is what hits the spot. A melange of Szechuan peppers, hot chillies and spring onions in a succulent sauce brings vigor and enhances mood especially on those grey windy days. Many may find this a little spicy to their palette but it makes for an exciting dish to [...]

Traditionally Modern

By |September 13th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Chinese cuisine traditionally has always maintained a healthy approach to food. It was perhaps the advent of fast food -adding MSG and other additives to preserve that developed into a new kind of Chinese cuisine. And from that there possibly could be a new spring of modern Chinese cuisine. Whether it be chopping, tossing, flash frying or carving a flower out of a vegetable, there’s an art or science to [...]

The Tender Dishes

By |September 9th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

We recently introduced free range organic chicken on our menu, sourcing the produce from a local British Organic farm. I believe this has made a difference to not only the taste and texture of the dishes but to the overall well being of the restaurant. It’s not just about us and what we eat, it’s also what we contribute to our environment. It is easy to see that if we [...]

New season, new tastes

By |September 2nd, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

As we embark on September; the days getting shorter but still with the hope that the month will bring us some more precious moments of sunshine to enjoy. This transitional season gives us the time to firm up some loose ends before the excitement of Christmas. For a special time like September, the dim sum afternoon makes a perfect lunch occasion after a walk in the park or shopping with [...]

Nutritional Contentment

By |August 28th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Which would you say are the foods that bring you nutritional contentment? And how do you cook them, if you do? Perhaps it is the way the dish is prepared or its texture, saltiness, even sweetness, but my favourite foods to look forward to this season are the rich dark vegetables. The vegetable or plant food brings the best nutritive value. In addition to this, there are other benefits such [...]

Free Range Organic Chicken braised in wine

By |August 25th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

We’re proud to serve free range organic chicken to the menu. Knowing where our chickens come from and how they are treated is a top priority and if you’re a fan of our chicken dishes, this one will prove immensely satisfying. Prepared with essentially Chinese herbs and wine, what makes it distinctive is the wine – fermented rice wine known as Xaoxing wine. It is sweet, almost like a sherry [...]

Ingredients to bring balance and good health

By |August 19th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

One of the most commonly used spices in our cooking is Star Anise. Shaped like a star – a woody, refreshing flavour really works well with our braised stews and hot pots. So also the Cloves that are part of the five spice mix. Cloves provide that dynamic variety of pungent, slightly smoky and somewhat sweet like essence that contribute a great deal to a nuanced taste. And even though [...]

Midsummer Nights Feast

By |August 15th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Whether you are planning Summer activities, a birthday party or a family reunion, Naturally Chinese can provide a setting that is hospitable with food to enjoy to your heart’s content. We’re revamping our menu to a new exciting look – with a view to give you a comprehensive yet comforting feel of what the dining possibilities we have to offer. We pride ourselves on steaming hot baskets of dim sum [...]

Light Dining

By |July 30th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

In the middle of Summer, when the days are long and the weather leaves you feeling energised to do more, the concept of light dining is appealing. Small plates in a tapas style can be enjoyed either by yourself or in the company of many.  One of our popular mouth watering bites is Ribs in Capital Sauce --a dish of spare ribs in a fruity plum sauce. This Cantonese style [...]

Sustainable food

By |July 25th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

In a time when we don’t always know where our food comes from, and we have to grapple with having to keep up with changes in food sourcing and sustainability, seeking a quality of life in food is and should become an important part of our everyday thinking. Sustainable food sourcing can be highly rewarding to everyone on many levels. In a restaurant where ingredients need to be carefully supervised [...]

Midsummer Platters

By |July 22nd, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Midsummer days are here where the air is balmy, slightly cooler after the heat wave we’ve just had. And it is this month where we get to make good Summer moments count. Gone are the days where one cooks a large meal at lunch time. These days, a plate of a quick bite of something nutritional and delicious does the trick in the midst of busy work afternoons. This is [...]

The Finer Details

By |July 12th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Chinese cuisine is undoubtedly more complex than it might seem. The finer foods require attention to subtle details that elevate the dining experience, by finding ways to keep the dishes delicious without compromising on the nutritional benefits. For instance, we don’t use any artificial food colouring. If you see a bright ochre, we will have used turmeric which not only provides that golden yellow which forms the aesthetic colour palette [...]

Sunshine Feasts

By |July 8th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Planning a summer birthday or a get-together with friends?  Barbecue season is definitely on! Some of our versions of delectable tender meats featured this month are the sizzling lamb, mandarin steak and honey barbecued fillet of pork. We also feature our Rotisserie platter which comes with the fillet of pork. If you and your party are meat lovers, we can design a roast of delectable meats to savour the celebration. Not [...]

Going Back to Basics

By |June 27th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

The value for healthy, natural and unprocessed food to me, is one of the greater things to offer. It’s a struggle in today’s world as there are various factors that make it difficult to sustain. But therein lies the desire even more so, to see the success of bringing good food and nutrition to the community. Going against the current is a hard thing but is not an option when [...]

Summer Days

By |June 24th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Summer is officially here! With a line up of hot muggy days to await, why not plan a range of your Summer feasts whether it be an upcoming birthday party or just a Summer vacay with the family and friends. Summer is everyone’s favourite season –and in England, we all know those priceless sunshine days are fleeting and remind us that we need to stop with the bustle and enjoy [...]

Steamed Sea Delectable

By |June 21st, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Steaming the sea bass and finishing it off with zesty ginger and spring onions keeps it true to it’s Cantonese style. These ingredients are there to reaffirm the delicate flavour of the fish. At Naturally Chinese, the sea bass is a popular dish on our menu all year round. What makes it worth the experience is the freshness of the fish. The chef has to make sure it is never [...]

Afternoon Delight

By |June 17th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

After an action packed weekend with Father's Day, we can now look to enjoy the full parade of Summer that awaits. With the hope of the weather warming up and the long drawn days of sunshine, we're looking to make Naturally Chinese a stop for you to relish with some great food all day into the evening. No matter what the situation, rain or sunshine, there’s always a good excuse [...]

Father’s Day 2019

By |June 6th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

Whether your plans might be to treat dad to a home cooked meal or with tickets to see a show at the theatre, we hope that you enjoy some good quality time together. Naturally Chinese Restaurant celebrates Father's Day in style with auspicious dishes such as our Peking Duck, or the wide range of authentic celebratory clay pot dishes that add warmth and splendour to the occasion. What’s a special culinary [...]

Culinary Fusions

By |May 31st, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Like any art, it takes years of practice to cultivate a mode, a pattern, a personal touch that makes the cooking unique. Every little morsel of dim sum or main course dish brought to your table has been handcrafted dexterously in a matter of seconds by a highly skilled chef. Here we see a culinary fusion of sorts, and our chefs continue to test their palettes to see if there [...]

Pre-Summer Highlights

By |May 28th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

This month has been a good one, with a host of events and new ideas buzzing. Surbiton Food Festival was a success! Our dim sum making demo with Chef David Chang was filled with eager learners, and some enthused pairs of hands to learn a new skill. For those of you who expressed an interest in taking a class in Dim Sum Making, we will be looking into hosting some [...]

The Sharing Table

By |May 20th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Summer will soon be upon us, and our team of chefs at Naturally Chinese are gearing up to bring you some exciting twists on some of your favourite delights. What brings to mind this season is the sharing table comprising of delectable morsels of food that can be enjoyed by all. Everyone gets to taste everything, and isn't sharing more fulfilling anyway? So try some verdant dumplings, puff pastries or [...]

Coeliac Awareness Week

By |May 13th, 2019|Categories: Blog|

Coeliac Awareness Week begins today (May 13th-19th). Coeliac UK is dedicated to increase the awareness of Coeliac disease and helping people to find out if they may be suffering from it. There is an online assessment that one could take in order to determine if they may have Coeliac disease. Details of this can be found on the Coeliac UK website or by clicking here.  If ever Chinese food could [...]

All about great food

By |May 4th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Today begins the Surbiton food festival May 4th -19th, 2019, and Naturally Chinese is delighted to celebrate along presenting to you a range of fresh and clean tasting Chinese cuisine. Amongst the diversity and unity that brings us together through food, we present authentic and wholesome Chinese cuisine to you. With ingredients locally sourced, and chilli oils made in house, visit us and have a taste of some of the great flavours and dishes [...]

Dim Sum Heights

By |April 30th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , |

Following on from our earlier post about new introductions to our menu and some new tasting experiences to discover; our dim sum chef has created a special tasting creation for the month of May to reflect the celebrations of our very own Surbiton Food Festival 2019. The festival evokes the unity of diverse cuisines to be celebrated and rediscovered amongst our neighbours. This year, we at Naturally Chinese bring you [...]

The taste of Spring

By |April 25th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

A typical Chinese restaurant serving dim sum on the weekend is a scene of the bustle of energy created from coming together over little morsels of beautifully crafted foods. The art of eating dim sum lies in sharing and sampling those delectable delights. It will always taste better when shared and depending on the occasion, Prosecco or wine can make an interesting combination with it. If you prefer --a hot pot [...]

Spring Galore

By |April 19th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

In keeping with Easter season celebrations, here are some of our favourites from the kitchen at Naturally Chinese. Some of our delectable tender meats featured this month are the sizzling lamb, mandarin steak and honey barbecued fillet of pork. We also feature our Rotisserie platter which comes with the fillet of pork. If you and your party are meat lovers, we can design a roast of delectable meats to savour the [...]

Pork Belly Clay Pot

By |April 13th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

The beauty of claypot cooking is the holding of moisture without over cooking or burning the food. It is one of the most elegant gourmet dishes and can be enjoyed over lunch or dinner. Choose a claypot the next time you dine in with us. Pair it with our house wine and you will see the subtleties in the tastes and aromas. For those who enjoy a hearty bit of [...]

Happy 7th Anniversary

By |April 6th, 2019|Categories: Blog|

We've made it to year number seven, and proud to be still going strong and steady. It’s been an experience in learning and continues as our goal is to keep evolving with the times and adapting our service to better suit the needs of our patrons and customers. Still continuing with the blog and monthly newsletters talking about our activities and events have given us a means of being in [...]

The Healing Value of Food

By |March 31st, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

The value for healthy, natural and unprocessed food to me, is one of the greater things to offer. It’s a struggle in today’s world as there are various factors that make it difficult to sustain. But therein lies the desire even more so, to see the success of bringing good food and nutrition to the community. Going against the current is a hard thing but is not an option when [...]

Earth Hour 2019

By |March 25th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , |

Earth hour is observed as an event to raise awareness of protecting the environment. Earth hour as a movement strives to unite people around the world to get involved in the discussion of preserving nature and actionable ways to go forth doing so. The simple acts matter in this regard. It may be nurturing a plant to life even if it may seem wilted. Choosing to save energy and electricity. [...]

Sautéed fillet in mandarin sauce

By |March 15th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

From a range of delicious preparations of steak, one of the most popular in Chinese cuisine is the Sautéed fillet in mandarin sauce. The complexity and simple elegance of this dish encompasses the sweet, sour and crispy. The orange marinade is the key to getting the steak tender and juicy giving it an added burst of citrus. This is an excellent complement to any beef dish. There is also fresh [...]

Mother’s Day 2019

By |March 11th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Being a mum is never easy but hugely rewarding. As mothers, we see our children through the eyes of unconditional love and all is forgotten once they come over to say they’re sorry. Sound familiar? And here is that one day in the year to remind children to do something to celebrate their mothers. It is one of the busiest Sundays of the year and despite the commercialism that surrounds [...]

King Prawns with Chilli

By |March 5th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

The cold weather makes us crave spice and variety in our diet. A slender red or green chilli set on a dish of almost anything definitely piques our excitement and interest, and even the sight and aroma can do wonders for the body and mind. Spices used in Chinese cuisine perform various functions in enhancing or even subduing over-powering flavours that can come across too strong. Come to think of [...]

Char Siu Bao

By |February 25th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

A bite into one of these heavenly delights is a treat to behold. Going for a dim sum experience cannot be complete without a serving of char sui bao that is fresh, and warm, with a texture - as a customer recently said - that feels like biting into a soft cloud. At Naturally Chinese, this Cantonese specialty is served steamed. A filling of barbecued pork makes a delicious complement [...]

The Art of Nature

By |February 18th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Would you agree that the beauty of the universe and the art of nature can be experienced in a single flower? If you do, you might also agree that the art of arranging flowers is more than just putting them together in a vase as a feature to a room or a table. There is great value to receive in taking in the sight and smell of a well organised [...]

Valentine Blossom

By |February 11th, 2019|Categories: Blog|

We're in the month of the peach blossom as many know it in China. It's when the sweet smelling valentine blossom begins to bloom and falls delicately to the ground. This denotes the coming of Spring and the air filled with romance. With their perfumed fragrance and relation to the rose, jasmine and elderflower groups, they are also used as edible decoration. Spring brides in China usually have a peach [...]

New Year Feast

By |February 8th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Out with the old, in with the new – it’s the time to get together with friends and family to toast to good health and good fortune. I recall when I was a young girl, the new year festival was the biggest occasion of the year. The days leading up to it would prompt our family to do a deep clean at home to get rid of any ill feeling and [...]

