Best Chinese in London

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Jade Lobster Dumplings

A signature standout resembling a green cabbage leaf, described by critics as an absolute winning dish packed with fresh, meaty lobster that lives up to the social media hype.

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Cold Sesame Noodles

Described as 'the proverbial steel fist in the velvet glove,' these are slippery, nutty, and buttery with a building chilli heat that critics insist you 'have to order.'

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Biang Biang Noodles

Described as an 'assertive culinary hug' and a 'dish that wants what is best for you,' these wide, hand-pulled strands provide a 'comforting carbohydrate with a kick' that creates an addictive longing.

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Super King Braised Beef Ribs with Blanket Noodles

Acclaimed by critics as 'probably the best noodles' in London, this dish features tender beef ribs sprinkled with edible gold dust and expertly cut with scissors table-side over massive blanket noodles.

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Crispy Green Beans

Described as 'addictive as crisp bacon' and 'one of the best of the meal,' these beans are served in a light, frilly batter with a well-judged kick of garlic and chilli.

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Lamb Shish

The gateway drug to Xinjiang cuisine; fatty, cumin-heavy skewers that are universally adored.

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Numbing Pork Wontons

Universally praised across all reviews for their silky texture and the complex, numbing Szechuan pepper broth.

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House-style Poached Poussin

Pair it with the fat-enriched chicken rice, which critics describe as having a 'profound, fathomless savour' that belies its plain appearance.

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Char siu pork puff pastries

These are highlighted as a standout choice that you typically won't find at smaller dim sum eateries in London.

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Shanghai Steamed Dumplings

Described as technical marvels that 'hold together perfectly' where others tear, delivering a broth 'infused with handfuls of fresh ginger.'

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Crackling Spinach

Universally praised as a 'textural delight,' this dish features crispy spinach covered in sweet yoghurt, date, and plum sauce.

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Handmade Spicy Beef Soup Noodles

Regarded as 'easily the best noodles' in London, this signature dish features a 'magical' glistening ruby broth and thick, soft noodles. The standout is the beef chunks, which are 'perfectly pink inside' and 'literally fell apart' at the touch of a chopstick.

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Red Chilli Oil Noodles with Lamb

Broad, ragged-edged ribbons slicked with just enough crimson oil to be 'comfort food for when you’re caught in a winter storm.' Critics praise the 'tongue tingling' Sichuan pepper and 'friable pieces of long braised lamb.'

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King Prawn Cheung Fun

Described as a 'paragon of the genre,' these are made from scratch on-site rather than brought in from a wholesaler.

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Cumin Lamb Skewers

Charred, perfectly caramelized, and heavily spiced with cumin—an essential and highly devourable staple.

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Ginger and Spring Onion Lobster Noodles

The dish for which they are most famous; featuring whole lobster broken up over a pile of soft, thin noodles in a 'banging' and 'lightly gelatinous' sauce.

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Spicy Pork Xiao Long Bao

Described as unmissable and moreish, these dumplings feature a robust, Sichuan pepper-laced filling that provides a characteristic mouth-numbing sensation.

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Sichuan Spicy Fried Chicken

A 10/10 benchmark of the cuisine; reviewers praise the 'honest ratio' of visible, deep-fried chicken pieces to aromatics, noting it avoids the common trap of 'smothering' the meat in a pile of dried chillies.

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Jianbing

Described by enthusiasts as a 'must-try' Chinese crepe, this signature dish is crisped up on a griddle and offers a 'symphony of flavors' with a robust spiciness.

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Shan Xi Yo Po

Giles Coren calls this dish 'imperious' and the essential choice if it’s your first time at Chang’s.

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Pork and Crab Siu Mai

Suitably plump and rated as some of the best dim sum available in Chinatown.

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Tomato Soup Base

A comforting, incredibly flavourful and drinkable broth that perfectly balances out the 'spiciest mouth-numbing' Sichuan options.

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Pork Dumplings

Handmade on-site by a specialist in a side booth, these dumplings feature a thick, hearty pastry that stands up to boiling and a savory, 'piping hot' filling.

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Hot and Sour Soup

Described as a 'nostalgic embrace' that 'truly surpasses' expectations by evoking the genuine comfort of 'Beijing's bustling street vendors.'

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Har Gao Shrimp Dumplings

Plump, delicately translucent, and packed with juicy prawns, these are described as a masterclass in texture and balance.

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Tofu pepper and salt

Described as a revelation, these fingers of tofu are cooked in the lightest possible batter with chilli and spring onion—finally, a vegetarian option that excels.

