Hakkasan was founded in London by restaurateur Alan Yau in 2001. In less than 10 years, Hakkasan has expanded significantly with venues in major cities including London, Miami, Abu Dhabi, Mumbai, Dubai and New York establishing itself as one of the most successful modern restaurant concepts in the fine-dining market.

Conceived at a time when "fine-dining" and "Chinese cuisine" seemed a contradiction in terms, Hakkasan broke all the rules: having acquired a hidden backstreet basement location in an unfashionable part of town, the interior was transformed by Christian Liaigre, the celebrated designer responsible for the private homes of Karl Lagerfeld and Calvin Klein, as well as high profile projects such as Valentino's Paris headquarters and New York's ultra-hip Mercer Hotel.

Head Chef, Tong Chee Hwee, arrived with his core team from the Summer Pavilion, the famed Chinese restaurant at the Ritz Carlton in Singapore, to develop Hakkasan's unique take on modern authentic Cantonese cuisine, creating signature dishes such as Roasted Silver Cod with Champagne and Chinese Honey, and Stir-fry Black Pepper Rib-eye Beef with Merlot.

Hakkasan's award-winning wine list and signature cocktails, along with world-class dim sum selections and desserts also serve as a part of its success. Within two years of opening, Hakkasan became the only Chinese restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star in 2003, which it has retained to this day.

Hakkasan's DNA is characterized by the combination of world-class cuisine and outstanding yet unobtrusive service, experienced in a modern 'haute Chinois' environment. The unparalleled dining experience is known for its relaxed ambience and a sensual vibe, generated by the dramatic lighting, a DJ and incense aroma. Most significantly, Hakkasan is a high-volume operation that typically serves over 500 customers on a busy Saturday night, a remarkable level of trading for a Michelin-starred establishment.

In 2008, the Abu Dhabi-based investment company Tasameem became the majority shareholder, coming on board to enable Hakkasan's ambitious expansion plans, commencing with Hakkasan Mayfair, a 220-seat restaurant and bar, situated in the heart of London's high fashion retail district. Followed by the openings in Abu Dhabi, Mumbai and Dubai in 2011, the highly anticipated Hakkasan New York will open in 2012, reaffirming Manhattan's place as a global dining destination. New York will be the gateway for Hakkasan's expansion in the United States.

Under the leadership of CEO, Niall Howard, supported by a highly experienced management team, the company is now growing an international infrastructure to facilitate its global expansion plans.