Chinese new year specials

By |February 2nd, 2019|Categories: Blog|

Here a preview of our Chinese new year specials this coming February. We commence our celebrations 5th of February until the 10th of February. The 5th of February brings upon the new year of the Pig, a year of fortune and luck. The yin energy of the Pig brings about a sense of playfulness, energy and enthusiasm. Whether you need to mend fences or work on self improvement, this year should be the one [...]

Year of the Pig

By |January 28th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

As a new year comes to pass in the tradition of Chinese new year, it is our yearly tradition at Naturally Chinese to bring you this great celebration in Chinese culture. Celebrated more fervently these days all over the world, Chinese new year is associated with feelings of wealth, prosperity and vitality.  Being the year of the Pig in 2019, the symbol of the pig denotes a sense of well [...]

Quê Charity and an evening of togetherness

By |January 17th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

With only 3 days to go till the Quê Charity Dinner on Monday the 21st, I want to take this opportunity to speak a little about what this charity means to us at Naturally Chinese. It was founded by us in 2015 but it had been over two years before that we had received a letter from a lady in Hanoi asking us for some help for a charitable cause. At [...]

An Invitation to the Quê Charity Dinner

By |January 12th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

On behalf of Naturally Chinese Restaurant, YOU are invited to an evening of fun, food and frolic. The event is to come together over fine delectable food, raffles and a chance to make new friends…for a good cause! All proceeds of the evening will be donated to the Quê Charitywhich was founded in 2015 in support of some of the poorest families and children in North Vietnam. The Quê Charity is [...]

A 15 course tasting menu awaits

By |January 6th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

With 2019 well under way, Naturally Chinese has some exciting events in store. As a part of our celebration of food and Chinese cuisine, we will be hosting a charity dinner. Following on from the success of our first charity dinner in May 2015, we decided to create an evening of fun, friendship and food --all the proceeds of the evening will go to support some of the poorest children [...]

Diving Into The New

By |January 4th, 2019|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Happy new year to all! It may have gotten colder as Winter sets in but with 2019 already gaining momentum, we're clearing out the old and diving into the new. It's one of the most positive times of the year. Some get inspired by a new look, a change, a resolution, or just simply getting rid of the old energy attached to things that have no purpose. Whatever the desire [...]

New Years Eve

By |December 28th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

We are back from the Christmas break, and ready to dive into the new year. With a few precious days left to tie up a few loose ends, it gets exciting to think about what may be in store for 2019. And while we make our way to a start of a new chapter, we'll be ready for you to celebrate the evening away. Naturally Chinese will be open on [...]

Happy Christmas

By |December 19th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Simple streamlined and elegant is our aim for 2019 – to provide great food with great service, giving you a happy dinning experience. We also thank all our patrons who have been frequenting us for the last six years since we commenced. We’ve learnt much and improved because of your valuable feedback and support. So, ’tis the season of giving and with all the hustle and bustle of getting things together [...]

New Year Party

By |December 13th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

With the weather stubbornly dragging its cold wind these days, it’s an opportunity to get creative and festive. It helps to plan a little in advance for the big day of your celebration in the coming weeks. And a step by step process can be a life saver.  Simple is always best. You’ll be surprised how a few flowers can bring a table to life and even enhance the food [...]

Mistletoe and wine

By |December 6th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

This time of the year brings the need for reflection and comfort. It's one of the best times of the year, not because of the gifts we give and receive, not even for the sweet treats we relish, but mostly, the time for rest and rejuvenation. A time for connection with loved ones and family. One of my favourite things to do at christmas is brewing this comforting concoction. The [...]

Making a good new year start

By |November 30th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

The new year comes with the chance for renewal of some kind, and putting to rest the year behind us. Keeping in mind the good and the other that we've had in the year serves as a reminder helping us to better our year ahead. I've always found this month before the new year to be one of the most creative and even spontaneous. And whatever the project I undertake, [...]

Christmas Time

By |November 26th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, and feeling like the shorter days leave less time to get things done, it's important to still make time for oneself. A little luxury and pampering at Christmas is more than acceptable. I’ve had to work harder at making time for that little luxury – to make my Christmas sparkle, whether it be going to dinner with a friend, or creating [...]

Holiday Festivities

By |November 21st, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Welcome to our Christmas specials this Winter season. We can agree that the cold has happily set in and we're all feeling it by now. This is especially a good time to get cooking and eating warm foods to feel the essence of the holiday festivities and the run up to Christmas.  We will be serving these Christmas specials through the season until early January. These dishes have been put [...]

New Date of Charity Dinner

By |November 15th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

We have a new date for our charity dinner - this will be the 21st of January 2019. With a good start to the new year, we hope to raise more money to send to the families struggling in Northern Vietnam. A little goes a long way for these families. It might be putting a roof on someone’s house, or buying a family a few chickens so they can take care of it [...]

Quê Charity

By |November 9th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

It had been a few years ago when we had received a letter from a lady in Hanoi asking us for some help for a humanitarian cause, to help some of the poorest families living in Northern Vietnam. At the time, we had sent money and some supplies as a way of helping her out. We quickly became aware that she was gathering up resources working tirelessly to help alleviate [...]

Dining for a good cause

By |October 31st, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Following on from the success of our first charity dinner in May 2015, we will be hosting a special 15 course tasting menu in honour of the Quê Charity to support some of the poorest families in Northern Vietnam. The most amazing part of this event is that every little bit goes a very long way for these families and makes a world of a difference to them. We hope that [...]

Christmas 2018

By |October 26th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

With only eight weeks to Christmas, and the time passing so quickly --we want to make sure that you enjoy the time before the big holiday. It's a common feeling that Christmas comes and goes in a blink of an eye and we wonder whether we've made the best use of the time before the bustling week in late December. The excitement of Christmas can be all consuming with shopping [...]

Autumn Harvest

By |October 22nd, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

May I introduce you to the Chinese Winter Melon. Also known as the ash gourd, wax gourd, tallow gourd, even an ash squash. It's incredibly large as it is magnificent, and eaten as a vegetable when it matures to full size. The taste and texture remains a mild and delicate crunch with a high level of hydration and vitamin C. It's been a bountiful harvest of winter melons this year, [...]

Autumn Gatherings

By |October 19th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

We've felt the sudden change in the air. It's colder, the light is different and the leaves are at their peak of gold. Autumn is perhaps the best season according to most. While Summer is celebratory in a way that we want to head to the beach and BBQ, and let our hair down, Autumn has a way of bringing friends and family together. It has a way of making [...]

Silken Tofu Claypot

By |October 8th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Silken tofu might be a delicate food to touch but it is one of great resilience and strength. Most tofu appears silky smooth but the difference with Japanese silken tofu or Hiyayakko is that it is softer, milkier with a mild flavour. The process of creating this beautiful food requires tremendous patience and skill. In some of the villages up near the Japanese mountainous landscapes live some very hard working people who [...]

Reviving and Healing

By |September 30th, 2018|Categories: Blog|

In Asian cuisine, very often the range of vegetables runs between a variety of colours, textures and tastes. This is to bring balance of sweet, bitter, astringent and sour. The smooth, salty and spicy are added by way of spices, salts and oils. A sprinkle of seeds such as sesame are a common practice.  And even though most of them are traditional favourites or simple foods, natural ingredients make many [...]

Seafood dishes

By |September 26th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

A Chinese menu isn't complete without an array of seafood dishes. In China, various concoctions of seafood are common in the coastal but mostly stem for the north east coastal region. This is the Shandong region, and unlike the southern areas where Hongkong master chefs specialise in dim sum and the use of spices and flash frying, the northern way of cooking emphasis on accentuating the main flavour of the [...]

Cooked On A Slow Fire

By |September 22nd, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Although this is a favourite all year round, it holds a special place for the onset of Autumn. The Pork Belly being a tender meat offers the chance to enjoy the sweet and savoury flavour delicately and slowly cooked over a slow fire. Its succulent taste stems from a mix of Chinese spices, sherry, citrus and preserved vegetables. It's a dish to behold.  We pride ourselves on our version that [...]

Autumnal Comfort

By |September 18th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

With a few windy days coming our way leading us into a change of season, there's always some kind of adjustment to be made. Whether it is getting the sweaters out of storage, or eating well to stay hydrated and nourished, or warding off any unwanted colds, it calls for a little autumnal comfort.  Soups and hot broths are back in season. We pride ourselves on these delicious concoctions made [...]

Sweet Creams

By |September 11th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

A well known favourite in Chinese cuisine is and has been for the longest time -- Mango pudding. Though as we know, Chinese restaurants may not be known for their sweet creams and desserts. As the Chinese palette is geared towards less sweet, this dessert ranks number one on the sweet creams list amongst Chinese culture. Not a bolster, but just a light touch of sweetness comes to mind when [...]

Healthy Meals

By |August 31st, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Get set for those fabulous September days. Perhaps one of the best months of the year to be in England --it comes with a hope of new changes and inspiration to take you through the winter months ahead. It's a time where cooking healthy meals and baking warm delightful things become an exciting task to embark on with all the seasonal fruit and vegetables that are available. Dark and vibrant [...]

The last days of summer

By |August 26th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

It's that time of year again where we begin to bid farewell to Summer. The air feels cooler and we know it's time to bring out the sweaters to stay for the next nine months (more or less). Like many others, I have a particular fondness for Autumn and especially the advent of the season. It puts me in the mood to take comfort in a heart warming claypot, accompanied [...]

Naturally Green

By |August 20th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

It's formed a big part of our colour palette since we started the restaurant: the verdant greens that create the environment of Naturally Chinese restaurant make for the naturally green effect that we strive to achieve. In a similar vein, the dishes we've put together on the menu hold a bit of green whether in the whole dish, or just as a tantaliser to excite the palette. This goes without [...]

London’s Premier Chinese Restaurant

By |August 14th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Naturally Chinese Restaurant over the last few years has gathered a few cornerstones to be happy to implement. From adopting its wide range of gluten free dishes, to being accredited by Coeliac UK as being the first gluten free Chinese restaurant in all of the UK, to promoting a greener way of functioning reducing food waste and even observing Earth hour each year, the restaurant is in full swing marking [...]

Rotisserie Platters

By |July 31st, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Often a choice that may be overlooked is the Rotisserie platter. Our specialized rotisserie chef is trained in getting the meats to the finest textures that grace the art of rotisserie. On our corner of rotisserie meats on the menu, take note of the crispy pork belly which is like a fine delicacy in Chinese cuisine. Cooked to perfection with succulent juices and crackling rind around, this dish has to be [...]

A Signature Dessert

By |July 27th, 2018|Categories: Blog|

Whether it's a cold windy evening or a sweltering summer's day, the taste and comfort of a crispy cream bun from our menu makes for a signature dessert. I often have this as an instant pick-me-up after a hectic day, pairing it with a heart warming cup of coffee or tea.  In times past, going back to the days of the silk route where tea houses would serve yum cha [...]

Chicken in Cashew Nuts and Bean Sauce

By |July 23rd, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Home is where the heart is and in this case the heart lies in the essence of this dish of surprise and splendour --Chicken in cashew nuts and bean sauce! If you haven't tried this yet, it's a dish that will not disappoint. At Naturally Chinese, we make ours in a yellow bean sauce. Although black bean is more popular in Sichuan and Cantonese cooking, to use the yellow bean [...]

Art of The Claypot

By |July 16th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Claypots form one of the main dishes in Chinese Cuisine. Many countries around the world use a form of claypot -- a pot that infuses a slow heat to cook food in a delicate way. There is a comfort factor that exists in the art of the claypot. Perhaps it's the earthiness and non steely quality that brings it to the dish. At Naturally Chinese, claypots add to the aesthetic [...]

Feel The Fear

By |July 2nd, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Fear can be an inspiring and impactful feeling. If you agree, you’ll know that we all feel fear almost on a daily basis. No matter how big or small the fear, we know it is uncomfortable, but in that discomfort, we can be catapulted to do amazing things in our lives. I’m a firm believer in feeling the fear and using it to take action. My story begins from the [...]

Which wine pairs well

By |June 30th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

You may agree that everything tastes better with wine, and in the case of Chinese cuisine, it is certainly true. In fact, the full taste of Oriental flavours become outstanding with the periodical sip of wine. When Chinese families gather to celebrate special occasions, frequent toasting is expected and with each clink of a glass, a wish of goodness and prosperity is bestowed on the one who sips straight after. [...]

Chinese Greens

By |June 24th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

In Chinese cuisine, vegetables play an important role. Aside from the aesthetics of giving colour and vibrance to accompany any dish, Chinese greens can be cooked in many ways which is what makes eating them quite exciting. The methods of cooking vary, going back to the various regions in China in their ways of preserving vegetables or consuming them fresh on a daily basis. From blanching to stir frying to [...]

Summer Feasts

By |June 19th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

With a line up of hot muggy days to await, why not plan a range of your Summer feasts whether it be an upcoming birthday party or just a Summer vacay with the family and friends. Summer is everyone's favourite month --and in England, we all know those priceless sunshine days are fleeting and remind us that we need to stop with the bustle and enjoy every moment there is [...]

