京兰斋 Beijing

Lamdre in Beijing is yet another example of the city’s unparalleled number of plant based fine dining restaurants .
In a stunning remodelled villa , we were cocooned into a private room and service was sleek and accomplished .
Inspired by a recent collab with Virgilio Martinez from Central , the current menu focuses on the variety of Chinese soils showcasing produce from Dongbei to Yunnan and everywhere in between. The style of cooking allows the produce to shine , with acidity and herbaceous notes prevalent.

My favourite dish was a an array of Yunnan produce grown in red soil , rushan cheese ( an indigenous cheese made by the Bai people ) grilled and similar to Haloumi minus the squeak , Crunchy lotus root , melon , grilled tofu and a delectable array of mushrooms . A fermented tofu dipping sauce rounded out the various textures beautifully.

River • Grape Tomato, Wild Vegetable, Lalang Grass

The tomato water was enhanced with drops of slightly bitter wild vegetables . Refreshing .

Green soil - Bamboo Shoot, Cole Flower, jasmine

Super fresh and juicy Bamboo was stuffed with preserved vegetables for an abundance of Unami .

Yellow soil • Sweet Peas, Kinome, Avocado, Amaranth Seeds.
Inside an avocado rose , peas and a broad bean puree had a luscious texture .

Yellow soil • Zucchini, Mustard Seeds, Water Chestnut, Parsley.
Zucchini flower was stuffed with water chestnuts , this had a light and nutty flavour profile .

White soil • White Fungus, Yellow Pepper, Chili
The Xinjiang chilli was smoky but mild , lovely acidity from the yellow pepper sauce .

Black soil - Kohlrabi, Nut-tree Mushroom, Pine Nuts

Kohlrabi shaped into a bun , a nutty mushroom dumpling .

Plateau • Highland Barley, Mushroom, Crispy Rice, Wainut.
The barley was prepared table side into a soft paste , a ton of ingredients in this dish that all had their moment in the sun .

An additional dish of Green onion noodles is a must order , the signature dish is adorned by quality Chinese vinegar that truly elevates this ubiquitous noodle preparation.

Rainforest - Coconut, Coconut Water, Black Sesame

A take on Cantonese glutinous dumplings with some coconut snow for texture . Less