Whether you’re desiring dim sum, in search of street-food dishes or are craving a full-on Cantonese feast, head to one of London’s best Chinese restaurants - and there’s not a Chinese buffet in sight!
1. Min Jiang
Find traditional Chinese cookery updated for the modern age at Kensington's Min Jiang. Although a great place for provincial Chinese dishes; many come simply for its wood-fired duck, which is served over two courses. Perched on the 10th floor of the Royal Garden Hotel, this stylish restaurant boasts views of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.
Where: Kensington (2 - 24 Kensington High St, W8 4PT)
2. Imperial China London
Visit one of the largest Chinatown London restaurants for Cantonese dishes and a wide choice of dim sum, with a focus on seafood. Housed over three floors and featuring karaoke rooms and even its own carp pond, Imperial China London knows how to impress. During the weekend, you're also able to delve into a roast meat platter featuring roast duck and barbecued pork.
Where: China Town (25a White Bear Yard, WC2H 7BA)
3. Hutong
Savour spectacular views of London from this plush northern Chinese restaurant on level 33 of The Shard. Choose from dim sum such as Shanghai-style xiaolongbao or mains such as monkfish in Yangtze hot and sour broth. Lanterns, wooden dividers and a Chinese wishing tree make the visuals inside Hutong almost as impressive as the vistas outside.
Where: The Shard (33 St Thomas St, SE1 9RY)
4. A. Wong
Indulge in some of the finest regional Chinese cuisine at Michelin-starred A. Wong. This stylish restaurant draws on traditional recipes from all of China’s provinces as part of a 10-course tasting menu. If you’re looking for a more relaxed affair, it's one of the best dim sum London eateries.
Where: Pimlico (70 Wilton Rd, SW1V 1DE)
5. Baozi Inn
Tuck into traditional street food from Northern China at three-storey Baozi Inn in Chinatown. Choose from light-as-air baozi (steamed buns), house speciality dan dan noodles or hearty noodle broths; all at an affordable price. The decor fuses Chairman Mao-themed artwork and traditional lanterns with modern furnishings.
Where: Soho (24 Romilly St, W1D 5AH), London Bridge (34-36 Southwark St, SE1 1TU) and Oxford Circus (Market Hall West End, W1G 0DB)
6. Ping Pong
With locations across London, Ping Pong offers a lively stopover for a light bite during a busy day out in Soho, South Bank or St Paul's and other locations. Specialising in dim sum, teas and cocktails, these contemporary restaurants offer some of the best Chinese in London for those on a budget.
Where: Southbank (Festival Terrace, SE1 8XX), Soho (45 Great Marlborough Street, W1F 7JL), St Katharine Docks (Unit 3 Tower Bridge Huse, E1W 1BA), Bow Bells House (Unit 7-9 Bow Bells House, EC4M 9BE) and Marylebone (29a James Street, W1U 1DZ)
7. Hakkasan Hanway Place
Discover a menu full of modern Cantonese fare from chef Tong Chee Hwee at this Michelin-starred venue. The original restaurant of what is now a global brand (there is another in Mayfair), Hakkasan Hanway Place stands out with its sleek, dimly lit interiors with dark oak bar and latticed screens. Don’t miss the signature crispy duck salad with pomelo, pine nut and shallot.
Where: Tottenham Court Road (8 Hanway Pl, W1T 1HD) and Mayfair (17 Bruton Street, W1J 6QB)
8. Plum Valley
Step into London Chinatown restaurant Plum Valley and you'll find a calm escape from city life, with a peaceful setting inspired by a Chinese garden. The menu here is a Chinese, Japanese and Thai fusion. Come for a dim sum feast and try pork buns, spring rolls and wasabi prawn dumplings. Or go a la carte and share a classic Peking crispy duck.
Where: Chinatown (20 Gerrard St, W1D 6JQ)
9. Feng Shang Princess
Imagine lazing in a quiet backwater of Guangdong’s Pearl River at Feng Shang Princess, a floating restaurant in leafy Regent’s Park. Cantonese flavours dominate, with traditional favourites such as soft shell crab, crispy shredded beef and sweet and sour pork having attracted a host of celebrity diners over its 30 years.
Where: Regents Park (Southern Star Cumberland Basin, NW1 7SS)
10. Yauatcha
Delve into dim sum at Alan Yau's Yauatcha. Alongside dumplings and specialties such as venison puffs, you’ll find more substantial dishes at the relaxed all-day “tea house” in Soho. Its Michelin-star may suggest formality, but that’s far from the case; making it a great place for grazing over a relaxing lunch or dinner. You can also find Yauatcha in the City.
Where: City of London (Broadgate Circle, EC2M 2QS) and Soho (15-17 Broadwick Street, W1F 0DL)