Father’s Day

By |June 12th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Like all things we love to celebrate here at Naturally Chinese, Father’s Day is one that ranks top of our list. Even the smallest of thoughts count. Whether it be a phone call to dad or a even a small token of something he enjoys, he may not show his excitement but he'll be so happy!  And if you wanted to really go all out to show him you appreciate him, [...]

How long is the Peking Duck Fan Fried for?

By |June 4th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

You might be familiar with the Omni Local magazine that highlights various interests from dining out in the local area to art and theatre events, DIY and gardening and much more. It's proved to be a useful guide and help to local residents in search of information for local activities and businesses. This month we are pleased that they are hosting a fun competition for a dinner prize at Naturally [...]

From The Menu

By |May 31st, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

What makes a delicious menu? Is it a variety and range of dishes? Is it a balance of aromas, spices, and colours in the dishes? Is it the sound of words written? Is it pure comfort on any given day or night --food that is satisfying after a hard day's work or a meal that inspires a great evening. It's something almost every restauranteur ponders over every year or so, [...]

A Place to Revive

By |May 20th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

As you might have noticed that a big part of Naturally Chinese's culture is the art of adapting flower arrangements in its surroundings. This has been an important aspect of incorporating the values of our brand with our aesthetic for the dining experience we offer. The art of ikebana arrangement has a narrative element attached to it. Flowers and plants aren't just put together to make something beautiful, but what [...]

Roast Duck Noodle Soup

By |May 10th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

On days when I'm working my hardest and I need just the right combination of protein, carbs, vegetable, fats and fiber -- the Roast duck noodle soup gives me the sustenance I need. You may or may not be familiar with this traditional Cantonese style broth (bone-in roast duck and chinese vegetables in wheat noodle soup). This concoction is prepared from scratch and is simmered for hours to reveal its [...]

Salt and chilli squid

By |May 4th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

First the hot peppery king prawns, now proceeding with an ongoing series of some of our favourite spicy chilli inspired dishes, make way for the salt and chilli squid. A traditionally Hong Kong style concoction, but inspired with the twist of Hunan spice, this salty chilli seafood dish has a mix of eclectic and traditional flavour. At Naturally Chinese, we use a potato starch (gluten free) which brings a new twist onto [...]

Springtime Dining

By |April 30th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

The yearly rituals of Spring are vital for us to start the season well. Some of these rituals may be a Spring clean of the house --getting rid of the old and making room for the new. Another ritual might be a spring picnic or get together with friends. As the weather begins to warm up, there is the opportunity to experiment with new foods in season, and sharing these [...]

Chocolate and Coffee

By |April 27th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

You can always make room for a little dose of chocolate and coffee heaven. The aromatic influences closely related though different make a stellar combination. One may not expect a Chinese restaurant to serve a chocolate dessert necessarily, however, it makes for an interesting and surprisingly refreshing twist to the array of our dishes on the menu. We recommend this pairing of our chocolate fudge cake with vanilla ice cream, [...]

Hot Peppery and Delicious

By |April 23rd, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

On those days when you just want something hot peppery and delicious, this is our signature King prawn Szechuan style, and it is what hits the spot. A melange of Szechuan peppers, hot chillies and spring onions in a succulent sauce brings vigor and enhances mood especially on those grey windy days. Sichuan pepper is also known as Chinese coriander. It is grown abundantly in the Sichuan region of China. [...]

Taste of Home Goodness

By |April 18th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Be it a traditional dinner roast, to the taste of spaghetti and meatballs or, in the case of Chinese food, a plate of crispy custard buns or bowl of comforting noodles, the thought of home food goodness is very appealing to us at the end of the day. It's familiar, safe and brings us back to balance with what we know and fuels us. The taste of home goodness can [...]

Our 6th Anniversary

By |April 6th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Another year has brought us much to be proud of. The past year in particular has brought a significant shift, and definitely for the better. With the evolution of our gluten free niche, we have grown stronger in maintaining standards for a top quality gluten free menu we are very proud to serve. We’ve streamlined our processes a great deal over the last few years. New staff are given extensive training [...]

Feasts of Spring

By |March 31st, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

We had an amazing earth hour last Saturday. We turned off the lights and ate by candlelight for an entire hour. It was exciting and I want to thank all our patrons who shared in this moment with all their cooperation. This weekend brings with it the mark of Spring, finally! Yes, the weather is warming up a little even though we've had bouts of rain, and the spring blossoms [...]

Good Food

By |March 24th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

It has been a subject that has been on my mind a lot lately, and that is what is good food. We recently introduced organic chicken on our menu, sourcing the produce from a local British Organic farm. I believe this has made a difference to not only the taste and texture of the dishes but to the overall feel and well being of the restaurant. I'm very excited by this [...]

Earth Hour 2018

By |March 19th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

As concern for the environment is growing widely, the need for us all to come together to support and help promote the well being of our planet is very relevant. Naturally Chinese is a supporter of Earth Hour and this will be our third year aiming to spread the word and stand by the WWF organization in its pledge for support. Sometimes it may seem a daunting task to undertake [...]

Spring Detox

By |March 14th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Hints of Spring are in the air, and although the cold chill is still hanging around, we have much to look forward to with a new season and new opportunities. If you feel it is time to clear out the old and make room for the new, there couldn't be a better time. A big part of a Spring detox is making sure to enjoy the process, no matter how [...]

Wholesome Eating

By |February 28th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

What does it mean -- wholesome eating? It's a topic that has been covered a lot lately. The idea of wholesome eating isn't a new concept. Many think it means eating whole foods, for instance, eating a whole fruit or vegetable. But I would go a step further to say that in addition to whole foods, wholesome eating is making sure one incorporates all food groups in the diet and in [...]

Preparing For a Cold Week

By |February 22nd, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

With predictions of freezing cold temperatures coming our way next week, it makes me think of how I can plan ahead for a line up of heart warming good food through those cold times. You can probably already feel the change in temperature getting colder. The air gets drier and thicker, and this drains our energy levels. We need constant sustenance through hydration and warmth, so plenty of fluid and foods [...]

Spring Celebrations

By |February 16th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , |

Happy Lunar New Year 2018! Welcome to the Year of the Dog -- denoting a spirit of playfulness, lightness and enthusiasm for taking risks and saying yes to an adventure. With Chinese New Year comes the advent of Spring (one that I'm sure you will agree has been long awaited this year!) It also brings us the opportunity to start the year right. Decluttering the home and a bit of Spring [...]

Day of wine and roses

By |February 4th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

There's an old Chinese proverb that goes....."The rose has thorns only for those who would gather it."  I suppose the point of the saying is that roses are the kind of flower that should be admired and enjoyed as they bring us beauty and scent to lift our spirits, inspire us to creativity perhaps and douse us with the possibility of romance. In China, this time of year introduces the peach [...]

Chinese new year special

By |January 31st, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , |

In celebration of Chinese new year,  Naturally Chinese prepares its auspicious Peking Duck for the occasion, where our chefs get to present to you their culinary skills to the finest level. There's no fussing, just elegant and delicious. The art to eating this beautiful dish is in the sharing and designing your own unique bite.  And a pairing of a fine red wine will elevate this dish to its fullest flavour. The [...]

To Health and Abundance

By |January 28th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

Chinese new year comes in later this year, coinciding with the time of the peach blossom where the air begins to clear and a spring of new flowers bloom to commemorate Valentine's Day. How opportune the time as a double celebration will take place this year. As tradition continues with the aim of anticipating a new cycle of living and with the best of intentions to make the most of [...]

A Vibrant Lunch

By |January 19th, 2018|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Most of January centers around planning. Feeding the mind with positive thoughts for the year ahead and nourishing the body with good food and regular meals. Both these contribute to a healthy start for the year and reinforce our commitment to our goals. As the weather takes a mood of its own, there is less predictability, and so I always feel a little routine helps to keep vibrant and ward [...]

Turning winter blues to gold

By |January 9th, 2018|Categories: Blog|

So we made it to 2018! And what next? Some of us have made our new year's resolutions, and some of us have a long list of To Dos that we know may fade in a few weeks. In Chinese tradition of new year celebration, this year we commemorate The Year of the Dog, and the dog is a particularly significant motif, one that denotes an earthiness, sense of grounding [...]

A word of thanks

By |December 30th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

I'm very grateful for the experience of running a restaurant and bringing to fruition what was a straightforward idea of serving good, allergy-free food to the community. It wasn't initially a career choice, but more of a gut instinct, an on-the-spot decision; and what an adventure it has been! As I come to the close of my 2017, I am reassured that I couldn't have done it without the support [...]

A few of my favourite things

By |December 22nd, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

The next couple of days are the most exciting, the lead up to Christmas day --the time when all the family will be over, presents will be unwrapped and a sumptuous feast will be lain on a beautifully decorated table. It always begs the question, why do we hustle and bustle to make things perfect for a day that will be here and gone in no time at all? I [...]

Hottest dumpling of all

By |December 16th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

While the cold is upon us and we can't get enough of the warmth of good comforting food, our chefs are excitedly plugging away at a new menu revision for the new year. We want to streamline our menu to offer the dishes you love while at the same time, we want to make sure that we are continuously working to better them to perfection. We've noticed that our number [...]

Cinnamon and spice

By |December 7th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

I've always relished this heart warming drink during the holidays. After a long day of work, and when it's warm and cozy in the comfort of your own home, this recipe is like magic to lift the spirits and put you in the mood for the Christmas. A mild touch of cinnamon and spice to this medium bodied red wine releases an aroma that delights beyond one you can imagine, [...]

A Bountiful Table

By |November 30th, 2017|Categories: Blog|

What could be more lovely at Christmas than a bountiful table, laid with heart warming food, maybe some mulled wine or Prosecco, and decorative crackers and Christmas foliage? With the weather stubbornly dragging its cold wind these days, it's an opportunity to get creative and festive. It helps to plan a little in advance for the big day of your celebration in the coming weeks. And a step by step [...]

Christmas Is Coming

By |November 26th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

It's already that time of year again. Autumn came and went so soon. The past week, we can all agree, has been a significant degree colder reminding us that it's time to bring out the winter gear, and get ready for the holiday season - A cold Christmas is coming. But the good news is that the festivities are also about to begin. It's the most exciting time of the [...]

Warm Comfort

By |November 19th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Which would you say are the foods that bring you warm comfort in the winter? And how do you cook them, if you do? Perhaps it is the way the dish is prepared or its texture, saltiness, even sweetness, but my favourite foods to look forward to this season are the rich dark vegetables. The vegetable or plant food brings the best comfort in terms of calmness, alertness, and overall well [...]

Christmas Seasonal Menu

By |November 15th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

The streets are slowly beginning to unravel that familiar Christmas feeling. The shops have already stocked on Christmas decorations and presenting their holiday offers, and I'm sure that Christmas bug will be upon you soon, if it hasn't already! It certainly has for me. This time of year is always very special. The lights, the get togethers with family and the chance for giving back brings warmth and happiness to the [...]

Naturally Green

By |November 6th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

There is something strangely compelling about the power of green in our meals. Our bodies seem to miss it when we don't get enough of it. Naturally green foods have a connection with nature and with us living beings. These foods being high in chlorophyll also facilitate the detoxifying of toxins in our systems and therefore our bodies know when we need a healthy dose of greens, in turn making [...]

Chinese food and wine

By |October 31st, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Here's our take on what makes a fine chinese food and wine pairing. Try it when you next dine in with us or if you order a take out and see the difference. The flavours of Chinese cuisine are complex and contain a mix of spice, smoked, sweet and sour. Having a complementary wine pairing is not only about the opposites in taste and flavour, but also in aroma and [...]

A shared culture

By |October 25th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Following on from our previous post, we're coming to take a closer look at what makes the essence of the culture for Naturally Chinese. Through the past couple of years, many of you have left some interesting suggestions on how we can take things to the next level or what you'd like to see added to the whole dining experience at the restaurant. In a group of various concerns or [...]

New season new mood

By |October 20th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Autumn is a time for reflection. Just as the leaves on the trees dry up and shed, it's also a good time for us to let go of things we cannot control. There is comfort and a freedom to find in this. Every season depicts a mood, and for good reason as a variation brings excitement and well being to us. It's no wonder why there is a demand for [...]

A kick of spice

By |October 15th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

A smoky, chilli flavour is always in season, but is particularly popular as the weather transitions to a colder temperature. Our szechuan style chicken or king prawn dish is the perfect concoction of sichuan pepper with spring onions, red chillies and a delicious sauce to bring comfort as well as robust vitality to the heart. Sichuan pepper is also known as Chinese coriander. Grown abundantly in the Sichuan region of China, [...]

Lamb seasoned with ginger and onions

By |October 9th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

With the autumn winds soon coming to steal away our warmth,  it’s vital to take care of our bodies by eating well and keeping our spirits up. From the array of our hot claypots to sizzling steaks, one cannot deny this dish that has been a long time favourite. Garnering the taste of ginger and fresh spring onions, these medicinal properties bring a sense of well being, light and contentment [...]

