Uncle Roger to launch debut UK restaurant in Chinatown

Malaysian restaurateur Nigel Ng, known as Uncle Roger, will debut his first UK restaurant concept, Kawan by Uncle Roger, in Chinatown London this April. 

The 1,600 sq ft site, owned by Shaftesbury Capital, will open on Macclesfield Street and accommodate 60 covers. The venture marks a collaboration between Nigel Ng, hospitality entrepreneur Keng Yew, and executive chef Daren Liew.

The menu features family-style dishes and pan-Asian cuisines adapted for British produce, with fried rice serving as the central focus of the menu alongside a selection of Asian–British hybrid dishes.

The restaurant name translates to ‘friend’ or ‘companion’ in Malay. The interior is designed to provide an informal environment for the local East and Southeast Asian community, office workers, and tourists.

Ng said: “I’m so excited to be launching ‘Kawan By Uncle Roger’. Of course there will be fried rice on the menu, but with a partnership with Chef Daren Liew, there’s going to be so much more than that – can’t wait to show you what we’ve been working on!. Oh, and my Uncle says he hopes Jamie Oliver pays a visit.”

Emma Matus, head of Restaurant Leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, added: “Chinatown London is the epicentre for on-trend F&B concepts from East and Southeast Asia, that have a unique ability to bring people together. 

“Kawan will be a one-of-a-kind experience, building on Uncle Roger’s charm and real passion for great food, and backed by Keng Yew and Daren Liew, both of whom have experience of Chinatown London and understand its audience inside-out.”