Lifestyle: Iconic US Asian restaurant chain P.F. Chang's just launched in the UK — headed up by a former Nobu chef

It's a pretty big deal in the US.

Asian food chain P.F. Chang's is a pretty big deal in the US — and it has officially landed in London.

Its first European outpost opened to the public in Covent Garden on Friday, and the brand expects to open a further nine locations in the capital within three years, before considering other UK cities.

P.F. Chang promises fresh, gourmet Asian food at affordable prices.

A spokesperson for the brand said to Business Insider that the chain saw a gap in the UK market for something that strikes a balance between the Michelin-starred Hakkasan and the restaurants of Chinatown.

The restaurant has over 200 locations in the US, and also has a strong presence in Latin America and the Middle East.

The brand is encompassing a new concept in its London launch which it calls "P.F. Chang’s Asian Table." Some of these new features include a rather grand open kitchen, in-house bakery, and an impressive cocktail bar serving tipples curated by Fluid Movement. The star cocktail is "the Fizu" made of sparkling sake, cucumber and lemon oil, and frozen cucumber balls.

Philip Chang, founder of P.F. Chang's, told Business Insider: "London's food scene is so diverse and creative that we thought that our new Asian Table concept was suited for the city and its style. We are offering truly original and classic dishes from all over Asia, a range that no other restaurant in London offers."

Head chef Deepak Kotian, formerly of Nobu, is overseeing the cooking of the menu, which offers a variety of small and big plates ideal for sharing.

Highlights include the melt-in-your-mouth Mongolian beef (£9.50/$12.50), a soy-glazed flank steak wok seared with spring onions and garlic, orange peel lamb chop (£13/$17), and dynamite shrimp (£10/$13).

P.F. Chang's will also offer a new addition to London’s brunch scene, serving up an Asian take on traditional dishes including "Everything Bao," sliced smoked salmon and boiled egg nestled in a doughy honey lotus bun with a basil horseradish smear, and "Lobster Benedict," a toasted muffin topped with creamy herb lobster mix, poached egg, and house hollandaise.

For an up-close culinary experience, diners can opt to sit at the non-bookable Chef’s Table, which sits directly in front of the open kitchen. All dumplings, wontons, and egg rolls will be be hand-made daily.

There's also an in-house bakery for some decadent afters, including gorgonzola cheesecake (£7.50/($10).

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