Asian style sea bass

By |September 30th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

This meaty fish has always carried an elegance to any table. Its taste is subtle. It's not an oily fish so the taste is never overpowering. Sea bass is mostly an ocean fish but can also be found in rivers during summer. In Europe we have two main kinds --the Atlantic and the Mediterranean kind. In other parts of the world, you can find the Japanese sea bass known as [...]

A connection with nature

By |September 26th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

The leaves continue to turn a warm shade of pink, to a deeper red. There are also the golden leaves that hang like large coins gracefully from the trees. The beauty in nature is abundant and never short of inspiring. Just as a connection with nature is vital for our well being, so also is our connection with natural foods. The two are interconnected.  At Naturally Chinese, I follow on [...]

Pork Belly Claypot

By |September 22nd, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

A popular Hong Kong style dish is the pork belly claypot. To some this may seem extravagant or even fit for a grand occasion, but this dish can be enjoyed on any regular weekday for lunch or dinner. What makes this dish so tempting is the marinade that absorbs into the meat. It's a sauce that is made to perfection with hoisin, soy sauce, chinese spices, garlic, dry sherry and [...]

A ‘feel good’ dinner

By |September 17th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Agreeably we live in a time where we can have any type of cuisine and any kind of food we want in a matter of minutes. With the variety that is available to us in this day and age, we may often face a situation where we have to think what meals to eat, if it's going to make us feel good. And if it poses a bit of a [...]

Complex simplicity

By |September 11th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

A Chinese proverb goes: "The more you eat, the less flavour; the less you eat, the more flavour." In keeping with this old adage, I think of the complex simplicity in the art of Chinese cooking and the aesthetics that go into enjoying a meal. It may be thought that Chinese cooking is fast, easy to assemble and ready to go, but indeed lies a mystery still that though all [...]

Farewell Summer

By |August 31st, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

I particularly love this time of the year --the time transitioning from the end of Summer to those glorious autumnal days in September. The sunlight is golden and it reminds me that as winter will soon approach, there are still some sunny days to enjoy. How quickly the time passes? Summer came too soon. Hope you had some good times to remember this year. This time of the year brings [...]

Peking Duck Delight

By |August 26th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

The art of roasting duck has been in practice since Imperial times of the dynastic eras in China. Traditionally, the delectable Peking duck is served on most auspicious of occasions. The ceremonial aspect of slicing the crispy outer layer of the roast at the dinner table in front of guests is what makes a great presentation when ordering this dish. Apart from the duck itself, the trimmings are just as [...]

Chilli Oil

By |August 21st, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

As many of you know, our chilli oil is made in house by our chefs at Naturally Chinese. In Chinese or Asian cuisine, chilli oil is an important condiment. In China, it is used abundantly in the Sichuan and Hunan regions, as the food in these areas tends to lean on the spicier side of Chinese cuisine. It is also interesting to note that the region in southern Italy also [...]

Life in food

By |August 16th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Following on from last week's post on the mindfulness of eating --how alive is our food and why it is beneficial to eat living foods, grown from the ground? In a time where we don't always know where our food comes from, and we have to grapple with having to keep up with changes in food sourcing and sustainability, seeking a quality of life in food is and should become [...]

Mindfulness of eating

By |August 9th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

When we think about food and eating in the age we live in, two factors come into play: what are the choices of food we have to eat, and secondly, how do we obtain them as quickly as possible. Many times the stress of life takes over our better judgement and we can forget to take time to indulge in the therapeutic value and mindfulness of eating. It's a concept [...]

Midsummer Bustle

By |July 31st, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Planning a summer birthday or a get-together with friends?  Barbecue season is definitely on! Some of our versions of delectable tender meats featured this month are the sizzling lamb, mandarin steak and honey barbecued fillet of pork. We also feature our Rotisserie platter which comes with the fillet of pork. If you and your party are meat lovers, we can design a roast of delectable meats to savour the celebration. Not [...]

Soft-Shell Crab

By |July 26th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Many countries around the world create this dish in their own unique way. Our deep fried soft-shell crab on the menu may be a bit of a surprise to some, but it is very popular in Asian cuisine. Soft-shell crab has different varieties of course, depending on the place and the kind of crab that is local to the region. But one thing is true, and that the taste and [...]

Chicken in Wine

By |July 20th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

This is our version of a Coq-au-vin, prepared with essentially Chinese herbs and wine. What makes it distinctive to the Chinese version of the dish is the wine - fermented rice wine known as Saoxing wine. It is sweet, almost like a sherry which gives a mild marinade to the chicken. Unlike its French counterpart, this dish uses more spice than herb, sometimes flavouring it with a bark of cinnamon but [...]

The lightness of greens

By |July 8th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

A big part of our cuisine uses the colour green. The leafy logo that is part of our identity denotes our partiality to green leafy vegetables in all our meal combinations. It has and remains an important component of the diet. The lightness of greens, in addition to its aesthetic appeal, is beneficial to counterbalance other foods. Our favourite and incidentally most popular is a detox mixed vegetable and a green beans [...]

Culinary Insights

By |July 2nd, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

It was about two years after opening the restaurant that magazine publications, bloggers and other culinary connoisseurs began to take notice of what Naturally Chinese had to offer. We had a great review in Stylist magazine back in 2015 that featured in the top  UK bars and restaurants for  healthy eating. It was a fulfilling task to bring Naturally Chinese into the culinary insights of foodies that were looking for [...]

Naturally Chinese

By |June 25th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

What makes the essence of Chinese cuisine is what is diverse about it. Chinese cooking can be said to be one of the most complex even if turned out from a wok in a matter of minutes. China has many regions and within it lies a variety in styles of cooking. Some of these we incorporate into the dishes at Naturally Chinese. Some of them have been devised by our [...]

Summer Delectables

By |June 21st, 2017|Categories: Blog|

So with the heat wave we've been experiencing this past week, you might agree that consumption of ice cream has probably risen substantially. We've noticed it's been ordered at the restaurant these days. However, that has always been one of the favourite summer delectables for most people. That and Summer cocktails or mocktails. Here's a list of some of our Summer Delectables. We're highlighting what has been most popular and [...]

Ribs in Capital Sauce

By |June 14th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , |

Sometimes a plate of succulent ribs and a cool beer just hits the spot, especially on a sunny sweltering day like today. We're in the middle of June and it looks like Summer has settled in. And if it has crossed your mind to feast on a summer favourite such as ribs -- The chefs at Naturally Chinese have worked three different styles of ribs on the menu. The idea is [...]

Father’s Day

By |June 11th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Father's Day has the benefit of being on the brink of Summer. The weather leaves open the possibilities to treat your dad to a fantastic Father's Day celebration. I'm sure you would agree that it is important to let fathers take center stage on this day. The role of a father has been evolving and making steady progress towards being more involved in a child's life. Gone are the days [...]

Looking Forward To Summer

By |June 7th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

After a bit of June gloom this past week, here's to looking forward to Summer 2017! No matter what the weather brings, there's always time to enjoy a delectable meal that puts you in the mood for sunnier skies. There's a host of activities coming up. First on the list is Father's Day on Sunday, 18th June. How will you surprise dad this year? An afternoon at the golf course, a [...]

Buddha’s Delight

By |May 22nd, 2017|Categories: Blog|

A delicious home comforting dish that includes cooked vegetables, mushrooms and tofu. It's often known as a cleansing dish to calm the spirit and nourish the body when on a detox. Because of its lightness and varied flavours, it makes  a perfect dish for Spring and Summer. It's also one of the most popular Chinese vegetarian dishes. By the nature of it being a dish symbolizing purification and renewal, Buddha's [...]

Village Festivities

By |May 15th, 2017|Categories: Blog|

The past weekend was a good success at the Suriton Village Festivities in St. Andrew's Square. Despite the fast changing weather, we had a surprising turnout of  neighbours and friends who came together to experience some wonderful food. For the goal that we set out to achieve, we sold out all the Pho that we had on offer and thanks to you, all those proceeds of the Pho will go [...]

Quê Charity

By |May 11th, 2017|Categories: Blog|

Through our special event at the Surbiton Food Festival, we aim to raise £5000. We know this is an attainable amount with your help and support. There is a mutual trust and sense of responsibility that we hold high in this regard. We feel a strong responsibility that the money raised is donated to this cause. Which is why in 2015, after the success of the Charity dinner we hosted [...]

Treat Yourself Or A Friend

By |May 4th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

On a trip to Vietnam a few years ago, I remember sitting at a street side café after the scorching heat at left me longing for a Vietnamese iced coffee. What is a Vietnamese iced coffee and what makes it essentially Vietnamese? Many countries in Asia have a similar preparation but Vietnam has its own signature concoction. Sweetened with condensed milk, a shot of strong espresso on the rocks worked [...]

A Bowl of Pho

By |May 2nd, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , |

It may be a hot or a cold day, the wind has built your appetite and you're thinking of a dish that's nourishing, delicious with a kick to inspire you. A bowl of Pho calls for just the right balance of spice, exotic flavour and heartiness, not forgetting a zest of juicy lemon. Vietnamese Pho has one of the best combinations of Umami perhaps. Is it any wonder why this [...]

Spring Festivities 2017

By |April 25th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

With only a couple of weeks to go till the Surbiton Food Festival begins, we're preparing for a season of Spring festivities. As you might have read in one of our recent posts -- Naturally Chinese will be celebrating a bit of diversity in its menu at this year's Surbiton Food Festival. In support of the Quê Charity that aims to alleviate impoverished conditions of the poorest families in North Vietnam, we [...]

Earth Day

By |April 22nd, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Today is Earth day. Last month we celebrated Earth hour to observe that an hour of paying respect to our planet can make a difference to preserve its resources. Earth day is observed as an event to raise awareness of protecting the environment. The simple acts matter in this regard. It may be nurturing a plant to life even if it may seem wilted. Not using harsh pollutant in the [...]

For A Meaningful Cause

By |April 17th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

It was over two years ago that we had received a letter from a lady in Hanoi asking us for some help for a charitable cause. At the time, we had sent money and some supplies as a way of helping her out. But very soon we came to see that she was gathering up resources to help some of the poorest families in North Vietnam. This struck a cord [...]

Happy 5th Anniversary

By |April 6th, 2017|Categories: Blog|

Today marks the 5th anniversary for Naturally Chinese Restaurant, and what a fantastic five years it has been, ups and downs included. It's a humbling moment to think how much has been changed and achieved for Naturally Chinese in these past five years. Every business goes through hardships in the beginning and through these emerges the potential for success and growth. It's been an experience in learning and continues as [...]

Foojian Fried Rice

By |March 31st, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

The weather seems to be warming up nicely and as we can only hope it stays that way for a long while, we at Naturally Chinese can guarantee a delicious list of Spring dishes on our menu. There's a dish we'd like to introduce you to if you haven't already tried it. It's a popular Chinese wok fried rice dish that is well known in HongKong. This is the Foojian [...]

Rush of Spring

By |March 27th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

Mother's Day brings us the rush of Spring. With the clocks springing forward literally, it's now official. Spring is here! If you're like me celebrating the wonderful time for blossoms in the garden and seasonal produce, it truly is one of the best times of the year to relish. The following weeks to come, we will be featuring some of our top Spring dishes --set menus (regular and gluten free) that will [...]

Mother’s Day 2017

By |March 18th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Naturally Chinese will be dedicating a weekend for Mother's Day 2017. Why not gather the family and plan a weekend to remember? As Spring is steadily coming in, there is more time to enjoy long walks, Spring lunches or celebratory dinners. Mother's Day is one of the busiest days in the year for most restaurants -- lunch being the most highly booked, therefore we strongly advise making your reservations early to [...]

Spring Is Near

By |March 12th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

With Cherry Blossom trees blossoming and daffodils in full bloom it's safe to say Spring in Near or around the corner. It's exciting -- the change of season, and especially the change from Winter to Spring. At Naturally Chinese, we love to undertake the warming welcome of Spring with flowers to brighten up each table and flavours to put a kick back in your step. And with Mother's Day on [...]

International Women’s Day

By |March 7th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

We've seen some tremendous movements taken place since International Women's Day 2016. It's amazing when women come together to achieve a shared goal, the impact is contagious. Even if it meant taking a few little steps to get there. International Women's Day is about celebrating the progress of social, cultural, economic and political achievements for all women in all walks of life. And in seeing so many advancements that have taken [...]

Taste of Gluten Free

By |February 28th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Embracing a gluten free diet is about making a lifestyle change --one based either out of necessity to not be ill from eating gluten, or the cutting out of gluten from ones eating habits and diet. The popularity of gluten free eating has been growing due to the awareness and consciousness of our bodies, our health and desire to stay vital. The taste of gluten free foods and dishes is [...]

Natural Flavourings

By |February 23rd, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

Natural flavourings are what we promote at Naturally Chinese. For a few years now, our Chefs have concocted their own chill oils made in house. These have been a popular favourite with many or our dishes on the menu. A particular complement has been to the raw salad that we offer as a part of a detox and cleansing. Our goal is to have for every dish a transparency and [...]

