The best Asian restaurants in London, England no matter what you’re in the mood for
Rice, noodles, dumplings, sushi and more delights to feast on in London town.
London is brimming with great restaurants that keep us coming back time and time again. From exquisite afternoon teas to romantic spots, there’s something for everyone and every occasion. And if it’s an Asian feast you’re looking for, then you’re in the right place. We’ve already shared the best Chinese restaurants in London, and the best Asian restaurants in London serve up a sizzling array of spicy skewers, fluffy baos, and freshly pulled noodles – all sure to whet that appetite. While Asia may be a long-haul flight, you needn’t travel far to get your fix of culinary delights.
The best Asian restaurants in London, England
1. Dream Xi’An | Tower Hill
Chef Guirong Wei’s Dream Xi’an is the best place to taste the cuisine of Xi’an, Northern China, specifically the physically demanding ‘Biang Biang’ noodles. These hand-pulled bowls are full of silky bounce and jam-packed with flavour, whether you go down the veggie, beef, pork, or combination route.
Guirong handpicks the very best chillies herself for that linger-on-your-tongue finish. And noodles aside, you’ll want to save room for tasty street food plates such as the spicy cumin beef bun and the pan-fried chicken and mushroom pot sticker dumplings.
The restaurant also features in our list of the best Chinese restaurants in London.
Find out more about Dream Xi’An
2. Cho Asia | Putney
The brainchild of MasterChef: The Professionals alumni, Chef Parminder Singh, Cho Asia is a cosy spot that offers dishes from across the Asian continent. You’re in excellent hands here, with every single menu choice an authentic flavour sensation with a modern twist.
Last time we visited, we indulged in a range of small plates for starters, including deep-fried softshell crab with wasabi mayo, prawn har gow, and perfectly pan-fried scallops with saffron cauliflower. For mains, sambal prawns with Hakka noodles were enjoyed with the surprising star of the show: truffle bing bread. Of course, we had to end with the coconut jaggery rice pudding, topped with pistachios and finished with just the right amount of cardamom.
The wine list takes in both old and new world inclusions, with some interesting drops, but it was the mocktails that we enjoyed the most, each blending unique Asian ingredients, like chaat masala and boba pearls, for a refreshing accompaniment to this flavourful experience.
Find out more about Cho Asia
3. Singapulah | Shaftesbury Avenue
Join the line on Shaftesbury Avenue, where Ellen Chew’s Singapulah, London’s hottest 2024 opening, resides. Her menu harnesses the multicultural melting pot of flavours found in the little red dot, and you’ll delight in the likes of Hokkien Mee (the real Singapore noodles), Singapore Loaded Rojak, Ang Kar prawn noodle soup, and the sweet spot, Kaya ice cream toast made with Creamier’s pandan coconut ice cream and buttered toast soldiers. A special Tiffin set lunch menu is also available weekdays from 12 – 4 pm for just £15.95 if you’re strapped for time…and waistband elasticity!
Find out more about Singapore
4. JANG | Bank
Travellers who’ve dipped between Korea and Japan can enjoy the best of both at The Royal Exchange. JANG, a contemporary spot that seamlessly marries those cultures, offers all-day menus that span lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, and a weekday noodle bar.
Gwanhju-born chef Dana Choi uses a British set of ingredients to wow on dishes such as the comforting Korean Fried Chicken and the Tofu Jeon; sizzling Korean barbecue with all the classic sides, and the freshest sushi and sashimi cuts from the sushi bar (including just as sumptuous vegan options). The Maekjeok Ssam is the best Asian roast pork dish we’ve had in the City area, and of course, you have to do it with a quality bottle from their extensive wine list.
Find out more about JANG
5. Kokum | East Dulwich
Just off the beaten path in trendy East Dulwich sits Kokum, the vision of Sanjay Gour and Simeron Lily Patel. Here, modern Indian dishes pack a powerful punch, and we’d venture to say that you can’t go wrong with ordering anything from the menu.
As superfans of this welcoming spot, we’d recommend starting off with the Pani Puri and the Amritsari Fish before tucking into the creamy Malvani Fish and the lemongrass-infused, Makrut Lime Prawn. Meat eaters may wish to indulge in offerings from the grill such as Lamb Chops or Chicken Tikka, too.
The wine selection is excellent, and we always like tasting the Indian varieties that they offer to accompany the meal.
Keep an eye out for their superclubs, and, on the weekend, the Indian Sunday Roast menu features dishes like Tandoori Roast Chicken and Roast Kingfish Steak for an Indian twist on a British classic.
