Klae - Richmond

I had a fantastic dining experience at Klae! The food was inventive and bursting with flavor, particularly the Rankin cod and kingfish tartare. The drinks were... read more I had a fantastic dining experience at Klae! The food was inventive and bursting with flavor, particularly the Rankin cod and kingfish tartare. The drinks were excellent, and the ambiance was both stylish and inviting. I would definitely recommend this place! Dinner cost per person: $100–120 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Must-try dishes: Lobster Mantou, Cod Fish, Kingfish Ceviche

A charming restaurant located in the center of Richmond with a fantastic atmosphere. The food and drinks were excellent, and the service was exceptional. Highly... read more A charming restaurant located in the center of Richmond with a fantastic atmosphere. The food and drinks were excellent, and the service was exceptional. Highly recommended! Service: Dine-in Meal type: Dinner Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5

The Gai Lan at Klae is unforgettable! I can’t believe it took me this long to try this Swan Street gem I’d been passing by every day. After hearing so many grea... read more The Gai Lan at Klae is unforgettable! I can’t believe it took me this long to try this Swan Street gem I’d been passing by every day. After hearing so many great recommendations, I finally visited, and it lived up to the hype. Led by Chef Oak Kunnalok, Klae offers inventive and refined South Asian cuisine with impressive attention to detail. The dishes are bold, creative, and beautifully balanced, making me eager to return—especially to sample more mains. The dim lighting and sleek decor create the perfect atmosphere for a date night away from the hustle of Swan Street. What we ordered: Bites: - Lobster mantou with X.O. mayo, tobiko, shallot, finger lime, and chives ($10 each): Generous portions bursting with flavor. - Wagyu beef skewer with yuzu tamarind, toasted rice powder, and pickled red onion ($13 each): Delicious, though a bit chewy. - Burnt cauliflower skewer with sesame miso and chili oil ($8 each): Could have used a bit more char for a deeper roasted flavor. - Smoked pulled beef toast with gochujang stew, spicy mayo, and pickled cucumber ($13 each): Rich and well-balanced. - Sweet potato mousse toast with caramelized kimchi and mozzarella ($10 each): Unexpectedly delightful combination. Small Plates: - Hiramasa kingfish tartare with yuzu kosho, shio koji, finger lime, and tofu cracker ($29): Refreshing with a kick and generous in size. Main: - Oolong tea smoked duck breast with hawthorn berry jelly, mandarin sauce, and pancakes ($45): A creative twist on Peking duck, unique and full of smoky flavor. Side: - Charred gai lan with fried garlic and soy burnt butter ($14): Absolutely mind-blowing. The sauce was incredible—I’m inspired to try making this at home! Dessert: - Millefeuille with fennel cream, lemon ganache, and pineapple lemon sorbet ($17): Pastry was a bit tough to eat, but the sorbet was bright and refreshing. - Barley genoise with white chocolate rice puff, sobacha caramel, and roasted barley ice cream ($19): A fantastic mix of textures and rich roasted flavors. Overall, Klae exceeded all my expectations. This is modern Asian dining at its finest, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit to explore more of the menu. Price per person: $80–100 Food: 4/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5