Best Food in Chinatown London: Your Quick Guide to Top Eats

If you’re wandering around the bustling streets of Soho and the neon signs start to flash Chinese characters, you’ve hit London’s Chinatown. It’s a compact maze of restaurants, market stalls, and cafés that pack a punch of flavor. In this guide I’ll point out the dishes you can’t miss, the spots that locals keep on repeat, and a few tricks to avoid the tourist crowds.

Must‑Try Dishes in Chinatown

First up, dim sum. Most places serve it all day, but the best steamers start filling up at lunch. Go for the shrimp har gow and pork siu mai – they’re tiny, but the burst of flavor will convince you that size doesn’t matter. If you’re a fan of crispy textures, order the roast pork buns with a glossy, caramelised top. They’re sweet, salty, and perfect for a quick bite.

Next, the noodle game. The hand‑pulled Lanzhou beef noodles are a crowd‑pleaser. Look for a broth that’s clear yet rich, with a hint of star anise. Add a side of spare‑rib soup for extra depth. For spice lovers, the Sichuan hot pot is the go‑to. Pick a table with a built‑in burner, toss in thinly sliced meat, tofu, and veg, then watch the broth bubble away the chill.

Don’t forget the dessert stalls. The sesame balls (jian dui) are golden on the outside and filled with sweet red bean paste. They’re best eaten warm, right after the vendor fries them. A serving of mango sago with coconut milk can be a refreshing finish after a peppery meal.

Where to Eat – Restaurants & Street Stalls

For a solid first stop, head to Golden Dragon on Gerrard Street. It’s a mid‑range eatery that balances traditional dishes with a modern twist. Their Peking duck arrives sizzling, and the staff slices it tableside – a fun experience that doesn’t break the bank.

If you’re chasing authenticity, try Four Seasons near the Westminster Bridge. It’s famous for roasted duck, but the secret menu includes a jade‑green tea‑infused fried rice that many regulars rave about. Arrive early, because the place fills up fast, especially on weekends.

For street‑food vibes, locate the small stalls beside the central archway at the end of Lisle Street. Vendors serve fresh scallion pancakes, steaming dumplings, and spicy beef skewers. Prices are cheap, and the flavours are bold. Grab a quick plate of mapo tofu – the tofu is soft, the sauce is fiery, and it pairs perfectly with a cold glass of Chinese lager.

Finally, if you want a sit‑down spot with a view of the traffic lights, check out Shanghai 1930. The décor feels like a 1930s tea house, and the menu showcases regional specialties from Shanghai, Canton, and Hunan. Their braised pork belly is melt‑in‑your‑mouth tender.

Quick tip: many places accept contactless payment, but keep a few pounds in cash for the tiny stalls that only take cash. Also, ask for the “spicy level” if you can’t handle heat – most chefs will dial it down without any fuss.

Now you’ve got the basics – the dishes, the spots, and a few hacks to make your Chinatown food tour smoother. Dive in, trust your nose, and let the aromas guide you to the next bite. London’s Chinatown is a flavor playground, and you’ve just got the map.