Chinese Food London: Where to Eat the Best and Hidden Gems

If you’re on the hunt for great Chinese food in London, you’re in luck. The city hides everything from fiery Sichuan kitchens to quiet dim sum spots that locals swear by. Below you’ll find practical tips that cut through the hype and point you straight to the plates worth trying.

Authentic Spots You Can Trust

Start with the neighborhoods that have lived with Chinese culture for decades. In Hammersmith you’ll find a handful of Sichuan restaurants that serve mouth‑watering chili oil that actually tingles, not just burns. Look for places where the menu is mostly Chinese characters – that usually means the chefs grew up cooking the dishes.

Head east to Ealing for dim sum. The best dim sum joints open early, around 10 am, and serve carts that roll around the dining room. Grab a little bit of everything – siu mai, har gow, and the sweet egg tarts – and you’ll see why locals call it a weekend ritual.

Must‑Try Dishes and Where to Find Them

Don’t just order ‘anything’. If you love spice, ask for mapo tofu or dan dan noodles – both are staples that showcase Sichuan’s bold flavors. For a comforting bowl, try a Cantonese wonton noodle soup; the broth should be clear, not cloudy, and the dumplings should melt in your mouth.

London also has a growing number of modern Chinese concepts that blend traditional techniques with British ingredients. Look for places that advertise “farm‑to‑table Chinese” or “British‑style bao.” These spots often serve bao buns filled with pulled pork or beet‑infused dumplings – a fun twist that still respects the roots.

Finally, don’t ignore the street‑food stalls in markets like Borough and Camden. You’ll find hand‑rolled spring rolls, bao, and even charcoal‑grilled char siu that rivals any restaurant. The prices are lower, the atmosphere is lively, and you get a quick taste of what’s popular among Londoners.

Whether you’re a first‑time visitor or a seasoned foodie, London’s Chinese scene has something for every craving. Jump into a bustling dim sum place, brave the heat of a Sichuan pot, or grab a quick bao from a market stall – you’ll leave with a fuller belly and a better idea of why Chinese food thrives in this city.