The 9 Best Dim Sum Restaurants in Chinatown London
Chinatown is one of my favourite places to visit whenever I’m craving authentic Chinese food. The lively streets, colourful lanterns, and the aroma of freshly steamed dumplings make every visit feel like a mini food adventure. While there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, not every place serves memorable dim sum.
Over the years, I’ve explored many of Chinatown’s most popular restaurants, from long-established favourites to modern dining spots. Some impressed me with delicate handmade dumplings, while others stood out for their fluffy barbecue pork buns or perfectly crispy spring rolls.
If you’re planning a visit and wondering where to enjoy the best dim sum in Chinatown London, these are the restaurants I would happily recommend. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend lunch, celebrating with family, or introducing someone to dim sum for the first time, these places are well worth trying.
1. Golden Dragon
Located on Gerrard Street, Golden Dragon is one of the busiest dim sum restaurants in Chinatown, and after my visit, I could see exactly why. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere, with families and groups sharing baskets of freshly steamed dumplings from morning until evening.
I arrived just before lunchtime and was quickly shown to my table. The menu offered a huge selection of classic Cantonese dim sum, making it difficult to choose. I started with har gow, siu mai, and barbecue pork buns, all served fresh from the kitchen.
The prawn dumplings had delicate wrappers packed with juicy filling, while the siu mai were full of flavour without feeling heavy. The fluffy barbecue pork buns were slightly sweet and made a perfect addition to the meal.
The service was fast despite the busy dining room, making Golden Dragon a great choice if you’re looking for an authentic Chinatown experience.
Must Try
- Har Gow
- Siu Mai
- BBQ Pork Buns
- Cheung Fun
Address: 28 Gerrard Street, London W1D 6JW
2. Plum Valley
If you’re looking for a more modern dining experience, Plum Valley is an excellent choice. The stylish interior feels calmer than many traditional Chinatown restaurants, making it perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner.
During my visit, I ordered a selection of steamed dumplings, crispy spring rolls, and prawn cheung fun. Every dish arrived beautifully presented, and the quality of the ingredients was noticeable.
The dim sum tasted fresh and light, while the attentive service made the experience even more enjoyable. Although prices are slightly higher than some nearby restaurants, the elegant atmosphere and consistent quality make it worthwhile.
Must Try
- Prawn Cheung Fun
- Har Gow
- Spring Rolls
- Custard Buns
Address: 20 Gerrard Street, London W1D 6JQ
3. Joy King Lau
Joy King Lau has been serving Cantonese food in Chinatown for decades and remains a favourite for traditional dim sum. The restaurant has a classic feel, with large round tables that make it ideal for family meals and group dining.
I visited on a Sunday afternoon when the restaurant was full of local diners, which is usually a good sign. I ordered steamed dumplings, turnip cake, and chicken feet for a more traditional experience.
Everything arrived quickly, and the flavours reminded me why this restaurant has remained popular for so many years. The portions were generous, and the menu offered plenty of variety.
Must Try
- Turnip Cake
- Siu Mai
- Chicken Feet
- Har Gow
Address: 3 Leicester Street, London WC2H 7BL
4. Golden Phoenix
Golden Phoenix is another excellent option if you’re searching for authentic Cantonese dim sum. Located just a short walk from Leicester Square, the restaurant is known for its extensive menu and freshly prepared dishes.
I ordered a mixed selection of dumplings along with crispy sesame prawn toast. The food arrived piping hot, and each dish was packed with flavour. The steamed dumplings were especially impressive, with thin wrappers and generous fillings.
The restaurant has a lively yet comfortable atmosphere, making it a great place to enjoy a long lunch with friends or family.
Must Try
- Sesame Prawn Toast
- Har Gow
- BBQ Pork Buns
- Steamed Dumplings
Address: 37 Wardour Street, London W1D 6PU
5. New Loon Moon
Tucked away on Gerrard Street, New Loon Moon is a great choice if you prefer a quieter restaurant away from the busiest crowds. It may not be as well-known as some of its neighbours, but the quality of the dim sum makes it well worth visiting.
