Kitchen Nation is an amazing concept. It basically acts as an incubator for culinary start-ups, offering them a base in JLT to take their first steps into the hugely competitive world of the restaurateur. Located on the ground floor of Lake Shore Building in Cluster Y, Kitchen Nation boasts one of the bigger kitchens I’ve seen in the area. Each start-up has its own ‘space’, as well as its own kitchen staff.Because so much of the floor area was dedicated to the kitchen, the actual dining area is limited, suggesting deliveries, as opposed to dine-in, is the restaurant’s priority. The interior is bright and airy, and blissfully minimalistic with simple steel tables and benches an obvious extension of the sterilised, aseptic theme from the kitchen.
Because so much of the floor area was dedicated to the kitchen, the actual dining area is limited, suggesting deliveries, as opposed to dine-in, is the restaurant’s priority. The interior is bright and airy, and blissfully minimalistic with simple steel tables and benches an obvious extension of the sterilised, aseptic theme from the kitchen.
I loved the whole idea of being able to order from several menus, it felt like ordering from Talabat or Deliveroo but having everything cooked and served right there. Sadly, on the day I visited, neither the air conditioners nor the kitchen ventilators were working. So, the place was unbearably hot and smoky. The smart money would have cut and run. We stayed though. And ordered from three menus, including my favourite Poke Poke – all good.
But the experience was ruined by the conditions in the restaurant, and also by the fact that no one came to offer us any explanation…or apology. So, there you have it, Kitchen Nation, a brilliant concept…let down somewhat by very bad in-dining conditions. That said, I’m sure it’s great for deliveries.
Waste NOT. Want NOT.