Chinese Restaurants to Experience in London

From spicy Xinjiang noodles to the finest dumplings globally, here are the locations to satisfy your Chinese cuisine cravings in the capital.

The Chinese culinary landscape in London has significantly evolved since its inception. Historically, the initial Chinese restaurants in Britain mostly served Chinese seamen coming in the Limehouse district. Following World War I, Chinese cuisine began to gain appeal as British personnel returned from the Far East with an increased openness to diverse culinary experiences. By the 1990s, numerous Chinese restaurants proliferated nationwide; however, the quality has significantly enhanced during the last two decades. We have also observed the growth of several styles of Chinese food, including not only conventional Cantonese but also Sichuan, Hunan, and Xi’an.

If you are determined to visit Chinatown, here is a culinary guide to the district.

Gouqi

Pronounced ‘goji’, this upscale restaurant marks the inaugural solo endeavor of Tong Chee Hwee, the former Executive Head Chef of the seven-time Michelin-starred Hakkasan Group. At Gouqi, anticipate modern Chinese cuisine that highlights seasonal ingredients and premium production; the duck dishes are essential, and the dim sum, adorned with gold leaf, is equally exquisite in flavor and appearance. The Iberico Char Siu with salted egg yolk is a standout dish; nonetheless, it is essential to reserve room for dessert, where one can experience flavor combinations such as dark chocolate with matcha and goji berry, or mango with passion fruit and black sesame. Enhance your experience with one of Gouqi’s exceptional trademark drinks for a truly exquisite supper.

Location: 25-34 Cockspur Street, London, SW1Y 5BN

BOOK: gouqi-restaurants.co.uk

Tattu

Established by siblings Adam and Drew Jones, the Chinese restaurant chain Tattu began in Manchester, subsequently expanding to Leeds, Edinburgh, and Birmingham, with a new location launched in London last year. Situated on the sixth floor of the Outernet building adjacent to Tottenham Court Road station, the restaurant has expansive views of the city, complemented by exquisite decor designed by the acclaimed Joyce Wang Studio. Executive Chef Andrew Lasseter has crafted a visually appealing menu that emphasizes modern, communal Chinese cuisine. Dishes are crafted for photography, and the restaurant's lighting is intentionally optimal for this purpose; fortunately, they also possess favorable flavor. Notable offerings comprise the characteristic Shanghai black cod, an umami meal that replaces traditional miso with a lighter hoisin, ginger, and lime; alongside an opulent Japanese wagyu dish accompanied by enoki mushrooms and shallot soy (note, this dish costs a substantial £95).

Location: The Now Building Rooftop, Outernet, Denmark Street, London WC2H 0LA

BOOK: tattu.co.uk

Bun House

The finest buns in London have just acquired numerous new neighbors. Bun House, a staple of Chinatown, has introduced a new menu with delectable meals in addition to its signature fluffy buns, inspired by Hong Kong's most beloved street food offerings. Envision warming, packed wontons in steamy bowls of hot and sour broth, crispy chicken leg accompanied by decadent Hong Kong curry, sumptuous beef short rib with satay sauce rice, and the crispiest hot and sour waffle fries. Commence with those iconic buns. Uncomplicated yet efficient, there are five traditional savory buns available: pig, chicken, lamb, beef, and vegetarian. Alternatively, consider sampling one of each. Conclude with a whimsical custard bun. Authored by Olivia Emily

Location: 26-27 Lisle Street, London WC2H 7BA

Website: bun.house

Three Uncles

This affordable and vibrant Cantonese restaurant in Brixton Village was established by three childhood friends who were raised in Hong Kong throughout the 1970s. They devoted some time to exploring the renowned roast meat eateries adjacent to Wan Chai Market, where adept cooks expertly prepared portions of char siu pig and roast duck. Years later, they introduced the concept in London with Three Uncles, a minimalist eating establishment featuring a concise menu. The roasted meats, including duck, hog, and chicken, are the highlight, prepared by the traditional Cantonese method of marination, overnight fan drying, roasting, resting, and dishing. They can be savored with rice or as a topping for noodle soups and stir-fries. Anticipate waiting in line - nonetheless, it will be worthwhile.

Location: Unit 19 & 20, Brixton Village, London SW9 8PR

BOOK: threeuncles.co.uk

Hutong

Hutong, located on the 33rd story of The Shard, is indisputably one of the most exceptional dining venues in the city. Hutong features dark crimson, atmospheric interiors, shimmering lanterns, and a traditional Chinese wishing tree where guests can hang their wishes on branches, exuding the enchantment of fairy tales and providing immense pleasure. This is our premier choice for an extravagant dinner, including an extensive array of exquisite Northern Chinese dishes and innovative beverages, all framed by the expansive London skyline illuminated at night. Permit experienced waitstaff to assist you with the menu; however, ensure you try the pink champagne prawn dumplings and the meticulously cut Peking duck rather than the shredded variety. Reserve well in advance to obtain the optimal tables situated before the floor-to-ceiling windows and fully immerse yourself in the experience — returning to reality may prove challenging.

