The Ultimate Guide to the Best Chinese Restaurants in London
Welcome to London, where the skyline is almost as varied as its culinary offerings! Among the myriad of food options, Chinese cuisine stands tall, seasoning the city’s gastronomic landscape with a rich tapestry of flavours and textures. Whether you’re a local Londoner or a tourist setting out on a gastronomic adventure, you’d be remiss not to try the best Chinese restaurants in London. Tuck in, loosen your belt, and let’s get those chopsticks moving!
Soho’s Dim Sum Wonderland: Yauatcha
If you Google “best places to eat Chinese in London”, Yauatcha tends to pop up—and for good reason. Nestled in Soho, this Michelin-starred restaurant is a dim sum lover’s paradise. Be prepared to be wowed by their delicate dumplings and mouth-watering crispy duck. Their alien-looking, yet delicious, venison puffs are a masterclass in being simultaneously weird and wonderful. And if you’re the sort who likes to wash dim sum down with a cocktail, you’re in for a treat. Unlike Uncle Rick, these drinks are both colourful and good company.
Chinatown’s Classic: Four Seasons
Right in the heart of Chinatown, Four Seasons is the place you go when you’re craving impeccable roasted meats—with a side of delicious chaos. Known for having possibly the best Cantonese-style roast duck outside of Beijing, the restaurant draws a crowd that’s more closely packed than a train during rush hour. Let your taste buds savour the juicy, succulent meat, but be prepared to jostle your way to a table. Don’t worry; the wait is as worthwhile as finding an empty seat on the tube at 5 PM.
Modern Flavours at Hakkasan
If you’re looking to splash the cash on a special night out, Hakkasan is your go-to Chinese haunt. Chic and stylish, with a price tag to match, this Michelin-starred gem is where the rich and famous come to feed both their bellies and their social media accounts. Feast on delights like the jasmine tea-smoked ribs—so good they could make a grown man weep. Hakkasan isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience, like playing Monopoly with real money.
Budget-Friendly Bowl at BaoziInn
Feeling broke after touring London’s [attractions]? Head over to BaoziInn for a meal that feels like a steal. Known for their colourful bao buns and spicy Sichuan dishes, the restaurant offers a multi-hued escape from London’s grey skies. Whether it’s the chilli-doused dumplings or the visually stunning double-cooked pork, you’ll leave with your belly full and your wallet not dramatically lighter.
For the Sweet Tooth: Bubblewrap
While not technically a “restaurant”, no Chinese food pilgrimage in London is complete without a detour to Bubblewrap. Imagine carrying around a freshly made waffle that looks like it has chicken pox but tastes divine. Fill it with your choice of ice cream and toppings, and you’ve got yourself a dessert that offers both flavour and Instagram cred. It’s one of those rare moments where you can hold onto an ice cream cone for half an hour and still look cool—not because your cones have been cryogenically frozen, but because they’re just that photogenic.
Conclusion: A Fusion of Flavours
Whether you’re after traditional roast duck that’s as authentic as they come, bombastic modern flavours that demand attention, or budget-friendly bowls that warm your heart without emptying your pockets, London’s Chinese restaurants offer a smorgasbord of choices for any palate. So, join the culture-hungry city-dwellers and travellers in sampling some of the best Chinese food this side of the Great Wall.