Whitechapel, Chinese Restaurant Guide

Hand-pulled ‘biang biang’ or ‘belt’ noodles in a choice of “nice and spicy” soups are the signature “pot-stickers” at this Spitalfields canteen from chef Guirong Wei (who made her name with the tiny Xi’an Impression opposite the Emirates stadium and has done much to popularise the distinctive cuisine of China’s Shaanxi province in London).

2023 Review: This “tiny place near Truman’s old brewery” serves an “excellent and authentic take on Sichuan cuisine, in a calm atmosphere, away from the agitation of Brick Lane”. Top Tip – “‘numb and spicy’ dumplings live up to their name”.

“The definition of cheap and cheerful Asian food” – these hawker-inspired, ‘Siu Mei’ (meat dumpling) pitstops “show that you don’t have to traipse into Soho for a quick and tasty meal of great Cantonese roast meats”. Founded as a takeaway kiosk in Liverpool Street in 2019 by Hong Kongers, Chong Yew (Uncle Lim), Pui Sing Tsang (Uncle Sidney), and Mo Kwok (Uncle Mo), they now have six locations of which Brent Cross (open in March 2025) is the latest in the mall’s new District food hall. “No frills, but tasty, fast and cheap”, the specialities are Cantonese Roast Duck, Crispy Pork Belly (Siu Yuk), and Char Siu Pork. Top Menu Tip – Auntie Jun’s Char Siu Sou.

“Wow! I’m not a vegan but I was really impressed” say many fans of the “astonishingly good vegan food, mostly Sichuan”, at this fast-growing group where “the dishes are so full of flavour even meat-eating friends are now tofu converts”. The grub is “perfect not only for vegans but for anyone put off by Sichuan cuisine’s fondness for tripe, offal and the less-commonly-eaten parts of animals” – while vegetarians are “delighted to have so many options to choose from”. The dining rooms tend to be “overly bright and somewhat frenetic at busy times”, but they’re “great fun to visit with friends and order abundantly”.

“Superb grilled dumplings” and “highly flavoursome noodle dishes with a deep, beefy rich stock” win fans for these Chinese canteens near Spitalfields Market: “perfect for a quick bite with an ice-cold beer”. “Staff are super-efficient, but tables turn quickly… although that’s part of the deal”. “There are three locations, the (smaller) Artillery Lane branch is the most atmospheric, but you can’t book there so be prepared to queue”. The Wentworth Street branch takes reservations, while Middlesex Street is takeaway only.