Dim Sum Basket at Pearl Liang
Min Jiang
Situated in Hyde Park, on the 10th floor of the Royal Garden Hotel, you can enjoy classic dim sum whilst taking in the amazing views of Kensington Garden. Min Jiang is elegant and sophisticated – and that all comes at a price. However, what you are paying for here are stunning views and first rate service in a stylish setting. Treat yourself to this as a one-off dim sum experience.
Royal Garden Hotel, 2-24 Kensington High Street, Kensington, London, +44 207 361 1988
Pearl Liang
Traditionally decorated in warm reds, pinks, and oranges, and adorned with Chinese floral art and lanterns, Pearl Liang has long been a favorite with those seeking a business lunch venue. The great quality that keeps customers coming back for more – the dumpling skins are thin yet sturdy, and perfectly translucent. Traditionally, dim sum is a lunch time meal, so their lunch menu is cheaper and far more extensive; however, they also have a great selection of dim sum in the evenings to satisfy your late-hour cravings.
Pearl Liang, 8 Pearl Sheldon Square, London, +44 207 289 7000
Princess Garden
If you are out shopping and need a lunch break, check this place out – close to Oxford and Bond Street, it’s ideally located as a shopping-stop. Satisfy your dim sum desires at this sleek restaurant. They have a great lunch menu, so you can treat yourself without breaking the bank.
Princess Garden, 8-10 North Audley Street, Mayfair, London, +44 207 493 3223
Opium, Gerrard Street
Royal China
Part of the Royal China Group, this restaurant is one of six in London. The original in Queensway, Baywater, is a long-standing community favourite. They have a hugely extensive dim sum menu, and great value lunches. If you’re unsure about what to try, ask for a recommendation from the friendly and attentive staff.
Royal China, 13 Queensway, London, +44 207 221 2535
Opium Cocktail bar and Dim Sum Parlour, London | ©Bourne & Hollingsworth
Opium
Set over three floors, this Chinatown establishment could not be less like its neighbours. Edgy and alternative, this dim sum-come-cocktail bar features a relaxed shabby-chic setting of bold oriental-printed wall papers and quirky Chinese detailing with delicate ornaments and bamboo baskets. Their eastern-inspired cocktails are designed to accompany dim sum. The dim sum here have unusual flavours like crab and samphire, or mushroom and truffle. This place is sophisticated without being overbearing and perfect for an intimate date night.
Opium, 15-16 Gerrard Street, London, +44 207 734 7276
Plum Valley, London
Plum Valley
Another Chinatown classic that sets itself apart from the crowd, Plum Valley is dark and mysterious with its sleek black exterior that continues inside – dark and simple, with an exotic glamorous edge. The high quality food and friendly staff really set this place apart, and the addition of private karaoke rooms is another plus, ensuring a night of fun for groups. The jasmine tea here is really special – don’t leave without trying some.
Plum Valley, 20 Gerrard Street, London, +44 207 494 4366
Bo Lang
Bo Lang prides itself on the fine dining experience it offers, with innovative and exquisitely presented dishes in a seductively dark and elegant wood-panelled setting. Their saffron and cod dim sum is delicate and subtle, and their prawn har gau with blackberry reduction is a unique twist on a Cantonese classic. Both of these dishes can be found on their lunch menu along with a variety of other Bo Lang specialities. It’s a bit pricier than other Chinese restaurants, but you are paying for culinary excellence and a relaxing and friendly ambiance.
Bo Long, 100 Draycott Avenue,Chelsea, London, +44 207 823 7887
Courtesan
This place is unassuming from the outside but trendy on the inside, with moody lighting and simple statement Asian art. They have a smaller menu than other dim sum establishments, but the quality is excellent. They focus mainly on traditional dumplings like har gau, but their more innovative dishes, such as monkfish dumplings, are equally as tasty. They also have a great cocktail selection, making it perfect for a night out with friends.
Courtesan, 69-73 Atlantic Road, London, +44 208 127 8677
Dim Sum Feast at Yum Cha
Yauatcha
This Michelin-starred restaurant is one of London’s trendiest establishments. They pride themselves on flawless presentation, and a quick glance at their simple but bold decor proves that their vanity is certainly not unwarranted. Their pan-fried turnip cake is possibly the best in London – light and oil free, the flavour doesn’t rely on dried prawns for a punch. The spicy pork sichuan wonton is another spectacular dish- meaty dumplings doused in a deliciously hot sichuan pepper broth. The most affordable way to enjoy their dim sum experience is by visiting Monday through Thursday, 2pm to 6pm, when their ‘Taste of Yauatcha’ menu offers diners a reduced price per head, and the opportunity to sample many of their fantastic dim sum.
Yauatcha, 15-17 Broadwick Street, Soho, London, +44 207 494 8888
Yum Cha
This tiny restaurant has become popular with students and locals alike, not least because of their cheap prices. The four karaoke rooms in the back promise a night of entertainment, and they have an extensive dim sum menu day and night! This place is small and underwhelming to look at with plain, sometimes tired decor – but the quality of the food will definitely please. If you weren’t already sold on the idea – they offer half price dim sum Monday through Wednesday!
Yum Cha Silks & Spice, 28 Chalk Farm Road, London, +44 207 482 2228