I haven’t written about any restaurant visits in a looooong time. Inspired by a few recent dining experiences, though, I reckon I’ve got some recommendations worth sharing.
Not only have I not written about restaurants in a while, I haven’t spent anywhere near as much time socialising in writerly foodie circles as I used to. So excuse me if I’m out of the loop or stating something that to many already seems obvious or even passé, but I can’t help but wonder if London is going through some sort of Chinese food renaissance.
It seems to me there’s a greater number of eateries offering Chinese fare across London than, say, five years ago. More so, the quality of food seems considerably higher. More even, the variety of regional and ethnic cuisines available around town is broader and more expertly presented. Further, a number of old guard Chinese restaurants appear to be upping their game or finally receiving some hard earned recognition.
Here’s a list of five places serving Chinese food where I’ve had especially yummy meals in the past couple of months.
I’d consider all to be budget friendly eateries, as much as anything in London is “budget friendly” these days. Excluding drinks, I reckon for £10-12 (or less during lunch) you could eat well at any of these places. For £15-20, you’d be more than satisfied.
Service was fine at all venues, rather swift at most.
Dim Sum Duck
124 King’s Cross Road, WC1X 9DS
Definitely a good idea to come here in a group to maximise how many different dishes you can taste at this restaurant specialising in (yep, you guessed it) dim sum and duck. Be prepared to queue but know that the food is worth the wait.
More at https://dimsum-duck.business.site/
Kung Fu Noodle
4 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1F 6LU
Watch as your noodles are hand pulled in the open kitchen at this relatively new Chinatown restaurant. Decide how thick (or not) you want your noodles, and how spicy and let the slurping begin!
Check out Kung Fu Noodle’s Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kungfunoodleuk/
LIU Xiaomian
Various locations including Arcade Food Hall, Centre Point, 103-105 New Oxford Street, WC1A 1DB
I was so impressed with the especially firm Chongqing noodles served at LIU Xiaomain concession at Arcade Food Hall.
Online at https://www.liu-xiaomian.com/
Mama Chen’s
Various locations including The Gantry, 40 Celebration Ave, East Village, E20 1DB
On the ground floor of The Gantry hotel in Stratford, Mama Chen’s offers a tasty and to the point menu of amazing handmade dumplings and more. I loved the noodle soup with prawn and pork dumplings with excellent house-made chilli oil.
Details at https://www.mamachens.co.uk/
Noodle & Snack
145 Cleveland Street, W1T 6QH
This old school noodle bar in Fitzrovia is popular with locals and foodies visiting from further afield. Keep it in mind when you’re in the the area – or come with an excuse to be in the area so you’ll have a reason to eat here.
Not much of an online presence, but here’s the restaurant’s Deliver page:
https://deliveroo.co.uk/menu/london/fitzrovia/noodle-and-snack
