Looking for a dining experience in one of the places to eat in Cardiff City Centre? The Ivy Asia Cardiff’s Samurai Set Dinner Menu, available Sunday to Thursday from 5pm to 10:30pm, is an absolute treat for your taste buds and your Instagram feed! So, what’s on The Ivy Asia Cardiff menu?
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The Ivy Asia Cardiff Reviews
The Ivy Asia has been part of the Cardiff restaurant landscape for over two years. It opened under some local controversy and was accused of ‘cultural appropriation’ by food writer and journalist for The World’s 50 Best, Josh Ong, in an article entitled A Tale of three Asias. It’s a fascinating read explaining why you won’t catch him in the establishment. It was met with overwhelming support from people across the city, who agreed that this addition was disappointing.
The article was the main reason I have avoided eating here until now. It was somewhere my friend had wanted to eat in for some time; it was her birthday and her choice. Were the surroundings opulent? Yes, the service was on point; yes, was the food good? Yes, it was excellent. But I know I could have had it in one of the other Japanese restaurants in Cardiff – and probably a more authentic experience.
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Asia Ivy Cardiff
Setting cultural appropriation aside, the decor at The Ivy Asia is truly a sight to behold. The opulent jade-green floors, cherry blossom trees, and intricate gold detailing create a stunning visual backdrop.
The table is set with beautiful napkin rings (which were removed immediately, making me think there are a few light fingers), elephant chopstick holders, and leaf-shaped dishes for the soy sauce, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal.
There are several menus to choose from. On the a la carte Ivy Asia Menu, you’re recommended to get 3-4 small plates or sushi to share. There are also experience menus priced per person, which include highlights from the menu.
Ivy Asia Cardiff Menu Prices
The special offer dinner menu – Samurai Set Dinner Menu – is available Monday to Thursday between 5pm and 10.30pm. It includes a starter and main course. The Ivy Asia Cardiff Prices are £27.50 per person, and you can add on a dessert for £5.
Samurai Set Dinner Menu
We started with crispy wontons and mini poppadoms paired with a spiced coconut yoghurt dip for the table, which is included in the set price. Honestly, I wasn’t blown away with these. Whilst light and crispy, I found the taste to be bland. The yoghurt dip lacked the expected kick of spice. This was a missed opportunity to start the meal with a bang.
However, my starter of spicy tuna and sesame sushi rolls was a redemption – fresh and expertly crafted. Whilst I usually have a poor man’s version for lunch, the raw tuna was a true treat. I was so excited to get stuck in that I forgot to take a picture!
My friend had the barbecue duck and clementine salad, a unique blend of sweet and savoury. Hoisin, mizuna, and water chestnut added layers of texture and flavour. It was a large portion for a starter, but we both agreed the duck was cooked well, and the flavour and textures were all there.
Main Course
The tiger prawn rendang, an Indonesian spiced curry, was bursting with flavour. I did enjoy it. The fragrant dish was bursting with turmeric, lemongrass, ginger, chilli – and a lot of prawns.
The massaman lamb curry was equally rich and aromatic. The tender meat melted in the mouth and was enhanced by the creamy warmth of the cashew nuts and coconuts. Again, as an expensive cut of meat, there was a significant amount.
The table shares sticky steamed rice and wok-fried greens, which add a fresh and crunch contrast to the dishes. Plus, I love pak choi!
Dessert
To be honest, I was full and didn’t particularly want dessert. But we’d seen these spectacles pass by and wanted to try them, too. Whilst tasty, they are style over substance.
The Sake Barrel was fun. You get a mini mallet to break the sugar top. The silky vanilla crème brûlée is topped with a sesame and sake tuile. This isn’t very pleasant when eaten on its own, but it does pair well with the sweet brûlée.
Meanwhile, the warm passion fruit-filled doughnuts with a tangy yoghurt dipping sauce were fun, flavourful, and utterly irresistible. I’d encourage you to get these.
The Drinks Menu
The Ivy Asia Drinks Menu deserves its own round of applause. We sipped on the tropical Mango Sling (Ron Santiago de Cuba, Aluna Coconut, Midori, pineapple, mango, lemongrass, and lemon) and the intriguing Cherry Chuhai (Hendrick’s, Cherry Chu Lo soda, custard syrup, anise, and a citric blend). As I was driving, I had the mocktail version: the Cherry Lemonade (Tanqueray 0%, Cherry Chu Lo soda, custard syrup, and citric blend) was equally delightful.
Alongside this are an exciting wine list, local and national beers, lager and cider, soft drinks, tea, and coffee.
Why Choose The Ivy Asia Cardiff?
· Value: The Ivy Cardiff Set Menu offers exceptional value for such a premium dining experience, with a lunch menu priced at £19.95.
· Ambience: It is undeniably pretty inside and is a lovely setting for an intimate dinner.
· Versatility: The extensive menu features everything from sushi to curries, making it perfect for both adventurous eaters and those who prefer familiar flavours.
· Occasions: Great for date nights, celebrations, or even casual weekday dinners. Private dining, group dining, and gift cards are also available.
Premier Rewards
If you eat The Ivy often, joining the Ivy Premier Rewards loyalty program may be beneficial. You earn points each time you dine, get priority booking, access to exclusive events, and a complimentary dessert on your birthday.
Ivy Asia Locations
There are eight Ivy Asia restaurants in the UK, including in London, Guildford, Brighton, Manchester, Leeds, and Cardiff.
Where is the Restaurant?
📍 45 The Hayes, St Davids Centre, Cardiff CF10 1GA
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Make a Booking
Book a table button on their website; call 029 2280 6280 or email cardiff@theivyasia.com
Follow The Ivy Asia on Social Media
Stay updated on the latest offers and promotions by following them on Facebook | Instagram
How to get to The Ivy Asia Cardiff
The Ivy Asia Cardiff is accessible by car, bike, and cycling along the Taff Trail, bus, or train. The restaurant is a mere 7-minute walk from Cardiff Central Train Station, or an 11-minute walk from Cardiff Queen Street.
Transport for Wales now offers Multiflex, which gives you 12 journeys for the same price as 5 returns. With stops in Taffs Well, Radyr, Whitchurch, Llandaff North, Cathays, two in the city centre – Queen Street and Cardiff Central – plus Cardiff Bay. And who doesn’t want to save money to spend on eating out?
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Eat Out in Cardiff
Cardiff is a foodie’s delight. From the quality of the produce to the level of cooking, from cheap eats to something special like three-course menus, there’s something for every palate. Plus, some of the best places to eat are in Cardiff city centre. Cardiff is staking a serious claim to being one of the UK’s most exciting places to eat. Don’t forget to book ahead to guarantee a table.
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