FOOD + DRINK
Culturally-Curated Cuisine cont...
SHWEN SHWEN has brought his celebrated culinary skills to the Kent coast, drawing inspiration from across the globe from East Asia to Scandinavia.
Here, you might find yourself transported to the rugged landscapes of Japan with a ponzu-glazed aubergine dish inspired by the traditional Japanese citrus-based soy sauce. The dish is accompanied by pickle and pomegranate, then finished with zhough, a spicy green hot sauce made with toasted spices and originating from Yemen. The result brings together the delicate, citrussy flavours of Japan with a fiery touch of southern Arabia, creating a dish that perfectly captures the restaurant’ s worldly approach to cuisine.
Shwen Shwen, Sevenoaks shwenshwen. com
Bringing the flavours of Sierra Leone to the historic streets of Sevenoaks, Michelin-recognised restaurant Shwen Shwen is redefining the dining experience through a distinctive Afro-fusion menu. Named Michelin Opening of the Year 2026, the restaurant is led by acclaimed chef and author Maria Bradford, whose cooking combines traditional Sierra Leonean recipes with stylish, contemporary flair.
© Andrew Hayes Watkins
Each dish draws inspiration from the rich culinary traditions and vibrant culture of Sierra Leone, found on the south-west coast of West Africa. Among the menu’ s highlights is bone marrow served with puffed rice, where the light, crispy grain provides a delicate contrast to the rich, buttery marrow. The dish is finished with a fermented chilli honey flatbread, adding a fiery sweetness to the plate.
Dessert continues the experience with a baobab and grapefruit sorbet, made using the fruit of the baobab tree, a distinctive species native to parts of mainland Africa, Madagascar and north-western Australia. Its naturally sweet and tangy flavour brings a refreshing finish, while colourful hibiscus flowers add a final flourish.
Copper Ceylon, Bromley copperceylon. com
A culinary experience like no other, multi-awardwinning Copper Ceylon brings the cultivated flavours and rich heritage of Sri Lanka in South Asia to the streets of Bromley. Bursting with spices native to the island, the culture and traditions of Sri Lankan cuisine are captured in dishes such as the restaurant’ s Sri Lankan tapas. Try the okra curry, made with freshly sliced okra and Jaffna spices, delivering the bold, fiery flavours associated with the Jaffna Peninsula in northern Sri Lanka.
However, the real showstopper is Copper Ceylon’ s Sri Lankan take on the much-loved British tradition of afternoon tea. The traditional cucumber sandwiches and a pot of English breakfast tea have been put aside; instead, a classic three-tiered experience takes on a distinctly Sri-Lankan twist. Begin with premium Ceylon tea, sourced from the island’ s renowned tea-growing regions, alongside a savoury selection of coconut sambol and cheese sandwiches, traditional Sri Lankan tuna sandwiches and Copper Ceylon’ s signature hot bites. These include Jaffna mutton rolls, Sri Lankan chicken roti, jackfruit cutlets and chicken masala puffs.
COPPER CEYLON
To finish, a trio of sweet treats includes Sri Lankan coconut cake, mini fruit tartlets and a creamy, rich chocolate cake. Pair it with traditional Ceylon tea, or spice things up with a signature cocktail such as the Ceylon Old Fashioned, made with arrack, bourbon, orange bitters and a sweet coconut syrup to finish.
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