Best Chinese in Central London

Start with

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.

Start with

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.

Start with

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.

Start with

Shanghai Steamed Dumplings

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

Start with

Crackling Spinach

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

Start with

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.'

Start with

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.

Start with

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.

Start with

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.

Start with

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.

Start with

Shan Xi Yo Po

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

Start with

Pork and Crab Siu Mai

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

Start with

Tomato Soup Base

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

Start with

Har Gao Shrimp Dumplings

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

Start with

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.

Start with

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.'

Start with

BBQ Roast Pork Buns

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

Start with

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.

Start with

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.

Start with

Chinese Crepe

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

Start with

Black truffle and pork dumplings

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

Start with

Huaiyang Lion's Head Meat Ball with Salted Yolk

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

Start with

Sizzling Platters

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

Start with

Guilin Rice Noodle (Dry)

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

Start with

Double Cooked Pork (Guo Bao Rou)

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