Lucky Lychee at The Green Man Winchester
“We visited Lucky Lychee in Winchester on two consecutive weekends, travelling all the way from London—and it was absolutely worth it each time. The satay beef and chicken were true standouts. Juicy, tender, and marinated to perfection, each bite delivered layers of flavour that were both rich and deeply satisfying. The meat was cooked just right, striking a balance between succulence and char-grilled depth. The grilled aubergine, courgette & fresh broad bean Malay yellow curry was another highlight—comforting, aromatic, and full of warm, layered spices. The vegetables were beautifully grilled, adding a smoky depth that balanced the gentle heat and creaminess of the curry. It paired perfectly with rice and had that cozy, soul-satisfying quality that makes you want to go back for more. The watermelon & cucumber salad with crispy pork cracking was a refreshing counterpoint—light, crunchy, and perfectly balanced. The watermelon was incredibly sweet and juicy, cutting through the richness of the pork crackling with a clean, fresh burst of flavor. We also really enjoyed the char siu pork—beautifully roasted, with a sweet, savoury glaze and just the right amount of caramelisation. The texture was spot-on: tender, juicy, and packed with that classic smoky flavour. The beef rendang with red pickle was another standout dish. The rendang was rich and deeply spiced, with melt-in-the-mouth beef, and the accompanying red pickle added a bright, tangy contrast that cut through the richness perfectly. One dish that truly surprised us was the sesame prawn toast. Unlike the standard versions you find elsewhere, Lucky Lychee’s featured lemongrass, adding a zesty, refreshing twist. Light and crisp without a trace of oiliness, it was a clever, modern take on a classic starter. Even the desserts were a delight. We tried the banana spring rolls, which were golden and crispy on the outside, with warm, sweet banana on the inside—simple, comforting, and very well executed. The cheesecake with pandan was especially memorable: fragrant, creamy, and subtly tropical. It’s a rare find in the UK and a must-try if you're looking for something a bit different to end your meal. Lucky Lychee serves up food that’s fresh, thoughtful, and full of heart. Every dish feels crafted with care and intention. No wonder we made the trip two weekends in a row—it’s that good. Whether you're local or coming from London, this spot is well worth the journey. Highly recommended.”
