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Originally founded in London’s East End after the Chinese settled there in the 18th century, today, London’s famous Chinatown district is based at the heart of the city, sharing its border with Soho and so-called “Theatreland”,or West End.
Like many iconic London districts, Chinatown has become synonymous with its food, with local restaurants, cafes and bars dishing up authentic East Asian cuisine, from bao dumplings to bubble tea.
Of all the different destinations known for culinary travel I’ve been to, London Chinatown is among my favourites. There aren’t many places where you can experience such a variety of traditional cuisine, with the cost of dining out significantly less than in many other parts of London.
With so much choice available, your only dilemma will be deciding what to order. You can dive right in and discover Chinatown independently using the recommendations in this post, or splash out on a London Food Tour to eat like a true local. I’ll be expanding this list over time as I continue exploring.
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What to eat and drink in London Chinatown
You’ll never be short of dining options in London Chinatown, but when it comes to the best food in Chinatown London, here’s are some of the must-try dishes to experience.
Chinese food
Chinatown is, as you’d expect, predominantly influenced by Chinese culture and cuisine. Some of my favourite foods to eat in Chinatown can be found in the restaurants lining Gerrard Street and surrounding areas.
Dim sum
From steamed dumplings to bao buns, traditional Cantonese dim sum sees a selection of authentic regional delicacies served for sharing, alongside an endless pot of piping hot tea.
Ordering from a dim sum menu can be over-whelming for first-timers. With so many options to consider, it can be tricky to know what to order. Popular dim sum choices include steamed char siu (barbecued pork) buns, har gow (prawn dumplings), siu mai (prawn and/or pork dumplings), and my personal favourite, prawns wrapped in crispy beancurd skin. If you’re feeling daring, try the fung zao (chicken feet); apparently, they’re full of flavour!
Where to eat dim sum in Chinatown
- Lotus Garden
- Orient London
- Joy King Lau
- Plum Valley
Roast duck and Peking duck
It’s near impossible to stroll through the streets of Chinatown without noticing the rows of sticky, deep red roast ducks adorning the windows of local restaurants.
Originating from southern China, marinated Cantonese or Guandong roast duck is teamed with a sweet – usually plum-based – sauce.
Meanwhile, Peking duck hails from northern China. Traditionally served as two courses, the crispy skin is carved at the table and served alongside pancakes or steamed buns, scallions and hoisin sauce, followed by a second course made using the meat, like soup or minced duck in lettuce wraps.
Where to eat roast duck and/or Peking duck in Chinatown
- Four Seasons
- Golden Dragon
- Imperial Treasure
Taiwanese bubble tea
I sampled my first ever bubble tea in Chinatown and, despite nearly choking to death on a tapioca pearl, I really enjoyed the experience.
Originating from Taiwan, this popular drink comprises flavoured – often sweetened – tea, made with milk, fruit and/or bubble tea syrups, with added chewy tapioca pearls or “boba”. It makes for a refreshing way to refuel after a day spent exploring Chinatown. Just make sure you chew the pearls before swallowing them!
Where to drink bubble tea in Chinatown
- Cuppacha
- Xing Fu Tang
Taiyaki
A popular Japanese street food snack hailing from Tokyo, these fish-shaped ‘cakes’ are usually filled with red bean paste (or ‘azuki paste’), custard, matcha cream or ice cream. They get their name from fried seabream, also known as “tai”.
Pancake batter is poured into hot, fish-shaped moulds split into two halves, and each half is filled with custard before the mould is clamped shut, sealing the fish together for baking. The entire process takes place in a rickety old machine, usually perched within view of the shop window. Watching it for yourself is almost as enjoyable as getting to sample the taiyaki. Just be sure to let them cool down before taking a bite; the filling can get quite hot!
Where to eat taiyaki in Chinatown
- Chinatown Bakery
- Bake (famous for its ice cream cone-style taiyaki)
Do I need to book to eat in Chinatown London?
While many restaurants in London Chinatown accept walk-ins, it’s always wise to make a booking in advance to avoid disappointment. This is especially the case if you plan on visiting one of the most popular places to eat in Chinatown, or if you’ll be visiting the area during busier times of the year – like during school holidays or on bank holiday weekends, for example.
Which underground station is best for Chinatown London?
The closest underground tube stations to London Chinatown are Leicester Square (0.1 miles), Piccadilly Circus (0.3 miles), and Tottenham Court Road (0.4 miles).
Have you ever been to London’s Chinatown? What foods do you recommend for visitors to try?
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