You may have read my recent post on dining out at The Ivy Brasserie, which featured the full review on the Brasserie’s main dining menu; pretty much showcasing what all the hype around The Ivy Collection is all about from their main branches situated around London.
After a highly satisfying visit to the Brasserie (Manchester), I could not wait to return this Winter to try out the Asian-inspired food at Ivy Asia; a cuisine which always attracts my taste buds!
On the second floor of The Ivy Spinningfields lies Ivy Asia; a glam set up with the bright green illuminated floor you can’t miss, and the striking mosaic, antique gold patterns surrounding the mirror bar – the perfect venue to enjoy both Asian-inspired cocktails alongside a selection of small sharing Asia-inspired dishes.
As a little insight to the menu’s Asian influences, Ivy Asia’s Senior Head Chef utilises Asian ingredients, produce and flavours following extensive travels across the continent; from Cambodia and Vietnam, to sampling produce at Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo. After my recent travels to Vietnam I could not wait to see what this chef had to offer.
The Menu
Spoiled for choice with a wide array of Asian Tapas dishes, we decided to kick-start the meal with a bottle of house red with the anticipation of complimenting red meat dishes to follow; a bottle of red is also a ‘catch up’ tradition shared with my bestie dating back to Uni days. Ivy Asia has the ideal ambiance for reuniting with old friends, especially when discussing such important milestones in life; in this instance, bridesmaid duties for one another after our recent engagements earlier this year!
Tapas Dishes
Now for the best bit – THE MAINS!
Here’s a few key dishes Kate & I just HAD to try out; from sampling out the sharing plates, to the tempura dishes, hefty bao buns and the final main dishes cooked on the robata grill (of which the latter being the priciest options on the menu).
Sharers:
- PRAWN TOAST I SESAME I SWEET CHILLI, £7.95
- FLAMED EDAMAME I SPICY DIP, £4.95
- STEAMED EDAMAME I MATCHA SALT, £4.50.
Tempura:
- CRISPY SQUID I ASIAN TARTARE SAUCE, £8.75.
Bao Buns:
- CRISPY DUCK BAO I HOISIN AND FIVE SPICE, £8.50.
Robata Grill:
- DUCK MASSAMAN CURRY I CASHEW NUTS, £13.50.
Sides:
- STEAMED RICE, £3.50
- DRAGON FRIES I CHILLI I SESAME I BLACK GARLIC MAYO, £4.50.
Each dish proved more and more delicious than the previous, I have got to state my favourites being the Duck Bao Bun and the Duck Massaman Curry – not being totally bias with my first choice meat being duck and all… Highly flavoursome from a chef who clearly understands true Asian ingredients.
We even squeezed in a quick ‘post-dinner’ cocktail on The Ivy’s Rooftop Bar to end the meal on a high; good old French Martini & Rum Chilli (AKA The Spice of Life). Very ‘inta-grammable’ and glamorous for both a special occasion/date night or girls night out.
Opening Hours:
Monday 8am–12am
Tuesday 8am–12am
Wednesday 8am–12am
Thursday 8am–2am
Friday 8am–3am
Saturday 9am–3am
Sunday 9am–12am.
