Searching for cheap, authentic Chinese food in London? You’ve reached the right place. There are many people who’ll tell you that London is the food capital of the world. OK, so they may be all Brits but the city does have a very impressive range of world cuisine of the highest order and if you’re looking for authentic Chinese food in London then you’ll find plenty. Chinatown alone has over eighty restaurants, many of them offering home delivery. So here’s a handful of reasonably priced restaurants serving authentic Chinese food.
Baozi Inn. 26 Newport Court. WC2H7JS
Not for everyone and if you’re looking for cheap and cheerful chow mein this is probably not for you. What’s on offer is authentic northern Chinese cuisine such as spare ribs, cold tripe dishes, pork lotus buns, ginger spinach and dan dan noodles plus a range of delicious soups.
The interior is a striking contrast of light walls and dark wooden tables and seats presided over by an enormous poster of Chairman Mao. Not a golden dragon or red lantern in sight. The waiters are brisk and austere, but who cares when the food is this good and arrives this quickly. Cash only but very reasonably priced.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
Café TPT. 21 Wardour Street, Chinatown. W1D6PN
Midway between Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus this Chinatown venue offers a huge menu, not always a good sign but in this case the exception which proves the rule. Standouts are the duck, sizzling tofu served in a hot stone bowl and kalian in garlic sauce with steamed chicken.
There are also over fifty different seafood dishes to choose from. The food is consistent and the service fast.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
The Good Earth. 233 Brompton Road. Sw32EP
One of a trio of established restaurants offering classic and modern dishes in an authentic traditional setting. Despite its location in the heart of busy Knightsbridge, The Good Earth offers a haven of relaxed oriental splendour. Dishes of note are the crispy fragrant duck, preserved and fresh vegetables cooked in a clay pot and the seabass and mixed seafood platter. There are also plenty of vegetarian dishes to choose from.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
My Old Place. 88 Middlesex Street. E17EZ
Not in Chinatown, but just four minutes away from Liverpool Street Tube Station. This traditional Chinese restaurant, complete with wall hangings, serves excellent Szechuan cuisine. The hot and sour soup is outstanding as are the fried beans and the spicy lamb kebab and for the adventurous the pigs’ trotters and fugi feipian, sliced offal in chilly oil, are an unusual experience. This is authentic Chinese cuisine but not for the faint hearted.
Watch this to get a glimpse:
To Conclude…
In the bustling food scene of London, where the culinary world converges, Chinese cuisine holds a prominent place. From the vibrant Chinatown with its multitude of eateries to hidden gems scattered throughout the city, London offers a rich tapestry of authentic Chinese flavors.
Whether you savor the northern delights of Baozi Inn, indulge in the extensive menu at Café TPT, bask in the oriental splendor of The Good Earth, or venture to My Old Place for an authentic Szechuan experience, London’s Chinese culinary landscape invites you on a tantalizing journey of taste and tradition.
Each restaurant weaves its unique story into the city’s rich food tapestry, making London an international hub for gastronomic exploration and a true paradise for lovers of authentic Chinese cuisine. So, let your taste buds embark on this delectable adventure, and may your culinary explorations in London’s Chinese eateries leave you with unforgettable memories of flavor and authenticity.
