Bayswater, Chinese Restaurant Guide

“Still a go-to if it’s roast duck you’re after” – see them hanging in the window of this 35-year-old Bayswater Cantonese and its Chinatown offshoots, which offer “consistently excellent” roast meats (pork as well as duck) in “a pretty basic environment that’s noisy and crowded”, along with “charmless service” – “bad enough to make you think twice about even going!”. A more positive way of looking at it is that “they don’t waste money on decor and service: it’s a reliable no-frills comfort-food experience”. Further outlets include Chop Chop at the Hippodrome and Colindale Bang Bang Oriental food hall (see also), plus three Little Four Seasons.

“Known for the most delicious lobster noodles” – a dish which has earned it widespread fame, and which “remains a must-eat” – this “old-favourite Chinese with great seafood” in Queensway “has returned to form” after “seeming to lose its way at one stage” (a revival reflected in the food ratings). It’s well worth exploring the menu further: “they also have the best roast duck”. The cavernous, ’70s-tastic interior is either an essential part of its nostalgic charm or dire, depending on your tastes.

“Excellent Cantonese roast duck and dim sum” have earned a solid following over 20 years for this “authentically rushed and hectic” Queensway spot (and its Chinatown sibling), despite “typical Chinese-restaurant ambience and service – crammed… loud… perfunctory”.

Almost everyone has walked past this 30-year fixture next-door to Queensway tube station at some point. Those who have dropped in for a meal have found “delicious and authentic Cantonese food”, including roast duck and seafood – “but don’t expect friendly service”. Top Menu Tip – “beef with black bean sauce and crispy noodles”.

“The dim sum never disappoints”, with “V.G. examples of all the classics” at this Cantonese outfit in Paddington Basin, set in a large and modern basement that looks “stylish” to most diners, if “cold and boring” to a few critics. “Great for lunch with family and friends”, it also “copes well for a party of 20 in a private room, with efficient service and an excellent set menu”.