Facing Heaven: Bold Vegan Chinese Cuisine in Hackney

Tucked away on a corner of Bayford Street in Hackney, Facing Heaven delivers an exciting vegan take on Sichuanese cuisine that challenges preconceptions about plant-based dining. Named after the upward-growing Sichuanese chili pepper, this intimate 28-seat restaurant offers a dining experience as vibrant as its black-and-white checkerboard flooring and neon-lit interior.

Signature Dishes Worth Trying

The menu at Facing Heaven rotates regularly, but several standout dishes have earned consistent praise:

• Dan Dan Noodles: A signature dish carried over from chef Julian Denis' previous restaurant Mao Chow, these noodles deliver the perfect balance of numbing Sichuan pepper and savory depth.

• Chongqing Cauliflower: Crispy cauliflower florets coated in a spicy rub and served with chilies, peanuts and fresh herbs - a plant-based interpretation of the regional chicken dish that even non-vegans rave about.

• Seaweed Toast: A creative vegan take on prawn toast with an 'everything sauce' that combines elements of satay and umami richness.

• Hong Kong French Toast: For dessert, this indulgent creation features sliced white bread stuffed with peanut butter, drizzled with vegan condensed milk caramel sauce and topped with a melting knob of vegan butter.

Atmosphere and Experience

The restaurant's aesthetic could be described as 'diner gone rogue' with its primary-colored bulbs, retro decor, and rock music soundtrack creating an energetic atmosphere. The space is intimate (some might say cramped), making it better suited for casual dining than special occasions. The bathroom even features disco lights for an unexpected sensory experience.

Whether you follow a plant-based diet or are simply curious about innovative Chinese cuisine, Facing Heaven offers bold flavors that don't hold back. Just be prepared for the intensity of Sichuan pepper and chili that defines this exciting addition to London's vegan dining scene.