This is a review of the new branch of Shikumen on Aldgate.  We went on opening night when they were offering a discount on food.  Service was gracious but a bit slow and disorganized, but that was probably down to visiting on their first night.

We were disappointed that the xiao long bau (soup dumplings) were sold out so ordered the vegetarian dim sum platter instead.  Strange that one of our mains, the aubergine with minced chicken was the first dish to arrive.  Happily our order of steamed rice came soon afterwards.  We had to ask for rice bowls.  Eating rice using chopsticks from a plate is near impossible.  The aubergine and chicken dish was excellent, slightly sweet and sticky and only mildly spicy despite being billed as Sichuan.  I should have asked for some chilli paste on the side, but I did like this dish a lot.

Next to arrive was the exquisite dim sum which had a lovely thin stretchy texture to the rice pasta coverings.  I did have to ask for soy sauce but a sweet and sour sauce was brought automatically with this dish.  Next came another main of lamb cutlets.  These were delicious, amazingly tender and flavorful with another sticky slightly tart sauce.  Great dish that I would highly recommend.

Last to arrive were beef ho fun and our other starter of duck spring roll.  Duck spring roll was meaty but I am not a fan of pure hoisin as a dipping sauce.  I prefer to have it thinned down with some soy and vinegar to cut the sweetness.  The beef ho fun was rather bland.  Less greasy than a lot of ho funs, which might explain some of the blandness.  Could have done with garlic and more seasoning.  A dry-ish ho fun can be very tasty if wokked at extremely high heat to so that it picks up a smokey flavor.

We drank the cheapest red at £22 a bottle.  Pleasant enough with food but a bit too tannic for drinking on its own.  At full price our meal for two would have been £87.  There were enough leftovers for lunch the next day which were packed up beautifully.

We had our wedding dinner here on Saturday. Wow and just wow. We were well looked after by Lisa the manager and her husband the head chef. The quality of the food is really out of this world (fit for a king!). Fresh food that is beautifully presented to the Michelin level that is second to non. We were really made to feel special for our evening and nothing was too much trouble. We had silver service and the choice of food given to us blew our guests away! We are so excited to tell all our friends about this restaurant because it really is a gem! There are 2 private rooms and the main dining area is very spacious for a meeting or dinner with friends. Highly highly recommended to make a visit here. This is our new favourite. Everything is fresh and gourmet. The soups are out of this world too! P.S. highly recommend the Peking duck! You would not regret it! It is a signature dish that is done perfectly and is heavenly.