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London, one of the world's most vibrant and diverse cities, boasts a rich culinary scene that reflects its multicultural fabric. Among the myriad of cuisines available, Chinese food holds a special place, offering a journey through a vast array of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques. From bustling Chinatown to hidden gems scattered across the city, London is home to some of the finest Chinese restaurants outside of Asia. Whether you're craving traditional dim sum, spicy Sichuan dishes, or modern fusion cuisine, this guide will take you through the best places to eat Chinese food in London.
Chinatown: The Heart of Chinese Cuisine in London
1. Four Seasons Chinese Restaurant
Located in the heart of Chinatown, Four Seasons is renowned for its mouthwatering roast duck, often hailed as the best in London. The crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat have made it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Beyond the roast duck, the menu offers a wide range of Cantonese dishes, including dim sum, stir-fries, and seafood specialties.
Address: 12 Gerrard Street, Chinatown, London W1D 5PR
Specialties: Roast Duck, Dim Sum, Cantonese Stir-fries
2. Golden Dragon
Golden Dragon is another great classic Chinese restaurant in Chinatown, known for its extensive dim sum menu and traditional Cantonese dishes. The restaurant’s lively atmosphere and efficient service make it a popular spot for both lunch and dinner. The dim sum selection is vast, featuring classics like siu mai (pork dumplings), har gow (shrimp dumplings), and char siu bao (barbecue pork buns).
Address: 28-29 Gerrard Street, Chinatown, London W1D 6JW
Specialties: Dim Sum, Peking Duck, Cantonese Seafood
3. Yming
For a slightly more upscale dining experience, Yming offers a blend of traditional and contemporary Chinese dishes in a stylish setting. The menu includes a variety of regional specialties, from spicy Sichuan to delicate Cantonese, all prepared with fresh ingredients and meticulous attention to detail. Yming is particularly noted for its inventive dishes and elegant presentation.
Address: 35 Greek Street, Soho, London W1D 5DL
Specialties: Crispy Aromatic Duck, Sichuan Spicy Dishes, Elegant Cantonese Cuisine
Beyond Chinatown: Exploring Chinese Cuisine Across London
4. Hakkasan
Hakkasan, with its Michelin-starred status, offers an upscale take on modern Chinese cuisine. The restaurant’s sleek, contemporary design and sophisticated ambiance set the stage for an exceptional dining experience. The menu features a fusion of traditional and modern dishes, including their signature Peking duck with caviar, truffle dim sum, and exquisite seafood dishes.
Address: 17 Bruton Street, Mayfair, London W1J 6QB
Specialties: Peking Duck with Caviar, Truffle Dim Sum, Modern Chinese Fusion
5. Yauatcha
Yauatcha, a Michelin-starred dim sum teahouse, is renowned for its high-quality dim sum and innovative desserts. Located in Soho, the restaurant combines a chic, modern design with a relaxed, yet upscale atmosphere. Yauatcha’s extensive dim sum menu includes unique creations like venison puffs, scallop shui mai, and a variety of delicious dumplings, all crafted with precision and artistry.
Address: 15-17 Broadwick Street, Soho, London W1F 0DL
Specialties: Venison Puffs, Scallop Shui Mai, Innovative Desserts
6. Barshu
For those who love spicy food, Barshu in Soho offers an authentic Sichuan dining experience. The menu is packed with fiery dishes that showcase the bold and complex flavors of Sichuan cuisine. Popular dishes include “Husband and Wife Lung Slices,” a cold appetizer made with beef and ox tripe in a spicy sauce, and the legendary Sichuan hotpot, where you can cook a variety of meats and vegetables in a bubbling, spicy broth.
Address: 28 Frith Street, Soho, London W1D 5LF
Specialties: Sichuan Hotpot, Husband and Wife Lung Slices, Spicy Fish Stew
7. Duddell's
Housed in a beautifully restored church near
London Bridge, Duddell's offers a unique blend of high-end Cantonese cuisine in a stunning, historic setting. The restaurant, which originated in Hong Kong, has brought its Michelin-starred pedigree to London, offering refined dishes that emphasize quality and authenticity. Signature items include the roasted duck, crispy salted chicken, and a range of delicate dim sum options.
Address: 9a St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY
Specialties: Roasted Duck, Crispy Salted Chicken, Refined Dim Sum
8. Min Jiang
Perched on the 10th floor of the Royal Garden Hotel, Min Jiang offers breathtaking views of Kensington Gardens alongside its renowned Chinese cuisine. The highlight here is the legendary Beijing duck, which is prepared meticulously and served with traditional accompaniments. The menu also features a wide selection of Sichuan and Cantonese dishes, making it a perfect spot for both a special occasion and a casual meal.
Address: 2-24 Kensington High Street, London W8 4PT
Specialties: Beijing Duck, Sichuan Specialties, Cantonese Delicacies
9. A. Wong
A. Wong, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Victoria, is celebrated for its innovative approach to Chinese cuisine. Chef Andrew Wong's creative menu pays homage to the diverse culinary traditions of China, from the street food of Xi’an to the imperial dishes of Beijing. The lunchtime dim sum menu is a must-try, featuring imaginative dishes like the "London Duck" and "Shanghai Dumplings."
