The Best Things to Do in Chinatown, London (2026) — from a Londoner

Looking for the best things to do in Chinatown? Here’s your ultimate guide to the area — from a Londoner.

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One of my favourite things about living in London is that you can “travel” to another country without ever leaving Zone 1. And Chinatown is one of the best examples.

It’s small compared to the Chinatowns I’ve seen in North America, but it packs in all the essentials: ornate gates, red lanterns swaying overhead, supermarkets crammed with sauces you’ve never heard of, and food that will have you planning your next visit before you’ve even left.

Whether you’re here for dim sum, bubble tea, or just a wander under the lanterns, here’s how to spend some time in this lovely area of London.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.

On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.

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🗞️📺 As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.

The Best Things to Do in Chinatown, London

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History of Chinatown in London

Chinatown’s food is as interesting as its history, including the fact that Chinatown hasn’t always been here in Soho.

London’s original Chinese community took root in Limehouse in the 18th century, when sailors from China settled near the docks.

That neighbourhood never became a thriving hub, and after it was heavily bombed in WWII, many businesses relocated to Soho in the 1950s and 60s.

By the 70s, this part of Soho had been pedestrianised, restaurants were booming, and new arrivals from Hong Kong and Macau brought even more flavours (and energy) to the streets.

Today, you’ll find 80+ restaurants, traditional medicine shops, supermarkets, and one of London’s most vibrant annual events — cue Chinese New Year!

How to Get to Chinatown, London

Located at the heart of London’s West End, Chinatown is super easy to get to, sandwiched between Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus.

Tube: Leicester Square (Northern/Piccadilly lines) is closest, but Piccadilly Circus and Tottenham Court Road are only a few minutes’ walk.

On foot: From Trafalgar Square, you can be under the main gate in about 10 minutes.

1. Shop the Chinatown Way

Most people know Chinatown as a culinary destination, but it’s also a fab place to shop.

The area is packed shops selling everything from Asian groceries and Chinese herbs to quirky trinkets and ornate Chinese arts and crafts.

Here, you can find the New Loon Moon Supermarket, famous for East Asian food ingredients, spices and sauces; the SeeWoo, which specialises in Oriental food from China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia; and Oseyo and H Mart, for Korean food.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth (guilty), you can’t miss the Chinese bakeries here. Some of the most popular include Kowloon Bakery, Golden Gate Cake Shop, and Candied Bakery.

Chinatown is also home to numerous traditional Chinese medicine shops, like Phoenix Medical and Wing Yip alongside fashion and craft stores, like the 40-year-old Guanghwa Company, filled with books, artsy bits, and traditional stationery pieces; or the clothing and home decor store Oriental Delight.

Easy to lose a few hours here!

2. Eat Your Way Through Chinatown

London’s Chinatown is a paradise for foodies, boasting a diverse selection of restaurants from various regions, styles, and budgets. Here’s a few favourites…

Wong Kei

One of the most popular restaurants in Chinatown, and for good reason, their portions are beautiful. Any plate will be delicious and comes with free tea!

Dumplings’ Legend

Their signature dish is Shanghai’s Xiao Long Bao (also called ‘soup dumplings’). The one with pork is my all-time favourite, but the prawn ones are also worth a peek…

Four Seasons

You’ll know you’re here when you see a row of crispy roasted Cantonese meats hanging in the window. It claims to have the best roast duck in the world, and even though I can’t confirm, it was voted the best in the UK. So…

Gerrard’s Corner

Famous for being one of the best (and most affordable) Dim Sum spots in London, you’ll want to prep for the queue and come with a big stomach.

Shu Xiang Ge

This one is London’s first authentic Sichuan Hot Pot restaurant, so it’s a strong contender for Chinatown spots to eat. It’s perfect for connoisseurs as well as first-timers, as the menu tells you exactly what to do for the experience. But bring cash!

