During my five years studying abroad in the UK, I often crave the comfort food of my home country. Thankfully, it is not difficult to find a Chinese restaurant in London, a vibrant city with a rich and diverse food culture. But over the past few years, my friends and I discovered that a lot of Chinese dishes here are strange and not “authentic” since none of us have seen them before in China! It is understandable considering the culinary adaptations made for local tastes, but I still think it is worth offering a practical guide to exploring genuine Chinese cuisine – beyond the “British Chinese”. For foodies who would like to seek out authentic Chinese food, I have created a list of three beloved and representative Chinese cuisines, including their brief introductions, tips, and recommended budget-friendly places in London.
Bubble Tea
With a budget below ten pounds, you can easily get either a hot or cold drink that is the favorite of a lot of Chinese people, including me! Bubble Tea is a popular tea-based drink that originated in Taiwan but now has spread throughout China and the entire world, including the UK. This Taiwanese recipe is made by blending a tea base with milk or fruit juices and adding the signature “bubbles” or “pearls” – delicious and chewy tapioca pearls. If you don’t like the texture of tapioca pearls, no worries as there are a lot of toppings that you can choose from.
I can’t help but notice the bustling streets of London are dotted with countless Bubble Tea spots, which offer such a great variety of choices for Londoners! If you like a rich and creamy flavor or want to taste the most classical Taiwanese bubble tea, I highly recommendthe Brown Sugar Boba Milk of Xing Fu Tang (W1D 5LG). The blend of brown sugar syrup and fresh milk can definitely satisfy your sweet tooth without being too overwhelming. For those who crave a refreshing taste while avoiding dairy, please trythe Bubble Gaga of Coco Fresh Tea & Juice (W1D 5BL). This is a popular drink with passion fruit green tea, tapioca and coconut jelly that you really don’t want to miss.
Tip: Don’t forget that you can choose your preferred ice and sugar level while taking orders!
Dim Sum
Dim Sum is undoubtedly an artistry of Chinese food culture. It refers to a large range of small Cantonese dishes from steamed buns to other delectable snack plates, that are traditionally enjoyed during brunch hours. The small portions were designed to evoke a pleasurable and emotional experience instead of only satisfying hunger. In this way, Dim Sum dishes are always shared and enjoyed among family and friends. If you are weary of the English breakfast, why not go for a Dim Sum brunch with a group of friends to experience a social and sensory delight?
In London, popping into Chinatown is the simplest way to find a decent Dim Sum spot. My beloved place to have Dim Sum isOrient London (W1D 6PH), an authentic Cantonese-style restaurant. The Dim Sum there, including shrimp dumplings and Shui Mai, can always satisfy my nostalgia and taste buds.
Tip: Most Dim Sum at restaurants is only served during morning and lunchtime. Remember to check before you go! You can also order a pot of Chinese tea to accompany your chosen Dim Sum.
Hot Pot
If you are looking for an entirely different dining experience, I strongly suggest you try the Hot Pot, a representative Chinese cuisine with interactive and personalized features. To begin with, diners will choose from a range of broth bases that will be placed in the center of the dining table and then simmer their selected ingredients like meats and vegetables in the boiling broth. They can also DIY their own delicious dipping sauces in the sauce bar provided by the restaurant. The choice of broth bases, ingredients and dipping sauces can create a highly personalized and memorable dinner.
You will be able to embark on a genuine Hot Pot adventure in Chinatown too. My treasured place is Little Lamb (W1D 6NA), a traditional spot for people having the Hot Pot for the first time. This small-but-sweet restaurant does offer a 10% student discount so don’t forget to bring your student ID while sitting around your hotpot.
Tip: Winter is the best Hot Pot season ever.
Bubble Tea, Dim Sum and Hot Pot are just a glimpse of the culinary treasures of Chinese cuisine. But from the heart, these recommendations are a good starting point for discerning foodies to immerse themselves in the extraordinary world of Chinese food culture. I hope you can enjoy your time in London while fulfilling your tastebuds with delight and refreshment!