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Chinese Restaurants in London

London’s Chinese food scene is a bit like the city itself , full of different flavours, stories, and characters. You can’t talk about Chinese restaurants here without mentioning Chinatown around Leicester Square. It’s easy to get caught up in the tourist buzz, but some of my favourite spots are just a few streets away, like Four Seasons in Bayswater for roast duck that locals swear by.

But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s just dim sum and crispy duck. The city’s East End, especially areas around Whitechapel and Aldgate, offers some brilliant regional Chinese cuisine , spicy Sichuan or rich Cantonese soups that feel almost like a secret handshake between regulars. Oh, and if you’re planning to visit in winter, try Xing Hua in Camden for a warming bowl of hand-pulled noodles.

One tip: many places here only put their menus online in Chinese, so sometimes the best way is to just walk in and point at what looks good or follow the locals. London has lots of spots where the food speaks louder than the décor, and that’s where you find the real stuff.
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A few insider pointers

Forget the tourist traps in Chinatown , yes, it can be fun, but if you want food that feels like it belongs to London’s Chinese community, head just a bit further out. Bayswater’s Four Seasons is famous for duck and often overlooked by visitors. If you’re into spicy, tiny eateries in Whitechapel offer dishes you won’t spot on generic menus.

Here’s a quick local hack: Saturday lunchtimes at Wong Kei in Soho can be a mad rush, but going midweek means you might snag a seat without a queue. And don’t be shy to ask for recommendations , often the staff are proud to share what’s really good off-menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about Chinese food in London? Here’s what I usually get asked.

Chinatown is the obvious spot, but for truly authentic meals, head to the East End , Whitechapel and Aldgate have some great regional places. Four Seasons in Bayswater is another local favourite for roast duck.

Yes, especially around Chinatown and Shoreditch. Some tiny noodle bars and dumpling joints stay open late, perfect if you fancy a snack after a night out. Check places like BaoziInn in Soho for late dinners.

It can be a bit challenging since many traditional dishes have meat or seafood, but London’s dining scene is pretty flexible. Veggie dim sum spots and tofu dishes are popping up, especially in areas like Soho and Dalston.

Some do, but many small, authentic places work on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re going with a group or at peak times, it’s worth calling ahead, especially in Chinatown.

Try looking for regional restaurants , instead of just Cantonese, find Sichuan, Hunan, or Shanghai styles. Places in East London tend to lean that way. Also, street food markets like Netil Market sometimes have pop-ups with lesser-known dishes.

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