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Salt and Pepper Chips

A 'gastronomic gift' from the Chinese-Scouse community, these chips are deep-fried, stir-fried, and soaked in chilli oil, featuring dried Sichuan chillies, white onion, pepper, and shredded carrot.

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Duck Duck Rice Toast

This signature dish consists of three deep-fried, sando-style slabs so delicious they'll have you "contemplating another round," though reviewers warn that portions are already quite generous.

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Classic Guilin Rice Noodles (Dry-Mixed)

The Infatuation identifies these as the 'ones to get,' specifically recommending the dry-mixed style over the soup to ensure the chewy texture of the noodles and the punchy gravy aren't 'watered down.'

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Dan Dan Noodles

The house specialty—spicy, garlicky, and numbing with Sichuan pepper.

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Braised Pork Rougamo

The restaurant's signature dish—a flaky and meaty Chinese-style sandwich featuring incredibly juicy and tender pork that provides a perfect contrast to the crunch of the bread.

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Lamb Skewers

Cumin-rich and arriving with a hint of chilli heat; critics recommend ordering the small skewers for a pile of slender spears that come out crisp all over with the fat rendered through.

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Salt and Pepper Squid

Cited as a favorite; the tender pieces are covered in a 'light batter' that is not at all greasy, topped with an 'addictive' mix of deep fried spring onion and green chilli.

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Tobiko & Prawn Cheung Fun

Described as a 'coastal tapestry' where every strand sparks with flavor, featuring a combination of soft rice noodle rolls and minced prawns that provide a satisfying 'good bite.'

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Peking Duck

Described as the 'star dish' with 'beautifully lacquered' skin, these whole roast ducks are 'expertly carved at the table' and 'served in all their golden glory.'

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Yun Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles

Regarded as a signature dish that is 'legit,' this benchmark meal helps transport diners to the 'rich culinary landscape of Yunnan' with authentic flavors.

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Saag Aloo

A perfectly executed, comforting classic that keeps locals coming back repeatedly.

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Seafood Clay Pot Congee

Described as piping hot and silky smooth, this dish is packed with sea-fresh prawn and crab flavors.

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Chilli Oil Spill Noodles with Braised Chicken

Described as 'a dream,' these noodles sit 'paddling in an inch of spicy oil' with a 'knockout glut of fiery joy' and enough minced garlic to 'stun Nosferatu.'

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BBQ Roast Pork Buns

Reviewers found these to be a superior choice among the steamed options, specifically describing the bun as 'soft and fluffy.'

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Papa Noodle

Aptly named 'the star of the show', this eponymous dish features hand-pulled noodles in a rich broth served with beef, radishes, carrots, and a tea-infused egg.

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Stewed Beef La Mian Soup

This bowl of 'soupy goodness' features a broth that is 'thick, tasty and flavourful' with 'tender, well-seasoned' beef brisket and 'bouncy, springy' hand-pulled noodles.

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Dim Sum

A reliable staple for starting off your meal, drawing on broad Asian influences.

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Chinese Crepe

The quintessential benchmark item, made fresh to order while you watch.

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Black truffle and pork dumplings

Highly recommended by diners and prepared fresh at the front of the restaurant.

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Huaiyang Lion's Head Meat Ball with Salted Yolk

A traditional Huaiyang specialty and menu highlight that perfectly showcases the kitchen's authentic chops.

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Sizzling Platters

A highly aromatic guest favorite that arrives hot and made-to-order.

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Guilin Rice Noodle (Dry)

The namesake classic, loaded with crispy pork, braised beef, char siu, and pickles.

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Duck

Consistently noted by visitors as a nicely cooked, reliable classic.

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Customizable Rice Noodle Bowl

The signature offering here is building your own authentic Hong Kong rice noodle bowl with your choice of toppings and broths.

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Wanza Noodles

Showcases their Chongqing influence with a signature spicy mixture of fiery chickpeas and a tahini-like peanut sauce.

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Hor Fan with Beef

An authentic standout that exemplifies the restaurant's commitment to quality, offering generous portions and commendable value.

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Siu Mai

Described by critics as moist, salty, and 'very plump'—making them an 'easy decision' for any table.

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Double Cooked Pork (Guo Bao Rou)

A classic Northeastern dish of crisp fried pork in sweet and sour sauce, highly rated by regulars.

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BBQ Skewers

The menu prides itself on these moreish bites, which are an absolute steal at around five pounds a pair.

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Chilli Paneer

Cited by Eater London as potentially the best in the city; the undisputed star of the menu.