A Local's Complete Guide to London Chinatown
Striking Qing-era style gates, bustling nightlife, delicious restaurants, interesting shops, a thriving history, colourful lanterns and much more. Welcome to London Chinatown.
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Bordered by four striking Qing-era style gates with Soho to the north and Covent Garden to the east, London’s Chinatown sits right in the heart of the city.
Chinatown is one of the most colourful and thriving areas of London packed full to the brim with restaurants, bars, interesting shops, supermarkets, health clinics, nail salons and bakeries.
There’s something to suit everyone. High-end restaurants sit alongside simple, cheap grab-and-go eateries and all-you-can-eat buffets.
At first, Chinatown was a hub for Cantonese cuisine, but today you’ll also find the likes of Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Malaysian and Singaporean fare among others.
With its close proximity to the West End and bustling nightlife with restaurants open later than other parts of the city, London Chinatown is great for a post-theatre meal.
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History of London Chinatown
The history of London Chinatown dates back to long before the bustling streets lined with restaurants and lanterns you see today.
Historically, Chinatown was based in Limehouse in East London. Chinese employees of the East India Company settled at the docks from the 18th century and by 1914, a Chinese community was blossoming with shops and restaurants catering for sailors.
During World War II, Limehouse was completely destroyed by bombing and saw a large decline in shipping. The Chinese community in the East End needed a new place to live.
After the war, a huge wave of immigrants coming from Hong Kong had heard of Soho’s reputation for its great nightlife and cheap rent.
Fortunately for them, British soldiers returning from the Far East had developed a taste for Chinese cuisine and so began the development of supermarkets and restaurants.
This success attracted Chinese entrepreneurs still living in Limehouse and by the end of the 1960s, Chinatown had been established as the epicentre of London’s Chinese community.
Restaurants in London Chinatown
London Chinatown is home to a wealth of restaurants it can seem daunting to know where to start!
Whether it’s a fine-dining restaurant for a special occasion or a cheap and quick eatery as you sightsee, Chinatown London food will not disappoint!
Many of the restaurants serve regional Chinese cuisine, but you’ll also come across Vietnamese, Taiwanese, Korean, Malaysian and many more.
Some of the top restaurants in London Chinatown are:
Four Seasons
The Four Seasons Restaurant, famed for its roast duck, became so successful after opening in 1990, it had to open another restaurant just around the corner.
Dubbed by the Financial Times as having “the best roast duck in the world”, don’t be surprised if you find yourself having to queue to get a table.
Dumplings Legend
Dumplings Legend is one of our favourite restaurants in London Chinatown. Renowned for its Xiao Long Bao, this minimalist eatery is one of the most established and esteemed restaurants in Chinatown Soho, serving a massive 8,000 dumplings a day!!
Dumplings Legend serves a huge variety of delicious dumplings, sticking to the traditional methods but also adding their own unique twist. You can even watch them being made in their open-plan glass-walled kitchen!
Plum Valley
If the hustle and bustle of Gerrard Street is a bit much, this stylish restaurant boasting a vast dim sum menu is the perfect tranquil escape.
Its name comes from a Chinese fable that tells the story of a utopian village living in harmony with nature, oblivious to the chaos of the outside world.
Inside, the décor mixes elements of traditional Chinese gardens with a modern aesthetic. Their menu is rooted in a similar philosophy.
Opium Cocktail and Dim Sum Parlour
For something different, Opium Cocktail and Dim Sum Parlour is a hidden venue in the heart of Chinatown and home to 3 Oriental-themed bars of delicious creative cocktails and a variety of traditional dim sum.
The drinks list and ingredients in the food change by the season to reflect its freshness and is the perfect spot for post-theatre dining as it’s open until 3am at the weekends.
Imperial China
This authentic and reliable restaurant really stands apart from its neighbours. As soon as you step inside Imperial China you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to China as you walk over the quaint footbridge spanning a carp pond.
The team of Hong Kong chefs serve up a satisfying dim sum menu at lunch with over 60 choices ranging from your traditional favourites to a few quirkier options and Cantonese à la carte in the evening.
Olle
If Korean food is more to your fancy, check out Olle; a fast-casual Korean BBQ restaurant.
Serving only premium cuts and the highest quality of ingredients, this loud, bustling restaurant will appeal to a variety of tastes and budgets. To top off the whole experience, all of the food is sizzled on your own tabletop stove.
Bun House
Bun House is known for its delicious fluffy steamed buns from the classic char siu pork belly pig bun to something a bit different with their chicken, lemongrass and coconut curry bun. And a must-try for dessert is its tasty creamy custard bun!
As well as the buns, you can also try some other Cantonese-style small plates such as har gau and shumai. Bun House is perfect for a grab-and-go bite to eat but they also have some seating if you’d prefer.
Ji Chickens
Serving fresh, Taiwanese fried chicken, Ji Chickens is an absolute must-visit for chicken lovers! I’m not a massive fan of fried food, but the food here is really fresh, juicy, has a tasty golden crisp outside and is really light to eat.
One of the most unique things about Ji Chickens is their seasoning. Rather than adding flavouring during cooking, they recognise people have different tastes and have a buffet bar of flavours for you to pick from depending on preference and spice.
As well as chicken, you’ll also find vegetables and fish on the menu. We’d recommend the crispy king prawn if you fancy something other than chicken.
Bubblewrap
Wherever you decide to dine in Chinatown in London, make sure you leave room for dessert! Bubblewrap has taken the popular Hong Kong street food, egg-shaped waffles and added its own delicious unique twist.
You’ll start by picking your base; original, chocolate or matcha and then your toppings; banana, strawberry, cheesecake gelato, pecan, Nutella and so much more.
To top it off, choose from a selection of sauces such as red bean or salted caramel. The hexagonal shape and spherical pockets of batter add extra bite and texture. Not to mention, it’s the perfect Instagram dessert!
Events in London Chinatown
If you’re in London for Lunar New Year, you’re going to want to come to Chinatown Soho. London hosts the largest celebration of Lunar New Year outside of Asia and the whole of Chinatown teems with life!
Colourful street processions around Trafalgar Square, performances from local artists, traditional food and craft stalls, martial arts and dancing. All of the festivities are free to take part in.
Getting to London Chinatown
Chinatown Soho is in the heart of London close to many of the city’s main attractions so you’re bound to stumble upon it as you explore the city.
The closest tube station is Leicester Square with Covent Garden and Piccadilly Circus also less than 10 minutes’ walk.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our local’s guide to London Chinatown, feel free to leave a comment or contact us if you have any questions and check out some of our other London guides below.
