Taking place this October, join two of London’s most celebrated Michelin-starred restaurants as they join culinary forces for the very first time to host a duo of exclusive dining experiences in order to help raise vital charity funds
Foodies are invited to join Benares on Berkeley Square and Hakkasan on Bruton Street on 3rd and 17th October for two separate evenings filled with matching tasting menu delights. With a list of dishes co-created by two of the industry’s finest chefs; Sameer Taneja of Benares and Andrew Yeo of Hakkasan, these rare evenings are not to be missed.
The eight-course tasting menu, a collaboration of the chefs’ complementary but distinctly different styles, will offer a gastronomic exploration of the intricate historic connection between Indian and Cantonese cooking. The connection – rarely explored on Western menus – has a rich heritage dating back to 130 BCE when the Silk Road’s path via Tibet saw Chinese tradesmen pass through northern India’s Kashmir region. Expect innovative dishes rooted in tradition, but with playful presentation and meticulous attention to detail.
What’s more, each dinner will see 100% of profits donated towards two charities that need support more than ever. The first event, hosted at Benares on Monday 3rd October will see profits donated to NHS Charities Together, whilst the second evening on Monday 17th October will raise vital funds for Action Against Hunger.
Prepare to be captivated from the first bite as you tuck into street snacks presented beneath a living Bonsai tree – an ingenious amuse bouche paying tribute to roadside vendors in India and China who seek shade selling local delicacies. The ‘Dumpling Discovery’, a popular ancient food of both cultures, perfectly pairs Chinese steamed dim sum alongside an Indian Lamb Momo.
Diners will enjoy signature dishes from each restaurant including Benares’ Baked Malabar Scallop and Hakkasan’s Grilled Chilean Seabass in Honey. The experience draws to a close with the Rose Cookie, a traditional dessert found in both Chinese and Indian cultures, that has been created with a unique blend of flavours from each chefs’ heritage to create a truly unified dish.
Make it happen
When: Monday 3rd October, 7pm – 9:30pm: Tasting Menu at Benares (profits donated to NHS Charities Together). Monday 17th October, 7pm – 9:30pm: Tasting Menu at Hakkasan Mayfair (profits donated to Action Against Hunger)
How: Tickets priced at £168pp for eight-courses and a welcome glass of champagne. Find out more and make a booking via sevenrooms.com.
Where: Benares Restaurant and Bar, 12a Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London, W1J 6BS. Hakkasan: 17 Bruton Street, London, W1J 6QB