Speedboat Bar

At first glance, it’s just another Chinatown restaurant, but the cuisine here is a bit more upscale. The dishes are inspired by canteen food in Bangkok’s own Chinatown and the cocktails are very creative, so it’s worth it if you’re planning a late night out in the area.

Leong’s Legend

This tasty melting pot has everything: a Taiwanese style, a sushi bar, a hotpot table, Chinese traditional dishes, and even a menu devoted to ‘Poeken’ (a fusion of Japanese and Hawaii).

Olle Barbecue

One of London’s most iconic Korean restaurants. It’s fast and casual, budget-friendly and really authentic. What more could you want? Great if you’re looking for a Chinese-food alternative

Yatay

This Japanese restaurant is an amazing portal to Tokyo, with great interior design, delicious food, and even post-work drinks. I would say it’s one of the most beautiful restaurants in Chinatown. They even have a DJ! M

Bun House

It won’t be a surprise to say that this is my favourite Chinatown restaurant for fluffy buns. Beyond the aesthetics, the food options here are endless and excellent. From barbecue pork belly to the custard bun with coconut…swooned!

🍽️ Candace’s Top Chinatown Restaurants:

Malaysian food from C&R Cafe, Viet Food, and Good Friend Chicken.

3. Enjoy a Chinatown Bubble Tea

Bubble tea, also known as pearl milk tea or boba, is a Taiwanese tea-based drink often containing tapioca balls and other toppings.

Over the past few years, bubble tea’s popularity in London, especially in Chinatown, has skyrocketed.

Here are some of the best places to get your fix!

Cuppacha Bubble Tea

A local favorite in Chinatown, Cuppacha is known for its delicious offerings of milk teas, fruit teas, and special blends.

Their signature bubble tea includes the Honeydew Melon Milk Tea and other innovative flavours like the Oreo Milk Tea (I won’t blame you if you get two…).

Happy Lemon

Another innovative place for bubble tea, where rock-salted cheese is the signature tea topping.

It’s one of Chinatown’s go-to spots for a unique and refreshing tea blend. Expect a queue…

The Whale Tea London Chinatown

Originating in Nanjing with over 300 outlets in China and around the world, this is the place for Instagram-worthy bubble tea.

Signature drinks and flavours go from passion fruit to avocado. Yum!

4. Have Some Chinatown Dessert

Chinatown offers lots of traditional Asian desserts, pastries, and sweets that are guaranteed to hit your sweet tooth.

From diverse Chinese regional delights to popular Asian treats, here are some of the best dessert places in the area.

Mamason’s Dirty Ice Cream

This is the place for “London’s best summer dessert”, Halo Halo. The traditional Filipino dessert brings the best mix of flavours, as it’s layered with delicious ingredients like coconut strings, red bean, jellies, evaporated milk, shaved ice, leche flan, and more, with a scoop of ube ice cream.

Bubblewrap Dessert Shop

Inspired by a traditional Hong Kong street-food snack, Bubblewrap has delicious waffles filled with gelato and infinite toppings of your choice.

One of the most popular is the Matcha Gelato Bubblewrap, but they’re all a treat if you ask me.

Candy Cafe

Candy Cafe is a popular spot in Chinatown, known for its selection of Hong Kong-style sweets and treats.

Here you can find the delicious ‘sago’ desserts, tofu puddings, grass jelly, and “shaved ice”, a Taiwanese-style dessert with various toppings.

Where to Stay in Chinatown

As Chinatown is located in the heart of Central London, specifically in the West End, staying in the area will definitely enhance your trip.

While here you’ll be within walking distance of popular areas like Soho, Leicester Square, and Covent Garden. Which means you can easily explore attractions like the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, and Piccadilly Circus.

You’ll also be surrounded by exceptional food at affordable prices, convenient transportation, and vibrant London nightlife. Here’s a few hotel picks:

The Best Things to Do in Chinatown

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Happy Londoning,