British diners refine appetites for Chinese cuisine

"They care more about their diet and well-being and are more educated about nutrition," he said. "We wanted to create something that was authentic and true to our roots but, at the same time, contemporary and interesting."

Five Chinese restaurants in London have been awarded a Michelin star. There are 72 Michelin star establishments in the city, three owned by the Hakkasan Group. On average, about 40 percent of Hakkasan's customers are of Asian origin.

Gordon Cheung, an associate professor in International Relations of China at Durham University, has conducted research into Chinese food. He said: "The recent up-scaling phenomenon is partly due to Chinese influence and, especially, more mainland Chinese coming to the UK as students or tourists. They bring with them their own Chinese food and eating experience... so they somehow demand a more authentic food experience."

Cheung said entrepreneurs are happy to meet this demand.

As a result, more opportunities have emerged and more authentic Chinese restaurants have opened, he said.

Authentic Chinese cuisine is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, and the dishes on offer have progressed significantly in the past decade, but Poon believes Cantonese cuisine will always have a special place in British diners' hearts.

"Sichuan and Hunan cuisines are good, but people are unlikely to eat hot and spicy food every day, so I don't think Cantonese food will disappear," he said. "It is impossible to replace the originality of Cantonese cuisine."