Summer has arrived, and with London remaining one of the top destinations for U.S. travelers, deciding how to make the most of a short visit can be challenging. One neighborhood you shouldn’t miss is London’s Chinatown. Packed with flavors from East and Southeast Asia, Chinatown offers everything from Saigon-style street eats to Sichuan spice—often all within a few blocks.
Spanning eleven streets, Chinatown delivers an enticing variety of restaurants, bakeries and cafés. Use this guide to navigate the best regional dishes and standout spots.
Bubblewrap © Nic Crilly-Hargrave
Hong Kong Flavors
Hong Kong cuisine blends traditional Cantonese classics with international influences. For roast meats, consider Café TPT or New China. For a sweet street-style treat, Bubblewrap serves bubble waffles in crispy cones, while The Eight is known for freshly made pineapple buns. Chinatown Bakery produces daily egg tarts, and Lotus Garden is a reliable spot for comforting congee.
Malaysian Highlights
Malaysian food is aromatic and layered with spices typical of Southeast Asia. Look for satay, rendang and char kway teow at Rasa Sayang and C&R Café—Rasa Sayang also serves one of Chinatown’s popular nasi lemak plates.
Speedboat Bar © Nic Crilly-Hargrave
Thai Eats
Thai cuisine often showcases fresh herbs like Thai basil, lemongrass and turmeric and is celebrated for bold, balanced flavors. For classic pad Thai try YiQi, while Speedboat Bar is known for spicy Tom Yum and flavorful pad kra pao. These spots are great for sharing vibrant, aromatic dishes.
Singaporean Staples
Singapore’s multicultural culinary scene blends Chinese, Malay and Indian influences. Expect national favorites such as Hainanese chicken, chili crab and roti canai; many of these dishes can be found at Rasa Sayang and C&R Café.
High Yaki © Nic Crilly-Hargrave
Japanese Delights
Japanese cuisine in Chinatown covers a wide range, from sushi and sashimi to comforting hot dishes. High Yaki offers sushi and ramen, while Sakurado and KOVA serve delicate mille crepe cakes. Matcha lovers should seek out Tsujiri, and Misato is a reliable choice for pork or chicken katsu. For gyoza, Haozhan is a popular pick.
Filipino Favorites
Filipino cuisine blends Southeast Asian flavors with Spanish influence. In Dessert Alley, Mamasons offers bilog—ube ice cream sandwiched in a toasted milk bun—while Candy Café is known for Halo Halo, a layered cold dessert ideal for warm days.
Chinese Classics
Chinese food in Chinatown spans regional specialties and time-honored favorites. For dim sum, try Plum Valley, Dumplings’ Legend, Leong’s Legend or Tao Tao Ju. Kung Fu Noodle is a go-to for hand-pulled Lanzhou beef noodles, and bun lovers queue for bao at Bun House or China Modern. Fans of roast duck should visit Four Seasons or Golden Phoenix, and Chinese Tapas House offers savory crepe-style snacks.
Korean Cuisine
Korean food has global appeal, from market-style comfort to modern interpretations. Stock up on kimchi and pantry staples at Oseyo or SeeWoo, enjoy bulgogi at Pochawa Grill, bibimbap at Olle, and crispy Korean fried chicken at Wing Wing.
Taste of Taiwan
Taiwanese cuisine is inventive and flavorful. Shu Xiang Ge is a popular spot for shared hot pot, while numerous cafés serve bubble tea—Cuppacha, Happy Lemon and Chatime are easy picks. For a hearty noodle option, try Danzai noodles at Old Tree Daiwan Bee.
Viet Food © Chinatown London Photos – Koray
Vietnamese Specialties
Vietnamese food emphasizes fresh herbs and a balance of sweet, sour, spicy and cooling elements. Viet Food serves classic pho and spring rolls, while Pho & Bun offers bánh bao filled with options like BBQ or confit pork belly. These venues are perfect for bright, fragrant bowls and light street-style bites.
Whether you’re chasing street snacks, traditional meals or inventive desserts, London’s Chinatown offers a concentrated taste tour of East and Southeast Asia. Bring an appetite and a willingness to explore—there’s something delicious on nearly every corner.