Whether enjoying a bao and a beer with a visit to Wapping Wharf, or grabbing a to-go chicken katsu for lunch at St Nick’s Market, we’re big fans of the Asian fusion Woky Ko. Blending authentic Asian flavours with modern twists, it brings the Far East to the South West with surprising and exciting results.
As of today (September 13), Woky Ko on Queens Road – which had been running exclusively as a lunch bar since the pandemic – has reopened its restaurant. Not only this, but owner, chef and former MasterChef finalist Larkin Cen will be re-joining the kitchen too.
Following recent hot pot pop-up evenings at Queens Road earlier this summer, he has devised an exquisitely authentic Chinese menu. Standouts from the menu include handmade baozi – classic Hong Kong style steamed buns – and satay fish balls, which evoke feelings of China’s “delicious street food stalls.” Larkin has also placed a number of authentic Sichuan dishes on the menu too.
Guests will also be able to treat themselves to won tons, Cheung Fun noodle rolls served with fried chicken, braised pork and vegan fried chicken as well as house-made dandan noodle soup. The menu also offers fragrant curry spiced rice noodle rolls, the classic Sichuan dish of Mapo tofu and rice and Shui Zhu – a Sichuan hot pot.
“What I have created is our finest work to date, something deep rooted in authenticity and a product of many years of learning the craft that I love as well as cooking dishes that I am incredibly passionate about,” said Larkin Cen. “Woky Ko was created for the sole purpose of providing a portal to the culture from which our food originates. I believe that Chinese food is under-represented in the UK and via Woky Ko I believe I can take our customers on a journey through the cuisine that I love.”
To celebrate the restaurant’s reopening, Woky Ko is offering 50% off to the first 200 people through the doors. Seating covers just 30 people in the first floor dining room, so guests can expect a truly intimate dining experience. Bedminster’s natural wine bar, KASK, will curate the wine list, which will offer a pour to pair with every course.
This news comes ahead of Woky Ko opening its first restaurant outside of Bristol. A new location will launch in Birmingham next month, along with this new menu. Queens Road’s Woky Ko is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12-2.30pm and 5-9.30pm. To see a whole menu and to book a table head here.