Ikoyi, a prestigious two Michelin-starred restaurant in London, has recently teamed up with Uber Eats to offer an exclusive tasting menu for delivery. Executive chef Jeremy Chan, known for his inventive and artistic cuisine, has curated a five-course menu for this limited-time collaboration. Chan expresses his excitement about the opportunity to share Ikoyi’s unique dining experience with a wider audience through this partnership.
Diverse and Intriguing Menu Selection
The Uber Eats tasting menu draws inspiration from Ikoyi’s signature dishes, offering a new twist on familiar flavors. Priced at £60 ($75), this menu features innovative dishes like mutton merguez sausage with green goddess slaw, fried chicken with smoked scotch bonnet & raspberry, and suya tamari pork with mustard greens & kumquat. A standout item on the menu is the crab custard, a delicacy that travels well and showcases the complexity of Ikoyi’s cuisine.
This collaboration with Uber Eats represents a strategic move by Ikoyi to reach a broader market of fine dining enthusiasts. By offering a premium tasting menu for delivery, the restaurant is tapping into the growing trend of high-end food delivery services in London. Chef Chan acknowledges the potential of delivery food as a strong business proposition, noting the success of other upscale restaurants that have ventured into delivery service.
Challenges of Running a High-End Restaurant
Despite the acclaim and recognition that Ikoyi has received, Chef Chan admits to the challenges of running a top-tier restaurant. He takes pride in being hands-on in the kitchen, handling everything from butchery to sauce-making. This level of involvement, however, leaves him with little time for external projects that could benefit the business. Chan’s dedication to maintaining the quality and standards of Ikoyi comes at a personal cost, as he juggles the demands of a high-pressure culinary environment.
Chan addresses the perception of Ikoyi as an elitist establishment due to its high prices and exclusive tasting menu. While he acknowledges the expensive nature of dining at Ikoyi, he emphasizes the value and quality that customers receive in return. The chef takes pride in delivering a premium dining experience that justifies the cost, showcasing his commitment to excellence and innovation in the culinary world.
The collaboration between Ikoyi and Uber Eats marks a new chapter in the evolution of fine dining in London. By making their exceptional cuisine accessible through delivery, Ikoyi is reaching out to a wider audience and challenging the traditional boundaries of upscale dining. Chef Jeremy Chan’s innovative approach to showcasing Ikoyi’s culinary artistry reflects a growing trend in the industry towards more inclusive and diverse dining experiences. As high-end restaurants continue to explore new avenues for growth and engagement, collaborations like this offer a glimpse into the future of fine dining.