Learn more about Kokum
6. RAI | Tottenham Court Road
We love Rai, not just because it offers London’s best value omakase (tasting menus start from just £59 per person), but because Chef Padam Raj Rai treats guests to both traditional and modern with equal flair. The sushi counter slices the finest sashimi cuts packed with flavour yet subtle on the tongue, while modern signatures like the grilled nasu and truffles demonstrate Rai’s inventive approach for discerning Londoners. Not surprising, of course, as the chef’s double decade-plus years of experience span Nobu, Sake no Hana and Tsukiji, to name but a few. Rai’s joining their league and some might say, eclipsing them.
Find out more about Rai
7. Rasa Sayang | Chinatown
It’s widely known that the best East and Southeast Asian eats centre on Chinatown, and Rasa Sayang sure meets that mark. The bustling Malay slash Singaporean eatery is a slice of the region’s hawker scene, with classic (big portioned) plates such as chicken curry roti canai, nasi lemak, and the Raffles Singapore laksa. If you’re not big on spice, you can always go down the Chinese-Straits route too; Hainanese chicken soup and choi sum, best sided with a platter of their satay grilled meats for a tasty Malay kick. To cool down, sago pearl pudding or a lychee cooler to soothe summer sweats.
Find out more about Rasa Sayang
8. YiQi | Chinatown
Chinatown’s latest concept is a trip to Malaysia, serving Pan Asian cuisine with a heavy focus on the South East. Think: stir-fries spiced up, short ribs with all the dips, and creamy curries served with rice in bamboo. The ABC dessert, a Malay shaved ice, is big enough to share. Speaking of which, “Yi Qi” means “together” in Chinese, so do bring the clan and feast together in this casual yet chic space.
Find out more about YiQi
9. Tayyabs | Whitechapel
It’s hard to believe, but Whitechapel stalwart Tayyabs has been serving up hungry locals with exquisite Punjabi cuisine since the 70s. Be sure to book ahead to avoid long queues that are known to wrap around the block, especially on weekends.
Our favourites are the Dhal Baingun and the Karahi Fish, but the restaurant is renowned for its succulent lamb chops. Work groups, lovers, families, and friends will all quickly fall in love with this institution.
The restaurant also features in our guide to the great London restaurants that we keep going back to.
Find out more about Tayyabs
10. Laxsa | Soho
Beloved by many, Laxsa is an authentic Malaysian joint in Soho that delivers on flavour and price. Tuck into ridiculously huge bowls of authentic-tasting laksa here alongside staples like Nasi Lemak or Mee Goreng. Our go-to order is the Mushroom King starter (grilled oyster mushroom skewers) plus Gado Gado (a fresh salad covered in divine peanut sauce). We’re getting hungry just thinking about it.
The restaurant is also included in our list of the best restaurants in Soho, London.
Find out more about Laxsa
11. Mukbap | Shoreditch
This vegan Korean cafe in Shoreditch is walk-in only and never fails to disappoint. The flavours here are legit, and the fact that they achieve it all with completely animal-free ingredients makes us even more impressed!
We usually order Jap Chae, sweet potato noodles with mixed vegetables; Kimchi Jeon, kimchi pancakes; and Kim Bap, rice and vegetable roll with a side of cucumber kimchi. Though we’ve yet to try it, word is that they’ve recently released a veganised Korean Fried Chicken that tastes amazing.
Find out more about Mukbap
12. Khao Bird | London Bridge
We’re obsessed with Khao Bird, not just because the Thai restaurant is perched within Bridget Jones’ former flat, but because this is the best spot in London for Northern Thai cuisine.
Cooking in London Bridge are Chiang Mai (and beyond) favourites like the creamy Khao Soi curry noodles, and the lemongrass-tinged Gai Yang, plus a drinks menu with a nod to our Bridget’s blue soup in boozy form (although you can always go down the Thai lager route if blue drinks don’t appeal!). Delicious, seasonally fresh, and warm and inviting, Khao Bird may have only been around since 2024, but it feels like a south-of-the-river institution.
Find out more about Khao Bird
13. Noodle and Beer | Chinatown
If you’re painting the town red in the West End, the new (red) Chinatown opening Noodle and Beer is THE late-night hot spot. It’s all Sichuan spice on starters like the Choo-Shou (minced chicken and lotus root dumplings) and a slew of noodle varieties. The dry Xian Jiao Niu-Rou (wheat noodles with red pepper and beef) has a five-chilli rating, so you’ll absolutely need plenty of Kirin beer to accompany it. Good thing the Wardour Street hangout is open till 4 am. