A rare find hidden a short walk from London Bridge Station. It's not a place that many have actually heard of as they don't over commercialise themselves. They don't need to, it's a place spread mainly through word of mouth, as those who have had the chance to go there all have an understanding about how good this place is.
I've only been once, but that one time I have never forgotten, and I am bursting to go again.
Champor Champor means 'mix and match' in Malay, which is reflected in each of their imaginative Asian fusion dishes. It is an eclectic range of flavoursome ingredients which are blended together to form some delicious dishes.
Each dish is an all encompassing meal of its own and there isn't an option to have side orders. For instance, a dish in the main course is satay marinated ostrich fillet, with preserved pickled Chinese mustard leaf and vegetable tagine. When we went, in between courses the chef kindly brought us a bowl of soft shelled crab salad. It came out crisp on the outside and the meat was soft on the inside. We were also presented with a small bowl of savoury sorbet. Now that was a treat and was pleasantly soothing to the palette.
Just sitting in this small restaurant is a treat for the eyes. It was designed by one of the owners and each wall has a different painting or ornament of some sort on them. Apparently, it even gets changed from time to time. But the paintings which adorn the walls, along with the general décor is beautiful and being in Champor Champor is like being in an enchanting little museum or like you're in some traditional Malay folk story.
For both lunch and dinner each individual dish doesn't come with a separate price. Instead, you have the choice of having either two or three courses at a set price. During lunchtimes, you can enjoy two courses for £19.90 and three for £23.50. During dinner, in which you should definitely pre- book, it is £25 for two courses and £29 for three.
You can also do cooking classes on Saturdays (you have to book) for a minumum party of two and maximum of four. For £49.50 per person, the chef will teach you how to make a few of their tantalizing dishes.
It is one of those places which you gain an experience which tantalizes, in the best way, most of your sense. What you see around you is fairy tail like, the smell of the food makes you want to salivate at the thought of eating it, and the taste of the food just takes you elsewhere. read more