The Silk Road II HEACHAM
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eacham has everything you could want from a Norfolk village; a thriving community encircled by fragrant purple lavender and scarlet poppy fields, all gloriously lit by the unique east coast sunsets. From its sloping beaches to its gently undulating countryside, Heacham is both beautiful and distinctly local. And its the last place you’d expect to find a feast of authentic oriental cuisine. But that’s exactly what you’ll find at The Silk Road II, which was opened around 13 years ago by owner (and Head Chef) David Lau. It actually started life as a buffet-style restaurant and received its film-sequel name because of David’s other Silk Road (in King’s Lynn) – he also runs a seasonal restaurant at Searles leisure resort in Hunstanton known as the Silk Road Express. The restaurant incorporates a broad variety of Chinese, Malaysian and Japanese food into its recipes, and offers a very wideranging a la carte menu in pleasant and tastily decorated surroundings. The Silk Road II also offers customers a takeaway service (with a very reasonably priced menu), although the wonderfully friendly staff will have you wishing you’d phoned to book a table rather than order a takeaway. For those looking for a change from the traditional Sunday roast, the Silk Road II offers a buffet-style lunch that’s hugely enjoyable and very popular. It’s also a great place for special events such as Valentine’s and Mother’s (and Father’s!) Day, and Chinese New Year is unmissable – although it’s essential to book ahead to take part in the celebrations. David’s obviously proud of his approach to treating people to a genuine taste of the Far East, and it’s something he does with a great deal of skill – and over 30 years’ experience. He likes to say that what mastery he lacks in
Authentic oriental cuisine in a lovely Norfolk village the English language he more than makes up for in the cooking department, and it’s a claim that’s hard to dispute. Try the Udon noodles and king prawns, for example. These Japanese noodles are slightly thicker than you may be used to, their unique texture is very satisfying – and the dish features one of David’s brilliant mango and peppercorn sauces. David’s no amateur when it comes to meat either. Order the 29-day hung fillet of beef and you’ll find it carefully prepared, expertly cooked, and matched with a gorgeous pepper-based sauce. There’s so much choice on the menu (and so many unfamiliar combinations) that the best thing you can do is tell David your taste preferences and favourites and let him recommend dishes for you. It’s a shame that oriental food gets a bad press so often, because David Lau proves that in the right hands it can be a genuinely extraordinary dining experience and a memorable evening full of exotic tastes. Food is available at The Silk Road II from 12noon-2pm and 5.30-9.30pm Monday to Saturday, and from 12noon-2pm and 4.309pm on Sunday. Please also note that the takeaway service is collection only.
e Silk Road II, Lavender Hill, Lynn Road, Heacham PE31 7JE Telephone: 01485 572268 KLmagazine Special Dining Out Edition
recommended BY THE CHEF Quarter Duck and Pancak
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Beef Asparagus with Seafoo d and crispy noodles Toffee Banana
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