Flash of Taro

By |February 15th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Taro dumplings are a very special kind of appetizer in Chinese dim sum. It's hugely popular in Hong Kong, sometimes offered as a pastry because of it's somewhat sweet taste. The crispiness of the shell is like biting into a pastry of sorts. I've always been fascinated by this dish because of the way it is cooked and how each piece is a unique delectable piece of art in itself. [...]

Valentine’s Weekend

By |February 8th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

We all know that "love" is a broad word that can be taken in many contexts depending on how the situation and circumstances play out. In some countries the tradition of Valentine's Day is that of cherishing friends and loved ones, in addition to being celebrated as a toast to romantic love. I imagine that there are often mixed feelings on this day as there are those who feel they [...]

Month of the Peach Blossom

By |February 4th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

We've had a week long celebration for Chinese New Year. The turn out has been superb! We still have two more days to go till Sunday so do make sure you reserve your table for a feel good Chinese New year celebration of tossing the four seasons salad and picking the red envelope from the money tree. And after the year of the Rooster has kicked off in full galore, [...]

New Beginnings

By |January 25th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

With only a couple of days to Chinese new year, a few tasks remain to be completed for the arrival of the year of the Rooster. The week leading up to Chinese New Year is bustling with preparations in most Chinese families' household. It begins with a deep clean of the house to make room for good fortune to enter. Every nook and cranny is emptied of anything redundant. All [...]

Chinese New Year 2017

By |January 21st, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

The Year of the Rooster is upon us this 2017. The lucky colours for the year are expressed through a myriad of shades of red, yellow, orange, pink and purple. Warm tones like amber reds and blazing golds come from the fiery rooster. This year we will be celebrating Chinese New Year 2017 on the 28th of January. We will begin the evening with the tossing of the raw salad. The ritual [...]

Aromatic Garlic

By |January 18th, 2017|Categories: Blog|

Much of Chinese cooking is centered around garlic. Infact, the two sister ingredients - garlic and ginger are complementary in that if ginger provides the zing of vitality, then the garlic's potency provides for power and energy. Garlic's curative powers are well known in most cuisines. When cooked it also enhances the flavour of the dish making it more satisfying and delicious. At Naturally Chinese, whether we use whole, chopped, [...]

Eating Sustainable Foods

By |January 12th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

January presents an opportunity for us to reflect on  our goals for the coming months. Soon the weather will change and we will be able to do more, see more, even grow more. One of my goals that is very important to me is to be part of a movement that promotes eating sustainable foods. At Naturally Chinese, we've been taking steps and doing our best to move towards buying [...]

Chasing the New Year Blues Away

By |January 6th, 2017|Categories: Blog|

So it's 2017 already! Christmas came and went and here we are at the start of a new year. Daunting as it may seem to some, the next two weeks are a good opportunity to adjust to the new things we want to accomplish for the coming year. Making a list and keeping it by your bedside helps. Crossing them off as you accomplish them everyday can bring you inspiration [...]

Celebrating The Old and The New

By |December 31st, 2016|Categories: Blog|

This time of year is particularly exciting. The chance for renewal of some kind, the start of something new and putting to rest the year behind us. We shouldn't forget the year as they are reminders to move forward. I've always found this year special in that regard and whether my New Years' eve is a big bash or a quiet reflective evening, I make sure there's always good food [...]

Eat well and be merry!

By |December 22nd, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

With only three days left till Christmas, time is of the essence -- making special moments count as we take the effort to gather our friends and family and delight them with delicious food and secret santa presents. Whether you've made plans to dine outside of your home or, you are planning a large family feast at your place, we wish you the spirit of Christmas --one of giving, sharing, togetherness, [...]

Christmas Holiday Vouchers

By |December 12th, 2016|Categories: Blog|

We just hosted a Christmas holiday sweepstakes where two winners have been picked and they will receive our four course holiday dinner for two. The competition was held over three weeks especially for the Christmas season. We wanted to thank all those who participated and made this a special event to get behind. As we continue to promote this holiday season's special offers, we will be hosting a few more [...]

Christmas Dining

By |December 3rd, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

The next three weeks are some of the best leading up to Christmas Eve.  Many of you may already have your trees decorated. Lights lining the window panes in shops looking as Christmasy as they can. And what's left now is all the planning, list making, shopping and also what we tend to leave out last -- the relaxing for the holidays. Christmas being essentially the season for family and [...]

Feel Good Dinners

By |November 28th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

A cold cold winter might be on the cards this season. But nevertheless; the sounds of carols,  lights on christmas trees and a feeling of the holiday spirit has a way of warming our hearts. With a busy year that has gone by so quickly, these cold days are a chance for us to make memories with our family and friends,  a chance for us to give back or perhaps [...]

Our Holiday Sweepstakes

By |November 24th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

A few weeks ago, we asked you via Facebook what would be a holiday contest prize you'd like. Many of you emailed and left comments that our four course Christmas menu would be most preferred. So as a result, we're giving two '4 course dinners for 2', which can be redeemed by the winners of our sweepstakes this Christmas season .  The countdown to the sweepstakes has begun and only [...]

Dim Sum Weekend

By |November 16th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

It's almost like a ritual these days -to do a weekend Dim Sum brunch. I see many of you who frequently make a reservation to have a dim sum lunch with the family on either a Saturday or Sunday. A typical Chinese restaurant serving dim sum on the weekend is a scene of the bustle of energy created from coming together over little morsels of beautifully crafted foods. The art [...]

Autumn Calling

By |November 11th, 2016|Categories: Blog|

The light is one of the most beautiful this time of the year (barring the dark gloomy days that we can have in the UK). Autumn calls upon a time to reflect on the year gone by and the one that is to come. The months leading upto christmas in the autumnal season are some of my favourite as they are usually the best time to plan for a new [...]

Party Planning

By |November 6th, 2016|Categories: Blog|

A party this time of the year doesn't have to be time consuming or painstaking. With the cold weather settling in, it can feel overwhelming to arrange a venue, cater, and plan all the little details. We hope that with all those to-do things on your list, we can be of help to your party planning needs. As you might have seen, we've set our Christmas menu. This year we've included [...]

Gluten Free Chinese Food

By |October 30th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Rice is probably one of the foremost foods to cater to anyone who is Coeliac. Interestingly enough, rice has the power to also satisfy hunger and sustain for a longer period of time. In Chinese tradition, rice lies at the heart of all meals. When we decided to have gluten free Chinese food on the menu, the choice wasn't hard although it is a combined and involved effort to make sure [...]

Mixed Vegetable Medley

By |October 25th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

One of our favourite vegetarian options on the menu is our mixed vegetable. Doused in a light oil, this medley of pak choi, beansprouts, water chestnuts and carrots make a delicious accompaniment to any meal, lunch or dinner. This is our equivalent of a cole slaw or a potato salad on the side. Also filled with nutrients, it adds to a balance in the meal on the whole. In our [...]

What’s on the menu?

By |October 21st, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Only eight weeks to go before the biggest celebration of the year. For me, the build up to the day is always exciting. And early as it might seem, it's always good to plan ahead. Those heart warming days in December when people are bustling through Christmas shopping and entertaining friends make for a time of happy feasts. Be it a family pre-Christmas dinner get together or a company holiday [...]

A Sweet Finish

By |October 15th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , |

Every meal should finish on a sweet note. It need not always be a grand creamy gateau, or a sugary tart. It could be a cup of perfectly made coffee of coffee liqueur. Dessert has been incorporated even during ancient times. Back then, they didn't have any of our sophisticated baking or sugar craft. They would serve grapes, dates or honey. The point may very well have been to clear the [...]

Art Of Cooking

By |October 7th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Whether it be chopping, tossing, flash frying or carving a flower out of a vegetable, there's an art or science to it all. And no matter the same formulaic recipe, it still differs from individual to individual, therein the art of cooking it. Like any art, it takes years of practice to cultivate a mode, a pattern, a personal touch that makes the cooking unique. Every little morsel of dim [...]

Christmas 2016

By |September 30th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

It's that time again, can you believe it? Last Christmas only felt like yesterday and here we are already planning the next. With all the little tweaks and changes that have gone on at Naturally Chinese, we also want this Christmas to reflect these changes. Planning a Christmas menu is always a fun challenge, as we want to create a delicious experience that delights the senses and brings a festive [...]

Squid Fillet

By |September 23rd, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Fluffy, mildly savoury and crunchy - this delicate appetizer is a new favourite on our menu. It also is one for all seasons being great to pair with a Summer wine and deliciously comforting with a warming wine in winter. The squid fillet can be found on our appetizer/ starter section. The batter is made from potato starch which brings a new twist onto a typical tempura or deep fried [...]

Tofu & Aubergine

By |September 16th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

For those who want to bulk up their meals without adding meat or fish, tofu can be a great substitute. An ingredient also known as bean curd made out of soy milk, it is rich in amino acids, calcium and other vitamins. This makes tofu a nutrient packed dish to have at anytime during the day. Also, its delicate silky texture makes it a fine accompaniment to many of our [...]

Autumn Upkeep

By |September 10th, 2016|Categories: Blog|

It's time for our annual upkeep. We will be closed for a short break from Monday, 12th of September, and re-open at 5pm on Wednesday, 21st September to resume business as usual. With the change of season from Summer to Christmas, we will be taking this time to do our Autumn tune up and maintenance at Naturally Chinese. Checking all systems and machines to make sure everything is working smoothly and [...]

Morning Glory

By |September 5th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

We've often been asked about this dish on our menu. Mistaken for the flower or the popular song by 'Oasis', this dark green vegetable side dish on our menu is a relative of the spinach family. Rich in nutrients, it grows in abundance by rivers in most Asian countries like China, Indonesia, Vietnam and many more. Its most unique quality is its tubular structure, is crunchy to eat and retains its [...]

September Days

By |August 31st, 2016|Categories: Blog|

As we embark on September; the days getting shorter but still with the hope that the month will bring us some more precious moments of sunshine to enjoy. This transitional season gives us the time to firm up some loose ends before the excitement of Christmas. For a special time like September, the dim sum afternoon makes a perfect lunch occasion after a walk in the park or shopping with [...]

The Finer Dishes

By |August 24th, 2016|Categories: Blog|

Delicious dishes begin with good ingredients. A simple cooking process is also a key factor, although not without dextrous care and attention to the finer details. Our array of the finer dishes on the menu incorporate these aspects. For instance, the rice parcels wrapped in lotus leaves brings an aroma to inspire out of a simple wholesome ingredient that is rice. And though we are a Chinese restaurants, we include [...]

Standing Tall

By |August 15th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

We've had on our to-do-list a new design for the signage of our restaurant. As I had mentioned in my earlier post when we had our menus re-designed that we wanted to keep with our ongoing work of bringing various elements of our brand together. So I am happy to say that our new signage is complete! The new look keeps in step with our signature colours, giving you a [...]

Summer Holidays

By |August 10th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

England is the best time to be in the Summer --even with the unpredictable weather. With school breaks and holidays, travel hassles and getting lost in a foreign country, a stay-cation might just be what you might need. And why not? On the days of beautiful sunshine, warm weather and great food around, it would be just like being on holiday. Here are some tips for a stay-cation: 1. Take [...]

New Look

By |July 31st, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

What is it about a menu that we love to - not just glance at - but scrutinise the wording and presentation of what is on offer? In keeping with our brand identity of modern minimalistic and clean, we've got a new look for our menus and are very excited about its functionality and simplicity. You'll find what we have to offer easier to navigate through, and pin pointing to [...]

What We Value

By |July 26th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

After four years of hard work and graft, we're still continuing to adapt to growing needs and thereby carving our niche. As any good business takes time to develop its value (and not just in a tangible way), a big part of the focus rests on encouraging a good culture with our team. The success of a restaurant is dependent on the strength of the team working together. Everyone knowing [...]

Cooling Down This Summer

By |July 20th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

With the heat sweltering this week, there's a way to keep cool under this Summer's sun. At Naturally Chinese, our first choice of Summer drink is our Elderflower Spritzer. With or without ice, this tall drink is sure to beat the heat and complement any of our dishes. And for the alcoholic Summer beverage, try our wine spritzer or a cool Pinot Grigio. Both have a crisp, light-as-air feel that [...]

Gather With Friends

By |July 13th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Summer is here (come rain or shine), presenting the opportunity to gather with friends, to celebrate small victories and be creative! Whether you are planning Summer activities, a birthday party or a family reunion, Naturally Chinese can provide a setting that is hospitable with food to enjoy to your heart's content. We're revamping our menu to a new exciting look - with a view to give you a comprehensive yet [...]

Rice Bowl

By |July 7th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

What is it about a rice bowl? Steamy or crispy, mixed with other ingredients or served by itself, the wonders of a rice bowl never cease to amaze me. It's been the healer of all dishes for me ever since I was a child. It always make me feel better. In Asian countries, rice is a staple food. It contains the essential level of carbohydrates for the body to function. [...]

Footie Season

By |June 29th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Once again the excitement this year is building to see who will win Euro 2016. Some of you have probably placed your bets already. Many of you will be planning to get together over good food and drink to feel the tension of the game. For those going to host a footie party in the comfort of home, let us present to you our special footie snack platter. It has [...]

