Kai Mayfair
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Founder | Bernard Yeoh |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Modern Chinese cuisine |
Kai Mayfair is an upscale Chinese dining establishment situated at 65 South Audley Street, Mayfair, London, in close proximity to Park Lane. Established in 1993 by Malaysian sport shooter Bernard Yeoh, the restaurant's mission was to raise the profile of Asian fare within the fine dining arena. The current executive chef is Alex Chow.
The restaurant was awarded a Michelin Star in 2009, distinguishing it as the sole Chinese eatery newly recognized on the UK Michelin List that year and the first in London to attain this honor. It maintained this Michelin distinction until it was removed in the 2025 edition of the guide.
Additional recognitions include being named Harden's Guide's Best Chinese Restaurant in London in 2009 and earning the title of Zagat Surveys Best Chinese Restaurant in London consecutively from 2003 through 2005. Furthermore, it received nominations from Restaurant magazine for UK Best Dishes and was shortlisted for Tatler magazine's Best Kitchen Awards in 2006.
Kai Mayfair’s menu highlights 'Modern Chinese' cuisine, which fuses traditional elements with contemporary techniques, emphasizing 'Liberated' dishes inspired by the Nanyang region. The selection ranges from traditional favorites such as prawn toast and sweet & sour pork to innovative creations like Nanyang chilli lobster and spring chicken topped with Sichuan spicy crumble, reflecting the restaurant’s unique culinary identity. Additionally, Kai Mayfair offers afternoon tea service Wednesday through Sunday between 15:00 and 16:30.
In 2005, Kai Mayfair attracted media attention for its £108 rendition of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, referred to as "the world’s most expensive soup," prepared with luxury ingredients including shark's fin, Japanese flower mushroom, sea cucumber, dried scallops, chicken, Hunan ham, pork, and ginseng.