Bangkok restaurateur bringing Chinese hot pot to Soho
Shuang Shuang – located on the corner of Shaftesbury Avenue - will serve five different broths from different regions of China.
Diners will be able to select from a choice of 50 ingredients on a passing conveyor belt, including Beef and Chicken Balls; Lotus Roots; and Fish Head of the Day.
The restaurant is the brainchild of Fah Sundravorakul, who ran the Imperial Duck, Bong Tong Kee and Yamagoya restaurants in Bangkok before moving to London.
“Hot pot is all about sharing and cooking good food with friends and family – choosing the ingredients, and creating something delicious together,” said Sundravorakul.
“I have always dreamed of opening a restaurant in Chinatown. It’s a part of London that is full of so many hidden treasures, like where to find the best bouncy dumplings, or some really wobbly tofu curd.
“Shuang Shuang will showcase not only my interpretation of Chinese hot pots but also specialist Chinese ingredients sold by our neighbours – a celebration of the community that exists in Chinatown, underneath the surface of its touristy reputation.”
Vegetarians can enjoy Mala broth (Sichuan peppercorns and dried chilli) and Monk’s broth (milk, turnips and mushrooms). Alternatives include Bird Berry (black-fleshed chicken and dried Chinese berries); Herbal River (prawn heads and fresh lemongrass); and Lamb Tonic (lamb bones and Chinese pickled cabbage).
Diners can also order sweet dishes such as Deep Fried Chinese Dough Sticks with condensed milk and crushed nuts, while drinks will include Papaya Milk; Grass Jelly Tea; and a Chinese pineapple beer.
Shuang Shuang will offer a choice between informal downstairs table seating, and 'moodier' upstairs area with counter seating and individually sized hot pots alongside upholstered leather booths with large partitioned pots for sharing.
Originally from a Teochew-Thai background, Sundravorakul was inspired to open Shuang Shuang after travelling extensively across Taiwan, China and Japan and tasting regional varieties of the dish.
Shuang Shuang will open at 64 Shaftesbury Avenue on 23 November.