A Hearty Produce

By |June 23rd, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Look what I found in the garden. Coming up to speed on my home farming techniques, the endeavour has proved to be worthwhile. Last week I peered in on the bed of leaves in my back garden to check the progress. With all the wet weather we've been having, I found a party of slugs that I feared would have eaten the fruits of my labour. But alas - next [...]

Happy Father’s Day

By |June 17th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

It's true when you hear ' A son's first hero and a daughter's first love' - a father's care and love is just as important as a mother's. There's still time to plan a great Father's Day weekend. Haven't bought a card, then take it upon yourself to make one. It's the thought that counts anyway. With only a day left, you can always plan a little something special, whether [...]

Vegetarian Options

By |June 12th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Much of our focus at Naturally Chinese has been on sourcing ingredients as fresh as possible. I wanted to highlight some vegetarian options that we serve which are not only delicious but are especially designed to cater to a style of healthy eating and detoxification. Chinese cuisine offers a range of foods, not only the usually meat dishes like pork, beef and chicken, or seafood and fish, but even vegetarian. From [...]

This month is for dad

By |June 1st, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Usually celebrated on the third Sunday of June and declared as such in the US - Father's Day has been gaining popularity in recent years on this side of the pond and all over the world. And why not? Why should us mums have all the fun and appreciation. For a father who does his fair share and more for the family, it is important to acknowledge his contribution in [...]

Growing Your Own

By |May 29th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

One of things on my agenda is trying to cultivate more of an organic approach to growing my own vegetables. On a recent trip to Japan, I visited a nature farming plot that implemented some innovative techniques. It's becoming trendy to take on a plot of land to grow one's own produce, even if just for the basic salad leaves, tomatoes, potatoes and the like. With small baby steps to achieve [...]

On The Latest

By |May 15th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

We want to keep you posted on current happenings at the restaurant. From news about our latest gluten free menu to upcoming events, you can catch it all on our monthly newsletter. Even dim sum making classes and recipe tips (from our very own top Chef Chiu). Today marks the last day of the Surbiton Food Festival. It's been a great turnout this year. Our food demo with Chef Chiu [...]

Join The Party

By |May 6th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

The most awaited weekend of May is here with the Surbiton food festival happening at St. Andrew's Square, Surbiton. The weather is shaping up to show sunny skies and warm weather. From the line up of food stalls and local producers displaying their wares, there will be plenty to keep you entertained. Naturally Chinese will have some of the best selling dim sum faves to choose from. Also, our top [...]

Working Together

By |May 1st, 2016|Categories: Blog|

It's the first of May and what a beautiful afternoon it's been today with the gift of warmth and sunshine. Good to see everyone taking advantage of the sun. Hopefully we've commenced the season of brighter days. With Surbiton Food Festival having just begun, there's plenty to look forward to for the couple of weeks ahead. Speaking of May day and this particular celebration for the working man and woman, on [...]

Springtime Lunches

By |April 26th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

It's time again for relishing those long afternoon lunches, the kind we like to enjoy whilst admiring the Spring blossoms. With a mixed bag of weather surprises we've been having, there's still always a reason to gather with friends, feel invigorated by long walks and try to make the best even on a cloudy afternoon. All these tie in nicely with a delicious meal to complement your outing. A fancy [...]

Surbiton Food Festival

By |April 17th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

The Spring line up of activities are about to begin in a couple of weeks. Some of you might have already seen the list of events for the upcoming Surbiton Food Festival 2016 taking place from the 30th of April to 15th of May. The Naturally Chinese food stall will be up on Sunday, 8th of May, in full form with our best selling dishes many of which will include [...]

Prawn Toast

By |April 10th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

My new twist on bread and butter is now that of prawn toast. Usually found as little triangular toasts seasoned in shrimp paste, deep fried and sprinkled with sesame seeds. But today, our chef prepared his version using french baguette, making it light, fluffy, golden and crispy to bite. What a ravishing toasty delight and easy to prepare too. This dish could very well be a relative to french toast [...]

Our 4th Birthday

By |April 3rd, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

We're flying swiftly into our fourth birthday, celebrating our anniversary this week. The past year has gone by quickly and not without its set of challenges. However we move into another year with plenty to be happy and proud of. Still holding the spot of the only gluten free accredited Chinese restaurant in England by Coeliac UK, we are continuing to work hard keeping our ratings high with consistent good food and service; [...]

Beechwood Smoked Chicken

By |March 29th, 2016|Categories: Blog|

If you haven't tried our Smoked Beechwood Chicken, this could become your new favourite at Naturally Chinese. With Springtime already here, you may want to try a few new adventurous dishes on the menu when you are in next. These dishes are bound to put some pep in your step and rev up your appetite. Whether you choose spare ribs in honey sauce, deep fried squid or the shredded chicken [...]

Earth Hour 2016

By |March 17th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Earth hour 2016 is this Saturday 19th of March. From 8:30-9:30pm Naturally Chinese will join many others in the observance of conserving energy. We will be switching the lights off at the restaurant and dining by candle light in support of Earth Hour. For the light we often take for granted, what a wonderful opportunity to come together for a good cause, to appreciate and discover a new experience. An exciting [...]

Gluten Free Accreditation

By |March 6th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

A few weeks ago, we were paid a surprise visit from the gluten Free accreditation center of Coeliac UK. Happy to say we passed with flying colors again. A much appreciated 'A' on the test, makes me proud of the team of Chefs and staff for all their hard work to keep things running smoothly in the gluten free department. We've streamlined our processes a great deal over the last [...]

Tea With Mum

By |February 28th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

If you fancy making this year's Mothering Sunday an unforgettable one for mum, then treat her to a dining experience she'll always remember. If typical afternoon teas seem overdone to you, then try an afternoon dim sum for a change. At Naturally Chinese, we have some of the best dim sum choices to tantalize and fulfill your taste buds. You can choose from an array of over 30 delights that [...]

Mother’s Weekend

By |February 21st, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Mothering Sunday to me denotes a distinct change in season. Spring takes over on Mother's day in my mind. I see the flowers blooming, blue skies, the sun shining (even if it isn't). This is perhaps because as a mother myself, the joy follows when my children come home to spend the weekend with me. I like to see the whole weekend as a treat to relax and gather some much [...]

A Double Celebration

By |February 12th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

We're half way into Chinese New Year week. It kicked off to a good start the past weekend and Monday, marking the first two days of The Year of The Monkey. We will be continuing the celebration until Sunday, the 14th of February which also ends on a sweet note of Valentine's Day. Cause for a double celebration. You can still book a table to celebrate Chinese New Year and [...]

Year Of The Monkey

By |February 7th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Welcome to the Year of The Monkey. In Chinese culture, there is no bigger festival to speak of than this momentous occasion. As a child I remember the excitement when it was time to literally sweep out the old to make room for fresh and new things. We'd clean our rooms and help in the kitchen to prepare for the week of culinary delights. To this day I incorporate this [...]

Food & Flowers

By |January 31st, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

My passion for flower arrangement has stayed with me through the years. It has also become an important part of Naturally Chinese's brand development because it is an extension of our services and the whole experience we offer. Ikebana - the art of arranging flowers is more than just that. It is less about putting flowers in a vase as it is more a way of living and experiencing a connection with [...]

Gluten Free Beer

By |January 23rd, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

The New year brings new changes, and we are making some on our menu. Very excited to introduce these. Nothing too drastic, just a bit of a revamp. On our quest to cater fully to our Coeliac community, we now have two gluten free beers to choose from. We sampled them to our customers yesterday at dinner, and although one had more popularity than the other, I am going to [...]

Chinese New Year Salad

By |January 16th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Year Of The Monkey 2016: We're following on into Chinese New Year beginning February 7th 12pm. We will be taking the celebration to the entire week until February 14th 10pm. Yes, much to celebrate as we will also finish on a lovely note of Valentine's Day. For the week of festivities, we have our special Longevity Noodles on the menu. You will also have the opportunity to put your chopsticks together [...]

Swift Beginnings

By |January 10th, 2016|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Welcome to the new year at Naturally Chinese! Over a week into 2016, and I'm thinking of all the things on my list to get done, even those resolutions. The holiday came and went too soon, I'm sure you can agree. Very early signs of Spring are already showing - small daffodil bulbs sprouting in the garden and the days are beginning to get brighter. I'm sure there might be a [...]

New Years Eve

By |December 30th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

After a much deserved break, we've had a good start to the week. The weather being much warmer although windy makes it perfect for that hot pot of goodness that we cook up here at the hands of our esteemed chefs. And while preparations for the last day of 2015 are taking place; it's time to clear out the old to make room for the new. We're open tomorrow (new [...]

A Restful Christmas

By |December 25th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

In addition to the feast and festivities, Christmas to me is more about family and rejuvenation. At Naturally Chinese, our staff is like family too. Our celebration kicked off earlier this week with a staff party that was a wonderful gathering to appreciate a good 2015 and that after a long journey of putting together a reliable team, our staff have delivered and we are very thankful for this. We cooked a [...]

A little Luxury

By |December 15th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

With Christmas comes the desire to feel young like a child - mesmerized by the magic of the winter wonderland. There are many luxuries life has to offer us and of course it's all matter of perspective how we choose to find them. The small luxuries make life's journey light and fun - a card from a colleague, a flower from someone special, even a box of home-made sweets we receive [...]

Star Anise & Mulled Wine

By |December 6th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Of all our spices, Star Anise is definitely the treasured one. The fruit of an evergreen tree grown in China and Vietnam, this woodland spice springs forth memories distant and makes possible the scope to create more. A casserole in Chinese cooking isn't quite complete without the magic of star anise.  It especially works well with meats and meaty vegetables. It's woody smokiness is like a cure that perfumes and [...]

Authenticity

By |November 26th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

As 2015 comes to a close in a few weeks, I'm excited to dive into the new year, the next phase of Naturally Chinese. With every season and year, a shift occurs and that has been my guide or compass to gauge the direction that feels right to move into. There is no mystery that surrounds this as every business should undergo this eventual process. The last three years have [...]

Winter Warmers

By |November 21st, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

With the weather turning almost an icy cold after dark, there is a longing for those winter warming dishes. Delicious comfort to get the spirits up and light some sparkle to the eyes, bringing warmth to the body. For those who enjoy a hearty bit of pork, this Chinese braised pork belly concoction is worthy of a meal for one, not on account of the portion, but because after one [...]

Christmas Time Is Coming

By |November 14th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

.....And it begins. There's been a clear shift in weather. Winter is coming. Christmas is only about six weeks away and just like many of you, I'm thinking how much needs to be done in the weeks to follow. Our Christmas menu is ready to avail of. Something to get you in the mood, perhaps provide a burst of energy to your busy shopping days ahead or celebrate a birthday [...]

Raw Salads

By |October 30th, 2015|Categories: Blog|

Cool, refreshing and cleansing are some of the instant benefits of a raw salad. Then there's colour that is appealing to the eyes and good to lift up the spirits. At Naturally Chinese, we don't keep a special section for salad. But we offer our raw salad as a light palette cleanser; a complement to some of our heavier dishes. An order of raw salad adds a bit of vitality along with [...]

Delectable Rotisserie

By |October 25th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , |

A sight to behold with a taste you are bound to remember - the crispy pork belly is like the grand prize in the category of delectable meats. Cooked to perfection with succulent juices and crackling rind around, this dish has to be one of my favourites. The fat is just as important as the tenderness of the meat and the crispiness of the rind. The trick is in getting [...]

Soup For The Heart

By |October 17th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

The chill is in the air. Leaves are turning to red and gold. Autumn is here again. Some of us are adjusting our bodies to the change of season overcoming the common cold and flu. This is usually the time we crave to have that hot chocolate or comforting soup. One of the better remedies for the Autumnal blues is a bowl of hearty soup to warm the heart and provide [...]

Snack Lovers Party

By |October 8th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Thinking of having a get-together for a company Christmas do? No one likes to feel forced into attending a company party. But making your team feel that they are valued, and that you're taking the time to plan something exciting (and especially with good food), can make a big difference. Maybe you're thinking of planning a night out at a comedy club, a concert or even an evening of dancing for your [...]

Autumn & Aubergine

By |September 30th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

A turn of season brings in new colours and new flavours to look out for. What's hot on our menu? Our pick this Autumn is the Braised Aubergine Hot Pot. A delicate balance of spice, warmth and hearty aubergine to inspire the coming season for celebration. One of the main ingredients in this dish is ginger and chillies. It produces the heat to the dish in addition to the warmth [...]

Thinking About Christmas

By |September 22nd, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

Early as it might seem, some of you might be looking ahead to your winter plans for Christmas and New Year. Be it a family pre Christmas dinner get together or a company holiday party for your staff members, we have a sparkling dining experience this year. Our Christmas table brings you a four course menu with fully bodied wines. The variety of our dishes have been selected to set [...]

Cookery class with Chef Chiu

By |September 5th, 2015|Categories: Blog|

We will be holding a dim sum making class on Monday, 14th of September, 2015. If you’re curious to learn how to create those delicious morcels, this will be an opportunity to demystify the process. Chef Chiu will take you through a step by step easy to do recipe starting from scratch. No need to bring anything, except a favourite apron if you please. We will provide all the tools and [...]