I stopped by for lunch and ordered har gow, crispy spring rolls, and steamed barbecue pork buns. Everything arrived fresh and full of flavour, with generous portions and beautifully prepared dumplings. The relaxed atmosphere made it easy to enjoy a slower meal compared to some of Chinatown’s busier restaurants.
If you’re looking for authentic Cantonese dim sum without the long queues, New Loon Moon is a fantastic option.
Must Try
- Har Gow
- BBQ Pork Buns
- Spring Rolls
- Cheung Fun
Address: 1 Gerrard Place, London W1D 5PA
6. Orient London
Orient London is a popular choice for both locals and visitors thanks to its extensive dim sum menu and welcoming atmosphere. The spacious dining room makes it a comfortable place for families and larger groups.
During my visit, I ordered siu mai, prawn dumplings, and sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaf. Every dish was served hot, and the flavours were fresh and authentic. I especially enjoyed the sticky rice, which had a delicious savoury filling.
With friendly service and plenty of menu options, Orient London is an excellent place to experience traditional Cantonese dim sum.
Must Try
- Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf
- Siu Mai
- Har Gow
- Custard Buns
Address: 15 Wardour Street, London W1D 6PH
7. Wong Kei
Wong Kei has been one of Chinatown’s most famous restaurants for decades. While it’s best known for its Cantonese dishes, it also serves a good selection of dim sum during the day.
I visited for lunch and ordered steamed dumplings, pork buns, and crispy wontons. The food was simple, authentic, and served quickly, making it a great choice if you’re looking for a satisfying meal without spending too much.
The restaurant has a lively atmosphere and offers excellent value for money, which explains why it remains popular with both locals and tourists.
Must Try
- Pork Buns
- Wontons
- Siu Mai
- Fried Dumplings
Address: 41-43 Wardour Street, London W1D 6PY
8. Four Seasons Chinatown
Although Four Seasons is best known for its legendary roast duck, it also serves a delicious selection of dim sum that often gets overlooked.
I visited during lunchtime and ordered har gow, cheung fun, and steamed pork dumplings before trying their famous roast duck. The dim sum was fresh, light, and expertly prepared, making it a great way to start the meal.
If you’re visiting with friends, it’s worth ordering both dim sum and one of their signature roast duck dishes to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Must Try
- Har Gow
- Cheung Fun
- Roast Duck
- Steamed Pork Dumplings
Address: 12 Gerrard Street, London W1D 5PR
9. BaoziInn Soho
Just a short walk from Chinatown, BaoziInn Soho is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves handmade dumplings and bao buns. While it’s not a traditional dim sum restaurant, many of its small plates deliver the same satisfying flavours.
I ordered their soup dumplings, spicy wontons, and fluffy bao buns, and every dish was packed with flavour. The dumplings were freshly made with delicate wrappers, while the bao buns were soft and filled generously.
The modern interior and relaxed atmosphere make BaoziInn a great alternative if you’re looking to try something slightly different after exploring Chinatown.
Must Try
- Xiao Long Bao
- Spicy Wontons
- Bao Buns
- Cucumber Salad
Address: 24 Newport Court, London WC2H 7JS
Final Thoughts
Chinatown is undoubtedly the best place in London to enjoy authentic dim sum, with everything from long-established Cantonese restaurants to modern dining spots serving freshly made dumplings every day.
If it’s your first visit, I’d recommend starting with Golden Dragon for its classic dim sum selection, Plum Valley for a more refined dining experience, and Joy King Lau for traditional Cantonese favourites. If you’re after something quieter, New Loon Moon is an excellent hidden gem.
No matter which restaurant you choose, you’ll find plenty of delicious dumplings, steamed buns, and Cantonese specialties that make Chinatown one of London’s best food destinations.
