While many Londoners know about the city’s bustling Chinatown, the capital offers diverse dim sum experiences across various neighborhoods.
From humble kitchens to upscale establishments, London’s dim sum scene caters to all tastes and budgets, with each venue bringing its unique interpretation to these delicate Chinese delicacies.
Dim Sum & Duck on King’s Cross Road stands out for its continuous service throughout the day, breaking from traditional lunch-hour restrictions.
Enjoy authentic dim sum anytime at King’s Cross Road’s standout eatery, defying traditional mealtime limitations.
Their xiaolongbao, char siu cheung fun, and wonton soup are available day and night, with careful crafting and fantastic flavors distinguishing this spot from competitors.
Many consider it London’s best dim sum at good-value prices.
For those seeking a premium experience, Royal China at 9 Waterloo Place offers dim sum service from noon until 3pm weekdays, extending to 4pm on weekends.
With prices starting at £12 for four pieces of siu mai, the sedate atmosphere suits corporate dining and formal business meetings.
Pearl Liang near Paddington Station provides an affordable option, with most items priced between £5-6.
Their spicy prawn wontons in broth are a customer favorite, while the dim sum set menu offers excellent value at £12.50 for eight items.
In Soho, Opium operates as a four-floor dim sum restaurant with an exciting cocktail program.
Their steaming baskets of Cantonese BBQ pork buns and spicy duck dumplings are served within a surrealist décor that creates a mystical ambience.
Yauatcha Soho functions as a Cantonese teahouse with several attractive dining options, including their £23.50 weekday lunch set menu and the popular Infinite Yum Cha with Fizz service at £45 per person, offering unlimited dim sum Monday through Thursday evenings. The restaurant also presents a weekend Infinite Yum Cha Brunch featuring unlimited dim sum varieties and signature desserts from 11am until 6pm.
For scenic dining, Yi-Ban in Docklands provides Thames river views from its spaceship-like venue.
Their fried glutinous rice croquettes, fluffy char siu pork buns, and silky prawn cheung fun rolls make the journey to this concrete landscape worthwhile.
Dim Sum Library in Covent Garden offers an elegant setting perfect for big groups and spontaneous visits with its walk-in policy and extensive menu of comforting Cantonese favorites.
In West End, A. Wong stands as a culinary landmark with two Michelin stars, making it the first Chinese restaurant outside Asia to achieve this prestigious recognition.