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Flavourful and aromatic, Chinese cuisine is widely popular around the world. And if you’re paying a visit to London, there’s no better place to tuck into some delicious Chinese dishes.
The UK’s capital is home to some of the best Chinese food, particularly in Chinatown. Looking for inspiration? Here are the best Chinese restaurants in central London.
The best Chinatown restaurants in London
Chinatown is a great place to find the best Chinese food in London. The capital has the largest Chinatown in the UK – perfect if you want some variety. Discover a mix of authentic Chinese restaurants serving classic dishes, from crispy duck pancakes to chilli beef.
Four Seasons and Little Four Seasons
Four Seasons is one of the biggest names in Chinatown. It’s popular with groups, couples and families, particularly during London’s Chinese New Year celebrations.
There are three Four Seasons restaurants in Chinatown. The menu at the Gerard Street restaurant features over 100 dishes, with the duck dishes crowned the “best in the world” by the Financial Times. Meanwhile, next door’s Little Four Seasons’ signature dish is their hot pots, brimming with tasty meats, vegetables and sauces.
Price: ££-£££
Café TPT
If it’s classic Chinese street food you’re after, visit Café TPT. Boasting a mouth-watering menu of roasted and fried meats, veggie dishes and desserts, this budget-friendly restaurant will transport you straight to the streets of Hong Kong.
The restaurant’s cosy interior is the perfect setting to enjoy your dishes, with an open kitchen that allows you to see the chefs at work. Worked up an appetite? Order from the set menu for a selection of up to seven dishes!
Price: £-££
Wong Kei
Located on Wardour Street, Wong Kei’s Cantonese cuisine is a hit with locals and tourists alike. Popular dishes include roast duck, stuffed bean curd, char siu, and the renowned beef brisket and rice vermicelli in soup. Wong Kei even offer a free cup of tea to enjoy alongside the plentiful portions.
Refurbished in 2014, the restaurant has a fresh and modern feel, yet still retains its original charm. The white stone exterior is particularly delightful, adorned with carvings and boasting a large white archway entrance.
Price: £
Bun House
Head to Bun House for bao buns with every filling and flavour imaginable. The fluffy steamed, Cantonese-style buns come in delicious savoury and sweet options, from tender beef to melt-in-the-mouth custard (filled with egg yolk, coconut milk and carrot). They’re served in unique, traditional-style packaging with a chopstick on top!
Grab an outdoor seating spot and watch the world go by as you tuck into your bao buns. As one of London’s most bustling areas, Chinatown is an ideal place for people-watching.
Price: £
Kung Fu Noodle
Opened in 2022, Kung Fu Noodle is one of Chinatown’s newer restaurants. It’s also Chinatown’s first-ever restaurant with an open noodle kitchen, giving diners an insight into the noodle masters at work. Spanning over two floors, this popular restaurant has plenty of seating space.
The cuisine here takes inspiration from China’s Gansu province, with a variety of hot, cold and soup noodle dishes. All the noodles are hand-stretched onsite and served with a delicious combination of meats, vegetables and broths.
Price: ££
How to get to Chinatown in London
It takes just 10 minutes to get to Chinatown from London Waterloo. Use the northbound Northern tube service or the eastbound Waterloo tube service to travel to Leicester Square, where Chinatown is just a couple of minutes away by foot.
The best Chinese restaurants outside of Chinatown
Not venturing into Chinatown? No problem! Here are some of the best Chinese restaurants across Central London.
Ping Pong, Soho
Ping Pong is one of Soho’s top Chinese restaurants, serving up dim sum and cocktails – a dream combination. This chic venue is an Instagrammer’s best friend, from its photo-worthy floral décor to the colourful, fruity cocktails begging to be featured in a Boomerang.
Keep costs low and visit during Happy Hour, when you can enjoy half-price cocktails and dim sum on weekdays between 15:00 and 18:00. Alternatively, opt for bottomless brunch on a Saturday or all-you-can-eat dim sum on a Sunday.
Price: ££
How to get there: From London Waterloo, catch the northbound Bakerloo service to Oxford Circus, then walk for five minutes to reach Ping Pong. The address is 45 Great Marlborough St, Carnaby, London W1F 7JL.
Royal China Club
For something a little more upmarket, head to Royal China Club, where the award-winning head chef plates up delightful dim sum and Hong Kong dishes. This restaurant has everything you’d expect from a fine dining service – without the unreasonable prices.
Meals are made using traditional ingredients and steamed or fried to order, so freshness is guaranteed. Signature dishes include the pecking duck and the dim sum, which is freshly made using top-quality ingredients.
Price: ££-£££
How to get there: Take the eastbound Jubilee tube service from London Waterloo to Baker Street, then walk for around eight minutes. The address is 40-42 Baker St, London W1U 7AJ.
Xi Home Dumplings and Buns
Located in Chandos Place, Xi Home Dumplings and Buns specialises in traditional Chinese dumplings and handmade steamed buns.
With over 20 flavours to choose from, including king prawn mince, sea cucumber and pork with Chinese leaves, you won’t leave hungry. Finish with a traditional Chinese dessert; the steamed sticky pumpkin cake with red beans or the deep-fried version go down a treat.
Price: ££
How to get there: Xi Home Dumplings and Buns is an 18-minute stroll from London Waterloo, or you can catch the northbound Northern tube service to Charing Cross. The address is 43 Chandos Pl, London WC2N 4HS.
Red Sun, Mayfair
Red Sun is a cosy restaurant in Mayfair renowned for homestyle Shanghai-inspired dishes. Pinpointed by its bright red building, the restaurant is popular with Londoners and beyond looking for delicious Chinese cuisine.
Each hand-cooked dish on the restaurant’s extensive menu is bursting with exotic flavours. There’s something for everyone, from soups to spring rolls, seafood to fried crispy noodles. The deep-fried bananas and apples are the perfect treat once the mains are finished.
Price: ££
How to get there: From London Waterloo, catch the eastbound Jubilee service to Bond Street, then walk for 11 minutes to reach Red Sun. The address is 2A New Quebec St, London W1H 7DD.
Looking for more dining inspiration? Check out our foodie guides:
· The best Mexican food in London
· The best burgers in London
· The best pizzas in London
Travel with SWR
Whether you’re a London local or travelling from beyond, the South Western Railway service can help you reach your destination. Discover cheap train tickets to Chinatown by going off-peak. Passengers with a Railcard could save even more, while those travelling in a group could benefit from GroupSave or a Family and Friends Railcard.