Address: 70 Wilton Road, Pimlico, London SW1V 1DE
Specialties: London Duck, Shanghai Dumplings, Creative Dim Sum
Hidden Gems: Discovering Lesser-Known Treasures
10. My Old Place
For a taste of authentic Northeastern Chinese cuisine, My Old Place in Liverpool Street is a hidden gem. The restaurant’s unassuming exterior belies a menu packed with bold, flavorful dishes. Signature dishes include the spicy cumin lamb, twice-cooked pork, and a variety of skewers. The bustling atmosphere and generous portions make it a favorite among locals.
Address: 88-90 Middlesex Street, Spitalfields, London E1 7EZ
Specialties: Spicy Cumin Lamb, Twice-Cooked Pork, Northeastern Chinese Skewers
11. Silk Road
Silk Road in Camberwell offers a culinary journey along the Silk Road, with a focus on the bold flavors of Xinjiang cuisine. The menu features dishes that are rich in spices and full of character, such as the cumin-spiced lamb skewers, hand-pulled noodles, and spicy dumplings. The casual, no-frills setting adds to the charm, making it a popular spot for a relaxed meal.
Address: 49 Camberwell Church Street, London SE5 8TR
Specialties: Cumin-Spiced Lamb Skewers, Hand-Pulled Noodles, Xinjiang Dumplings
12. Chang’s Noodle
Chang’s Noodle in Bloomsbury specializes in the bold, spicy flavors of Hunan cuisine. Known for its generous portions and authentic dishes, Chang’s Noodle offers a variety of spicy noodle soups, stir-fries, and specialty dishes like Chairman Mao’s red-braised pork. The casual atmosphere and affordable prices make it a great choice for a hearty, flavorful meal.
Address: 33-34 New Oxford Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1A 1BH
Specialties: Spicy Noodle Soups, Chairman Mao’s Red-Braised Pork, Hunan Stir-Fries
Fusion and Modern Takes: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
13. BaoziInn
BaoziInn in Soho is known for its vibrant and modern take on northern Chinese street food, particularly Sichuan and Hunan influences. The menu features colorful and spicy dishes like dan dan noodles, rainbow dumplings, and skewers. The restaurant’s stylish interior and inventive cocktails make it a great spot for a trendy, casual dining experience.
Address: 26 Newport Court, London WC2H 7JS
Specialties: Dan Dan Noodles, Rainbow Dumplings, Spicy Skewers
14. Kym's
Kym's, by renowned chef Andrew Wong, is located in Bloomberg Arcade and offers a modern interpretation of classic Chinese dishes. The menu includes a variety of roasted meats, such as soy-glazed chicken and crispy pork belly, alongside contemporary dishes like prawn toast with sesame and seaweed. The sleek, modern setting and inventive cocktails add to the dining experience.
Address: 19 Bloomberg Arcade, London EC4N 8AR
Specialties: Soy-Glazed Chicken, Crispy Pork Belly, Prawn Toast
15. Xu
Xu, from the team behind Bao, offers a sophisticated take on Taiwanese cuisine in a beautifully designed setting that evokes 1930s Taipei. The menu features elegant dishes such as shou pa chicken, xiao long bao, and taro dumplings. Xu's tea bar also offers a selection of fine teas and creative cocktails, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely meal or afternoon tea.
Address: 30 Rupert Street, Soho, London W1D 6DL
Specialties: Shou Pa Chicken, Xiao Long Bao, Taro Dumplings
Sweet Endings: Chinese Desserts and Bakeries
16. Bake
Located in Chinatown, Bake is a small bakery known for its delicious and photogenic Chinese pastries and desserts. From the famous egg tarts to fluffy buns filled with custard or red bean paste, Bake offers a delightful array of sweet treats. Their taiyaki, fish-shaped cakes filled with custard or chocolate, are particularly popular.
Address: 9 Wardour Street, Chinatown, London W1D 6PF
Specialties: Egg Tarts, Custard Buns, Taiyaki
17. TSUJIRI
TSUJIRI, a Japanese tea house with locations in Soho and Chinatown, offers a variety of matcha-based desserts and drinks, which are also popular in Chinese cuisine. The menu includes matcha soft-serve ice cream, matcha lattes, and mochi. The high-quality matcha and elegant presentation make TSUJIRI a must-visit for tea and dessert lovers.
Address: 33 Newport Court, Chinatown, London WC2H 7PQ
Specialties: Matcha Soft-Serve Ice Cream, Matcha Lattes, Mochi
18. Café TPT
Café TPT in Chinatown is known for its Hong Kong-style desserts and street food. The menu includes popular treats like mango pomelo sago, egg waffles, and a variety of bubble teas. The casual setting and wide range of sweet and savory options make it a great spot for a quick snack or dessert.
Address: 21 Wardour Street, Chinatown, London W1D 6PN
Specialties: Mango Pomelo Sago, Egg Waffles, Bubble Tea
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