Going out for dinner, especially in London’s vibrant Fitzrovia, should always be a delightful experience. Forget about post-Valentine’s Day dinner mishaps; at House of Ho, located on Percy Street, exceptional dining is the standard. This multi-level Vietnamese restaurant offers a sophisticated culinary journey that consistently impresses.
House of Ho Fitzrovia Restaurant Interior
Nestled on the corner of Percy Street in Fitzrovia, just behind Tottenham Court Road, House of Ho spans four stylish levels. The location itself is a draw, situated in one of London’s most beloved neighborhoods. Inside, the restaurant caters to diverse dining preferences. The ground floor presents a modern brasserie ambiance, ideal for a sophisticated lunch. As you explore further, you’ll discover a chic bar and restaurant area, complete with The Wine Room for more intimate gatherings. Upstairs, three private dining rooms offer customizable settings for any occasion. The front-facing rooms boast vibrant views of Charlotte Street, adding to the lively atmosphere.
House of Ho Fitzrovia Exterior View
The culinary direction at House of Ho is now helmed by Ian Pengelley, a celebrated Pan-Asian chef with a background from Gordon Ramsay’s kitchens. While House of Ho was initially established with Bobby Chinn, Pengelley’s passion for Far Eastern cuisine, particularly Vietnamese flavors, truly elevates the dining experience. His connection to Asian food is deeply rooted, stemming from his childhood in Hong Kong in 1977. He fondly recalls being immediately captivated by the incredible sights, sounds, and aromas of Hong Kong.
Pengelley’s enthusiasm for House of Ho is palpable. He explains, “Having opened various Asian restaurants focusing on Chinese, Japanese, and Thai cuisine, I wanted to deeply explore Vietnamese food with House of Ho.” He highlights the restaurant as the flagship, a “modern and sexy” venue contrasting with their more casual sister brand, ‘Ho Modern Vietnamese,’ aimed at informal dining with quick dishes and cocktails. However, House of Ho on Percy Street is where the menu reaches its zenith, featuring “showstopper dishes” like the Hanoi Grilled Red Snapper with hot and sour broth.
House of Ho Vietnamese Cuisine Dish
Beyond innovative ideas, exceptional execution is crucial, and House of Ho excels in this. Pengelley and his team ensure that the kitchen artistry matches the menu’s ambition. There’s even a touch of theatrical flair, including the use of dry ice for added presentation. While the Wagyu Pho, a 24-hour braised short rib dish, remained untasted on this visit, the ‘Shaking Beef’ offered a tantalizing glimpse into the quality. This dish features 30-day aged cubes of fillet beef, wok-seared to perfection and showcasing incredible tenderness.
The menu balances classic and inventive dishes beautifully. The ‘Crispy quid with chilli sea salt’ provides a light and zesty start, while the ‘Chilean Seabass with Vietnamese Fermented Plum Sauce’ exemplifies the menu’s more ambitious and refined creations.
House of Ho Restaurant Table Setting
The ‘Bun Bao’, steamed and then pan-crisped, is a delicate and non-gloopy delight, as are the ‘King Prawn & Chive dumplings’. For a refreshing palate cleanser, the Smoked Trout with Green Mango Salad offers fresh and clean flavors. The ‘Soft Shell Crab with Vietnamese Sauces’ is a standout – a generously sized portion served dramatically on a bed of dried chilies. Adding to the positive experience, the service is attentive and helpful. Waiter Dimitri provided excellent recommendations for both dishes and wine pairings.
House of Ho Restaurant Food Presentation
For dessert, the ‘Warm Green Tea Chocolate Pudding with Passion fruit & Vanilla Ice’ is an absolute must-try. Breaking into the pastry reveals a decadent, oozing center, making it a truly fantastic and memorable end to the meal.
London’s Vietnamese food scene is thriving, with establishments like the ‘Pho’ chain and House of Ho’s sister restaurant, ‘Ho’, offering accessible and tasty Vietnamese cuisine. However, House of Ho on Percy Street elevates these familiar flavors to a new level of sophistication and artistry. It is highly recommended for anyone who appreciates exceptional taste and a refined dining experience in Fitzrovia, regardless of the occasion.
House of Ho
1 Percy St,
Fitzrovia
London W1T 1DW
www.houseofho.co.uk
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