Location: 33 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY

RESERVE: hutong.co.uk

Min Jiang

Although it may be less renowned than certain iconic towers in the city, Min Jiang, located on the tenth story of the Royal Garden Hotel, has one of the finest vistas in London. A concealed treasure with a view of the scenic Kensington Gardens, the restaurant is famous for its flawless service and its idyllic panorama. Select the house duck: a complete Beijing duck presented in two preparations, the first accompanied by homemade pancakes, and the second as a dish of your preference – fried rice, with chopped or minced duck, served with a lettuce wrap. The menu features an excellent variety of seafood dishes, including stir-fried native lobster, steamed sea bass, and sautéed king prawns with wasabi sauce.

Location: 2, 24 Kensington High Street, London W8 4PT

RESERVE: minjiang.co.uk

Din Tai Fung

This Taiwanese restaurant boasts a devoted following, especially for its signature dish: delectable soup dumplings known as Xiao Long Bao. Branches have been established globally, including three in London, with the latest opening at Centre Point in the West End. Regardless of location, the principle is consistent: canteen-style dim sum, crafted with artistry and meticulousness — reportedly, each dumpling requires 40 minutes to produce, meticulously folded with precisely 18 pleats. The experience extends beyond these delightful dumplings; it also includes the renowned steamed chicken soup, meticulously cooked for almost six hours to achieve perfection. Do not be deterred by the chain aspect: Din Tai Fung was the inaugural Taiwanese restaurant to get a Michelin star and has garnered other distinctions throughout the years.

Locations: Covent Garden, Centre Point, and Selfridges

BOOK: dintaifung-uk.com

MiMi Mei Fair

Situated behind a jade green awning at an inconspicuous nook of Curzon Street is Mimi Mei Fair. Influenced by a vibrant blend of the Silk Road, the Qing Dynasty, and the 1920s Shanghai jazz era, and led by Peter Ho in the kitchen, it is rapidly becoming as London's premier destination for elevated Chinese cuisine. To become the envy of fellow diners, order Mimi’s signature dish: the Peking duck. Accessible solely via a 24-hour advance order, it is presented ruby-red, sizzling, and crispy at your table on a tiny trolley, where the waiter will thereafter carve it before you. Other dishes are less ostentatious – stir-fried black pepper beef fillet, chili prawns with coriander, and sesame mantou cigars – yet they excel individually, each contributing to the culinary narrative of a journey through China, highlighting heritage flavors and regional culinary peculiarities. Authored by Sofia Tindall

Location: 55 Curzon Street, London W1J 8PG

BOOK: mimimeifair.com

Hakkasan

Hakkasan, an internationally renowned culinary brand, is linked with high-end Chinese cuisine and operates restaurants globally. It originated in London when restaurateur Alan Yau inaugurated the initial branch in Hanway Place in 2001, subsequently expanding to locations from Miami to Mumbai, including a second London store in Mayfair. Exceptional Cantonese cuisine is the focus, with both London locations having maintained their Michelin stars for 19 and 11 years, respectively, set within opulent settings. It is difficult to select an inferior dish, but notable offerings include Peking duck with caviar and supreme dim sum, which has lobster dumplings, wagyu beef with black garlic, and royal king crab.

Location: 17 Bruton Street, London W1J 6QB (Mayfair) and 8 Hanway Place, London W1T 1HD (Hanway Place)

BOOK: hakkasan.com

Hunan

Hunan distinguishes itself by providing no menu, contrary to the typical broad offerings seen in Chinese cuisine. At this well-known, longstanding hidden gem situated between Chelsea and Pimlico, patrons are encouraged to communicate their preferences, specify their desired spice levels, and then relax and savor the experience. Anticipate approximately 12 little Taiwanese dishes, including some influenced by the restaurant's namesake province, Hunan, the birthplace of owner Chef Peng. Guests will unpredictably encounter dishes such as minced pig broth and fried frogs' legs accompanied by bamboo shoots and chili. This should be savored with fragrant, fruity wines that complement the robust flavors of the cuisine.

Location: 51 Pimlico Road, London SW1W 8NE

Website: hunanlondon.com

Park Chinois

Park Chinois, another establishment by Alan Yau, has opulent décor and nocturnal festivities, evoking the ambiance of 1930s Shanghai supper clubs infused with elements of the Moulin Rouge. The Chinese restaurant is located in central Mayfair, adjacent to establishments such as Sexy Fish and Novikov, both of which it matches in splendor. Proceed to an immersive dining experience: upstairs is Salon de Chine, an opulent dining room featuring live jazz, or descend the iconic red staircase to Club Chinois, which showcases acrobatics, cabaret, and live performances. The cuisine is opulent and expertly prepared: indulge in black truffle dumplings, wagyu beef gyoza, duck pancakes adorned with caviar, and king crab accompanied by rice noodles - and anticipate a substantial expense. Designed for a particular event.

Location: 17 Berkeley Street, London W1J 8EA

RESERVE: parkchinois.com

Silk Road

Exquisite Chinese cuisine need not be exorbitantly priced. Silk Road in Camberwell exemplifies this, providing affordably priced dishes that emphasize cuisine from the Xinjiang region. The Xinjiang Lamb Shish is priced at £1 per; however, the majority of patrons visit primarily for the noodle meals, which consist of substantial bowls of soup garnished with chicken or veggies. The cuisine here is intensely spicy, not suitable for anyone averse to heat. Do not anticipate any extravagance: the establishment is modest and unadorned, including elongated oak tables and a singular house wine; yet, the cuisine consistently attracts patrons repeatedly.

Location: 49 Camberwell Church Street, London SE5 8TR

Website: silkroadlondon.has.restaurant