Lemon Chicken

By |August 21st, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

There are a dozen or more ways to make a lemon chicken. It's the dish I'd like to say has creative license and you might also find that various Chinese restaurants have their own variation. It may be stir fried, deep fried, glazed in lemon sauce. Even lemon sauces come in several variations. Our chef makes it like this. If you're a fan of KFC style chicken, wait till you get [...]

Something Sweet

By |August 12th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , |

It isn't typical perhaps of Chinese restaurants to house great desserts. Unlike French restaurants that are expected to have a range of desserts and pastries, it is not usually top priority on the menu for Chinese restaurants. At Naturally Chinese we have a small but delicious dessert menu. We don't have the fancy ones to boast of but the few that we have complement our dishes. Simple as they are, they [...]

Rice Please

By |August 5th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

It's a cool early morning. The smell of rice fields and the sight of green steps cascading over the mountain bring comfort and relaxation. I'm spending my last day in Vietnam before I head to China. All I crave for is a bowl of steamed rice. The taste is unique on its own. No gravies to accompany, just the wholesome goodness of this essential staple food of the Far East. My friend [...]

Comfort Soup

By |July 26th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

This soup boasts of its bright colour and high protein content. An instant reviver on those days of fatigue and physical work, this dish could very well make a fine healing food as it is fortified to nourish. The Chinese mustard greens with salted egg and pork has been a favourite of mine for years. At the restaurant, it is listed on our menu as a soup to share for two, although [...]

A Perfect Summer Drink

By |July 21st, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

If you're looking for a no fuss, chilled drink this Summer - this sparkling elderflower can make all the difference. Noticeably, we are having a hot summer and even though there've been lurking dark clouds on a few days, the mugginess can be felt in the air. And understandably, all you may want to do is put your feet up and sip on a cold drink. Here's our quick step [...]

Steamed Sea Bass

By |July 13th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

This beautiful slender fish makes a grand addition to any celebration. Steaming the sea bass and finishing it off with zesty ginger and spring onions keeps it true to it's Cantonese style. These ingredients are there to reaffirm the delicate flavour of the fish. At Naturally Chinese, the sea bass is a popular dish on our menu all year round. What makes it worth the experience is the freshness of [...]

Nature Farming

By |July 5th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Say hello to these beauties - summer fruit that is beginning to sprout in our garden. It was an experiment using techniques of 'nature farming' as it is known. The concept was formed in Japan by Mokichi Okada -founding an agricultural system without the use of fertilizers. I've been trying to adopt this method in my gardening. The process is highly organic. It begins with trying to clear the soil [...]

Chinese Scallops and Broccoli

By |June 26th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

We've voted Scallops to be our number one favourite seafood dish for Summer. Diced garlic, ginger and a dash of rice wine enhance the flavours of those tempting bay scallops. The succulent juices are what give this dish its character. In the photo you see here, we've presented a mix of scallops and shrimp, decked with spring onions, broccoli florets, carrot and Chinese mushroom. It's a variation on what is the [...]

Ready For Summer

By |June 19th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Lazy afternoons in the park, shopping frenzies and summer school activities -all of which wouldn’t be complete without stopping to enjoy a delicious meal. So here’s what we have in store for the coming months of Summer: During the weekdays, enjoy the delights of some of the best dim sum in town - Dainty bite sized morcels with gluten free choices. Accompany these with a sparkling chilled glass of Rosé [...]

Father’s Day

By |June 14th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

It's a week till Father's Day. Yes, it's that time of year again where our dads get to take center stage. Fifty years ago, Father's Day might have been overlooked by many, but today it becomes more important. It has been reassuring to see these days that fathers are putting more effort into parenting, and not just leaving it as the job of the mother. Boys and girls also need [...]

Emerald Greens

By |June 7th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , , |

The foods from our youth always stay with us. I remember these beautiful greens that were available in abundance when I was a child. Morning glory and Kai Lan - these emerald greens that make up a bulk of my diet till date. Each of the Chinese vegetables have its own unique character. They become more pronounced when they are cooked, releasing their distinct flavour. It matters how each one is prepared to complement [...]

How we Became a Gluten Free Restaurant

By |May 31st, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

We were recently listed in The Telegraph as one of London's top ten restaurants to eat gluten free food. Some of you were asking how we got to this point since our initial start in April 2012 to now and defining our place in the community of restaurants in London. Our initial intention was to serve delicious, healthy food without additives. No MSG slogan on our windows attracted dinners with [...]

Getting Together For A Good Cause

By |May 25th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Last Monday proved to be a great success! We fulfilled our target and raised £2198 which will go to the children in Vietnam charity. The Mayor, Councillor Ken Smith and the Mayoress, Mrs. Madeleine Smith who celebrated the event with us just before their last day in office showed esteemed support for the occasion. It was a truly splendid evening. Everything came together smoothly. It seemed effortless for people who [...]

Fundraising Dinner

By |May 8th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

We are delighted to be hosting our first ever fundraising dinner for the children and families of the northern provinces in Vietnam. This cause is close to our hearts as our roots trace back to this area in Vietnam. With the abundance of your good wishes and patronage, we are able to give something back to this community. Many farmers there are grappling with rice on a daily basis. Clothing pieces [...]

Good Food Daily

By |May 3rd, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

I headed down for some fun at the Seething Freshwater Sardine Festival at Claremont Gardens. The Surbiton Food Festival gets better every year. Delicious food stalls serving some fantastic goodies. Yum Yum Chocolates in particular were splendid, and their profits are going to the earthquake victims in Nepal. As always, it's inspiring to see all the neighbourhood businesses and individuals come together over food, and in doing so; bringing many [...]

From London to Vietnam

By |April 12th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

We received a letter not too long ago from a lady we know who helps a great deal with charitable work in Vietnam. She had told us that the money we had gathered to send her charitable cause last year had made a difference to many people, especially school going children in some poor provinces in Vietnam. Initially, this was something we decided to do as a donation. But with [...]

Our 3rd Anniversary

By |April 8th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

We're celebrating another year of good food and dining at Naturally Chinese. Though three years have gone by quickly, much has evolved with the restaurant and our brand. And, it has been an interesting journey not without the ups and downs. Still continuing with the blog and monthly newsletters talking about our activities and events have given us a means of being in touch with you better. For our regulars [...]

Gluten Free

By |March 29th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

The days leading up to the gluten free audit were hectic. It also denoted a clear shift in the way things work around the kitchen. Of course having a gluten free menu means much more is at stake as utensils need to have a coding system, foods need to be separated to prevent cross contamination, etc. Preparing for the audit was beneficial to reinforce the importance to serve those that [...]

Spring Parties

By |March 22nd, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , , |

A new season of celebrations has begun as the blossoms are springing to full bloom. You might remember me mentioning last Autumn that we were planning to promote our function room to accommodate more private parties. Indeed we are beginning to book some exciting celebrations like baby showers, anniversaries and of course birthdays. It's the perks of my job to get to see people come together to create memories graced [...]

The Story Of Mums

By |March 13th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

It's the strongest bond to reckon with indeed; the connection between mothers and their children. Being a mum is never easy but hugely rewarding. As mothers, we see our children through the eyes of unconditional love and all is forgotten once they come over to say they're sorry. Sound familiar? And here is that one day in the year to remind children to do something to celebrate their mothers. It is [...]

Women Of March

By |March 7th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

We're marching forward into Spring. The flowers are blooming early, even strawberries are making their appearance before time. You may have noticed my penchant for flowers. I think it's important to have a visually appealing table when sitting down to eat which is why flower arrangements are one of the top things on my To Do List at the restaurant. Not only pleasing to the eye but they also symbolise [...]

Stylist Magazine Review

By |February 28th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

I'm thrilled to say that we're featured in Stylist magazine -- under the UK's best restaurant, cafes and bars for healthy eating! The highlight was on the Singapore Noodles, and with good reason as it is one of our top selling dishes, great to eat in or take home. It's a fine compliment as it's what I've always hoped Naturally Chinese to become known for -- healthy, natural and delicious Chinese food. As [...]

The Red Lobster

By |February 21st, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

This week is turning out to be even more exciting than the last. Flowing wine and traditional delicacies to celebrate Chinese New Year. Our team has been working steadily to bring the freshest dishes to the table. The tossing of the raw salad has been a particular favourite with many. Children have been making the most with this and then raiding the money trees to take home a surprise amount [...]

Chinese New Year

By |February 13th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

We're moving on to an exciting weekend with Valentine's Day, followed by a week of Chinese New Year celebrations. The 19th of February brings upon the new year of the Sheep, a year of tranquility and goodness. The yin energy of the sheep brings about a delicate balance of rejuvenation and calm. Whether you need to mend fences or work on self improvement, this year should be the one to take [...]

The Food Of Love

By |February 6th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

February brings a mixed bag of winter and warmth, and by warmth I mean, the celebration of love. In Chinese tradition, this is the month that is meant to show first signs of the peach blossom - one that feeds romance and sweetness to the air. People usually fall in love in February. Is that just a coincidence? There is more reason to cheer up the home with bouquets of flowers [...]

Naturally Sweet

By |January 30th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

Fancy this cloud of cream for dessert? It's our coconut sorbet, which is my favourite on the dessert menu. One wouldn't think that ice creams or sorbets were in high demand during the winter months, but they often are. I usually find myself wanting to eat more ice cream in winter too. Maybe it's the warmth and cosiness of the indoors that makes it more appealing. Or perhaps, ice cream [...]

Japanese Silken Tofu

By |January 23rd, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Most tofu appears silky smooth but the difference with Japanese silken tofu or Hiyayakko is that it is softer, milkier with a mild flavour that can make a sweet or savoury dish. As the name suggests, it is even more silky than other soy bean curd. Its firm custardy texture is a delight to feast on whether served cold or fried. What makes this dish exquisite is the quality of the [...]

Winter Liqueur Coffee

By |January 16th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

The sound of coffee beans grinding to brew an aromatic fresh cup infused with a dash of baileys or tia maria -- the winter liqueur coffee has been in top demand this month. There was a customer dining in the other day who remarked that she was happy to see a selection of liqueur coffees on the menu. I'm a big fan of an after dinner coffee fix, something to [...]

A Good Year

By |January 9th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

Just as it takes much time for flowers to bloom and nestle into a well thought out arrangement that brings beauty to the eye, I use this analogy to a work ethic and process for Naturally Chinese. 2014 has seen many exciting moments, but they've come with graft and sincerity to bring the best possible experience we can bring to you. In the Chinese calendar, we look forward to a renewal of [...]

Bringing In The New

By |January 2nd, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Happy New Year 2015 everyone! Hope you had a lovely holiday week leading to a merry new year's eve. We had a good month at the restaurant, so thank you again for your patronage and adding to the festive feel we had hoped to achieve. It's been a hectic year with highs and lows of course, but nothing short of a great year. For all those of you who've been following my [...]

Happy Holidays

By |December 19th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Yes, 'tis the season of giving and with all the hustle and bustle of getting things together for the big day, I realise how overwhelming it can get, you know......waiting in the shopping line, sitting in traffic, hiding presents in unsuspecting places, etc. And then I remember to tell myself that it's time to take a breather and celebrate the days leading upto Christmas whether with the whole family or even [...]

After Dinner Delight

By |December 12th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , |

One might say that the strength of Chinese cuisine doesn't lie with its desserts, and fair enough since we don't house a range of elaborate puddings that involve complex sugar craft. We do however have our version of after dinner sweets that serve their purpose. And with that, here are... three reasons why to eat dessert after a meal: 1. A dessert is meant to clear the palette after dinner, [...]

Memory Of Flavour

By |December 5th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

I had read somewhere about the difference between flavour and taste. Flavour attaches more to our memory than just the momentary adjustment of the dish. It made me think about the food I love and long for, mostly the ones from childhood. In my younger days in Vietnam, rice was what we ate mostly. There was a particular essence to the grain that till this day when I eat that rice, [...]

A Gluten Free Tasting Event

By |November 28th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

We hosted our first gluten free tasting event on the 17th of November, presenting our new gluten free menu to some of our favourite gluten free bloggers and customers. Although a cold and rainy day, it made for a lovely evening spending time in good company, sampling some of the gluten free delights and discussing the menu. It proved to be a helpful way of getting valuable feedback about things that [...]

Singapore Noodles

By |November 21st, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

This hot dish has danced its way to the number one position in our noodle category. The Singapore noodles is proving to be another signature special in our series. You may ask, what's so unique and different about this dish compared to any other Singapore noodle dish? At Naturally Chinese, we also serve it in the gluten free menu. This is cooked separately taking extra precautions to prevent any cross contamination. [...]

Sizzling Lamb With Ginger & Spring Onions

By |November 14th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

I present to you one of our flagship dishes - the sizzling lamb! It has withstood the test of time remaining one of the signature dishes of Naturally Chinese. It possesses the essence of medicinal ginger and fresh spring onions, two of our most used ingredients. This dish is popular throughout the year and in all seasons. Like the Mandarin Steak talked about a couple of weeks ago, this dish [...]

