Zheng Chelsea

Zheng Chelsea might look more high-end than the original Zheng in Oxford, but it serves the same excellent Chinese-Malaysian food. On the former Brasserie Gustave site between Fulham Road and King’s Road, it occupies a townhouse conversion with a ground-floor dining room of dark woods, velvet upholstery and hand-printed wallpaper, with a lounge bar in the basement. It is a refined setting for cooking that although prettily presented, isn’t afraid to let rip with the spicing. Seafood was our highlight. Faultless crispy squid with a scattering of finely chopped chilli and spring onion, and deep-fried prawns rolled in oats with curry leaf, both combined a brilliant balance of light batter and squeaky-fresh meat. But we were also impressed by beef rendang in which hot spice and cooling coconut were held in equal check in a rich curry, beef with aubergine, heady with garlic and soy sauce, and skewers of springy chicken satay with the authentically Malaysian touch of raw onion to cut through the peanut sauce. Side orders such as green beans with minced chicken and the shock of lip-numbing Szechuan pepper are just as diverting, and a pud of coconut pancakes was so good we ordered it twice. Wines have been well chosen to match the spice, while service is sweet and welcoming. The restaurant was pretty quiet on our weeknight visit, although we hear weekends are much busier; cooking this good deserves full houses every night. 

Zheng Chelsea is an elegant Malaysian-Chinese restaurant located in the heart of Chelsea, run by a husband and wife team, an extension to their highly popular restaurant in Oxford. Offering customers a delightful fusion of contemporary Chinese cuisine and welcoming ambiance, Zheng Chelsea is a popular choice for both locals and visitors, and has been reviewed as one of the best Malaysian fusion restaurants in London.

Whether seeking a casual lunch or a memorable dinner to mark a special occasion, Zheng Chelsea delivers a dining experience that celebrates the artistry of Asian cuisine while embracing the vibrant spirit of one of London's most iconic neighbourhoods.

The menu at Zheng Chelsea is there to take customers on a culinary journey, showcasing the rich flavours and diversity of Asian cuisine. From traditional dim sum to modern interpretations of classic dishes, each dish uses fresh, high quality ingredients. Paying culinary homage to the Malaysian spirit of openness, innovation and a ‘mix and match’ atmosphere that prompts guests to order several sharing dishes, Zheng Chelsea’s menu has a great list of Asian favourites, including crispy aromatic duck, satay skewers and crispy shredded beef. Classic Malay dishes such as rendang and crispy cereal king prawn are also on the menu, with the Chinese inspired British favourite of sweet and sour sesame chicken being a recurring favourite.

Guests can sip on a great offering of beers, fizz, fine wines and cocktails, with classics like the Strawberry Daiquiri and Lychee Martini on the menu, alongside the Zheng Chelsea specials - the Zheng Special of rum, lychee, rose and mango, and East Meet West, a blend of Chapel Down Brut and oriental plum wine.