Remembering one of my favourite things I ate in 2016. These amazing ribs from @chi_kitchen. Hard to find ribs as good as these. Such a unique sweet tasting sauce and sooo soft and tender. I think here and meat Co have the best ribs. Does anyone have suggestions of other ribs that could match this one? Please comment below. I still havnt tried meat and shake, but they really need to open a restaurant in London (Zone 1 to 3) #food #foodpic #foodporn #foodie #foodgasam #instagood #instafood #halal #halalfood #halalfoodguy #yum #london #instagood #instafood #photooftheday #foodreview #review #foodblog #foodblogger #london #yum #yummy #goodfood

@halalfoodguy's review of Chi Kitchen Oxford Circus on Instagram

Chi Kitchen

PRESENTATION ISN'T EVERYTHING

My guest and I attended Chi Kitchen on the Hot Dinners 50% off food offer.

At these prices we felt that it was reasonable priced at normal prices, it's way over priced for it's location.

To begin with it's in Debenham's on Oxford Street and not an easy find if you're coming in through the store (in fact almost impossible until you see the signs advertising it's location hanging from the ceiling).

The entrance on Henrietta Place is definitely the way to come, as it will feel like you're coming into the restaurant itself, rather than a canteen inside the store.

Staff seemed a little clueless on all counts, many stating they'd only started that very day. The Wifi wasn't operational and nobody seemed to understand why and even though the establishment had an alternative password protected offering, nobody had the password for that either.

This is definitely not a restaurant for those who dislike or are allergic to shellfish, almost literally every dish contains some. Even the menu states that they won't be held responsible for allergic reactions due to the nature of the kitchen.

GF (Gluten Free) or Vegetarian options are not marked as such on the menu (not that there seemed to be many options of either). This seemed strange for a new opening restaurant in London.

Presentation was good with the starting Salmon Sashimi, a billowing of dry ice not only cooling the fish but looking impressive too. Though when the same device was used on the California Crab Rolls, it felt like a one trick pony.

Though service was very slow and disjointed (bordering on over attentive at certain points during our meal to not being able to see a member of the waiting team) it was amicable.

The Chicken Katsu with rice, was less impressive visually on the plate but was of a decent quality, though one would argue that it could hardly be considered Malaysian (the restaurant's implied offering).

The dessert of Mango Cheesecake was a huge disappointment in both texture and taste and from this experience would probably say desserts are very much an after thought on this menu.

As my guest couldn't take dairy, we were shocked to discover that their sorbets allegedly contain milk (a first for me) - so didn't have one.

When the bill arrived, the 50% discount was wrong so we simply removed the service. But that felt a bit of a cheat, though clearly an automatic process rather than anything the staff had done.

Overall, if you're in Debenhams and have a few pound to burn, it would be better than your usual chain fare, but if not, definitely not worth travelling too.

Chi Kitchen (Ping Coombes Breakfast Club): An enjoyable Sunday morning breakfast of authentic Malaysian dishes. The event was hosted by Ping Coombes (MasterChef Winner 2014) and ably supported by the staff of Chi Kitchen. The food was tasty, just like in Malaysia. The service was attentive and helpful. Would certainly return for the next event.

Lovely experience for first time trying a halal Pan-Asian cuisine. Staff very friendly and the food was excellent. Breakfast finsihes at 11am which was our main purpose. Would definitely recommend.

Pan Asian restaurant based in Debenhams on the first floor it also has a street entrance.
Food was good service was ok there was a fixed lunch menu of a starter and main course on the whole food was average

I didn't really have expectation when I walked into the restaurant. But it was better than I thought. I think there were at least 5 times that staffs come to us and ask If everything were ok. They got some tasty food and friendly staff.

Halal Status for Chi Kitchen Oxford Circus