The Christmas “Feel Good” Menu

By |November 7th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

The cold is upon us once more. I’ve seen the shops putting up their lights and decorating their trees already. It makes a difference, wouldn’t you agree? Puts me in the spirit of the holidays that are near approaching. Our team at Naturally Chinese has also been bitten by the seasonal bug of the good kind and our spirit of cheer begins with our “Feel Good” menu, or a protein [...]

Mandarin Steak

By |October 30th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , |

When I was asked recently what were some of the signature dishes at Naturally Chinese, I had to put this sizzling, hot off the iron grill pan dish high up on the list -- this fillet of steak cooked in a robust Mandarin sauce has become one of our signature dishes. It holds its own and is gaining popularity at the restaurant. It's not just a fillet steak and onions [...]

Gluten Free Eating

By |October 24th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , |

We recently launched our new gluten free menu which has evolved since the start of the business. This has been mainly due to the fact that there exists a growing coeliac demographic in the UK. I wanted to share a little more about my experiences with the topic as I have often been asked about how we manage having two separate menus. Rest assured that Naturally Chinese does everything required [...]

A Greener Way

By |October 17th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , , |

October marks our month for recycling. Two years on and we have much to feel good about eliminating wastage to varying degrees. It began in little ways by buying fresh daily, planting seeds in the back yard, and has grown gradually over time. Our composting has led to the line of planters with herbs, pretty flowers, even olives to adorn and put to use at the restaurant. We also have [...]

Learning To Make Dim Sum

By |October 3rd, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , |

I am excited to announce that we will be hosting our Dim Sum class once again. For all of you curious dim sum enthusiasts and seasoned cooks, this class is going to be a delight for you, as our top dim sum Chef, Chiu will be showing you some of his techniques. Much like the origins of dim sum beginning with a complement to robust and aromatic teas that were [...]

Building Team Spirit

By |September 26th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , , |

We've just finished putting the last touches on our holiday season postcard before they go out. It's that time of the year already. It has been a fantastic summer, moving into Autumn. Only the other day I stepped out of the house feeling that burst of cold wind and taking comfort in the excitement of the Christmas season soon approaching. In the midst of designing a new look for our [...]

What A Wonderful Restaurant…

By |September 19th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

....so said the title of the review, one from an unsuspecting guest at a party held here recently. Having mentioned in my last post about Naturally Chinese soon becoming a special kind of celebration venue, I was touched by this review and it reaffirmed me that this was the reward for giving good service - customer satisfaction to the highest possible degree. This was a significant birthday celebration for a lady in [...]

A Party Venue

By |September 12th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

As we move into Autumn, I am starting to feel the buzz of celebrations and grand parties as the inquiries for bookings are coming in - for birthdays, weddings and other occasions. This to me is the fun part about having the space to host events or even working closely with those who want to create a beautiful party experience for their friends and guests. We recently hosted a grand [...]

Moonlight Festival

By |September 4th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , |

Along with the many traditions in the Chinese calendar, the Moonlight Festival marks the change from summer to autumn at the harvest. This year it falls on the 8th of September. It is probably one of the more intimate of celebrations with close families as the tradition is to enjoy a grand feast with foods from the harvest, followed by an after dinner tea sipping. Everyone relishes their harvest moon [...]

Food Heaven

By |August 29th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , |

I've probably spoken to customers in length about the grandeur of traditional Chinese celebrations where there isn't usually room to compromise on any part of the feast; as the main aim is to give the guests a good time and serve them the very best in terms of food. As we have been seeing a steady growth in parties and events being celebrated at Naturally Chinese, what excited me the [...]

Compliments Of The Chef

By |August 22nd, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

The last few weeks have been especially exciting as we've been working on some new concepts for the menu. It's reaffirmed me about having a great team of chefs who are not only passionate about the food but highly skilled at what they do. Their effortless way of delivering excellent dishes has proven to be an art in itself. Apart from our daily lunch and dinners, there are those occasions when [...]

Midsummer Nights Feasts

By |August 8th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , |

I'm working on the new gluten free menu at the moment, a project that fuels my goals of catering to an emerging group, keeping the tradition of Chinese cuisine but infusing a modern perspective. These are the fun aspects of running a restaurant, the creative part  I look forward to most after dealing with the mundane and administrative side. With all things, it has taken a while to sculpt a [...]

Authenticity For Living

By |July 24th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , , |

In the midst of materialism, running the race to financial freedom and conspicuous consumption, the need for authenticity might be becoming even greater to us. We all have our path to focus on and how we drive our business is indicative most likely of how we run our lives. The man across the street has his unique direction to take just as I have mine. And in threading our own [...]

School’s Out For Summer

By |July 10th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , |

Making the best of a typical English Summer can be an experience to remember. I have relished many pretty Summers that have been collected along the way with my children who are all grown up now. I recall the days when my children were little and planning a list of activities to keep them entertained during the summer presented its challenges but brought a joy tenfold. Children look forward eagerly [...]

Good Business Ethics

By |June 26th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

There’s something to be said for a good code of business conduct and ethics. A well known Chinese saying “a fox will always show its tail” brings to mind a clarity that helps look farther than the immediate picture in any line of business. The past few weeks have presented its set of hoops to overcome along with the good fortune that Naturally Chinese has enjoyed just the same. Fantastic [...]

Summer Fun

By |June 19th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , |

What’s summer without the fun? No matter what the situation, rain or sunshine, there’s always a good excuse to enjoy summer. Great food, wine, celebrating simple pleasures with friends and family. The irony is that England is one of the best places to be during summer so there really isn't the need to travel anywhere else. We at Naturally Chinese are looking forward to an exciting couple of months giving [...]

Father’s Day Weekend

By |June 12th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , |

“Son’s first hero, daughter’s first love”. I think many of us could agree with this statement. I might be going out on a limb by saying that I’ve often felt that Father’s Day tends to get overlooked as compared to Mother’s Day. But that is my feeling anyway. And I wonder why should it be any different? Shouldn’t fathers receive the same adoration, love and appreciation as the mothers? Perhaps [...]

Looking Towards Summer

By |May 22nd, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

It's been a busy week but productive and fruitful all the same with fantastic news to report. I had a message from Trip Advisor a few days ago telling me that Naturally Chinese had won the 2014 Certificate Of Excellence acknowledging us for our consistent top ratings from Trip Advisor travellers. I am really touched by the responses that I have received about the restaurant and our service. It's never [...]

Tea Tasting Affair

By |May 15th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

Hints of jasmine, honey, magnolia, orange blossom and ginger fill the air as I sample some of the teas I am to select for the Tea Tasting event this Sunday, 18th May. It’s the last day of the Surbiton Food Festival and what better way for us to close than on a ‘Chinese High Tea’ affair. The pairing of tea with food is a vital part of Chinese culture and [...]

Dim Sum Cookery Class

By |May 9th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

It's one long party continuing into next week. This Monday, the 12th of May, Naturally Chinese will be hosting a Dim Sum Cookery class as part of the events lined up during the Surbiton Food Festival. This class was brought back by popular demand and I thought it to be the perfect time to host during the festival. If you are curious to unravel the secret behind char shiu buns, [...]

Surbiton Village Fete

By |May 8th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , , |

A few last minute preparations to make before Saturday's Village Fete. This year, I hear there are going to be more people attending, so I want to be well stocked and ready. If you are looking for a way to spend your afternoon with friends and family this weekend, head down to St. Andrew's Square, Surbiton. There's a host of local artists and musicians to entertain all afternoon, various competitions [...]

Rolling Out The Spring Festivities

By |May 1st, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , |

We’re kicking off this Spring with a host of activities, the main focus being on The Surbiton Food Festival (3rd - 18th of May) with a line up of fun filled events for your enjoyment. The excitement is on with the Surbiton Village Fete in St. Andrew’s Square on the weekend of the 10th and 11th of May attracting friends from neighbouring towns, even Central London. It’s a fantastic opportunity [...]

The Art Of Dim Sum

By |April 24th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , , |

If I am ever in need of replenishment after a hectic day of work, I have yet to find something that can top the sheer afternoon delight of dim sum. I say afternoon as it is my favourite time to recharge with a cup of jasmine tea and very often a beautiful combination of sweet and savoury bites laid out for my eyes to enjoy before the belly. Suddenly all [...]

Celebrating Our 2nd Anniversary

By |April 10th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

April 6th marked two long years of graft, hard work and patience. Bringing together the components that have kept the business moving, has been a lesson in endurance and I am glad I decided to keep plodding on. I imagine that for any business, a big part of it is the journey and like life, is often about being able to stay afloat and much less about an end result. [...]

Mum’s The Word

By |March 20th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , , |

Mother's Day will be here again the following Sunday. As the flowers bloom and all fits in perfectly with the onset of spring, Naturally Chinese has been jotting down plans to celebrate this very special day for mums. Every mum wants to feel appreciated even though they may not show it. Whether it be a card, a flower, a chocolate or a cozy dinner to celebrate, it makes all the [...]

What A Duck!

By |March 13th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

I wanted to give you a sneak peak into the infamous Peking Duck as it dawned on me that it would make a wonderful Mother’s Day feast. I had touched upon it briefly in an earlier post mentioning that our chefs take the utmost care to source the best ducks they can find. Chef Chiu recently came upon a top of the line quality duck from France which he admits [...]

Women of Substance

By |March 6th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , |

As part of the spirit of Women's Day celebrations, I wanted to follow the tradition of acknowledging women in the fashion of some countries like Italy and Russia. It is known in these places that the women are gifted flowers and small presents to denote an appreciation for their hard work and femininity. Having had to rise to an occasion of playing the hero every now and then in my [...]

A Fine Dinner And Romance

By |February 13th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , , |

Valentine’s Day to me is about showing appreciation for the one I love. We can easily forget and take for granted the gifts of affection, care and support we receive from our partners. Having a day once a year to make the effort to say thank you, serves its purpose. I remember those early days of romance, receiving a rose or even wanting to find the perfect gift for my [...]

Creating Good Value

By |January 30th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , , , |

Aside from the usual everyday business activities, there also lies the fine balance between maintaining business ethics, quality, service, and the ability to provide good value in different ways to add to the overall experience. Everything from the colours chosen to represent the restaurant to the thorough selection of the right supplier to source our ingredients, all contribute to creating good value which has always been the goal. It is [...]

Chinese New Year

By |January 16th, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , , |

Out with the old, in with the new - it’s the time to get together with friends and family to toast to good health and longevity. Is it a coincidence that Chinese families prefer to dine at circular tables with a swirling Lazy Susan? 团圆饭 (Thuen yeun fan) which denotes the unity, sharing and togetherness is symbolic of the round table that continues in endless cyclical movement. It is traditional to reunite [...]

A Hearty Winter Soup

By |January 2nd, 2014|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , |

The new year is always an exciting time; a chance for new beginnings, a chance to start on a clean slate. I am thrilled to see Naturally Chinese step into the next year and with a whole host of new choices that are to come with the territory. The few days leading up to New Years’ day are for most - a time for renewal of some kind. There is [...]

Everything Tastes Better With Wine

By |December 19th, 2013|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

We kicked off the Christmas week with our annual staff dinner party. The team was excited to share in some of the vintage wines my husband dug out of his cellar - three beautiful bottles of red Chateau Peyrabon 1986 from Medoc, that worked well with the meat dishes. I’ve been feeling very grateful this year for many things. My staff have been wonderful and as a token of appreciation, I [...]

Burst Of Flavour

By |December 5th, 2013|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

You might have noticed how the cold weather makes you long for spice and vigour in your diet. A beautiful slender red or green chilli, or a steamy bowl of vibrant ginger can not only sound very appealing these days, but even the sight and aroma can do wonders for the body and mind. Spices used in Chinese cuisine perform various functions in enhancing or even subduing over powering flavours [...]

A Christmas Feast

By |November 21st, 2013|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

The cold is indeed upon us but the shops are gearing up for the season of lights, pulling out their stock of christmas decorations to garland their windows with tinsel and holly. It’s that time, the most wonderful time of the year! We at Naturally Chinese are building up our own excitement and this time we want to celebrate the season with a new look at our christmas specials. I [...]

Inspiring The Adventure

By |November 7th, 2013|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , |

Eighteen months on and I’m still going and going strong. Whew! it has been a tremendous feat but with every passing day I know I’m moving towards something wonderful. It all started when I felt that there was a need to shake up the stereotypical perception these days that chinese food is synonymous to fast food noodles in a box. The bank refused to lend as we were considered to [...]

Hi, I’m Amie

By |July 23rd, 2012|Categories: Blog|Tags: |

Amie - Naturally Chinese Restaurant Hi, I'm Amie Welcome to my blog at Naturally Chinese Restaurant. My husband, Chiu, and I welcome all to the only authentic 'Dim Sum' restaurant in Surbiton. Chiu has over 25 years' experience in preparing the finest dim sum and always insists on fresh, natural authentic ingredients - all prepared in-house. We are very proud to declare that our restaurant is an artificial [...]

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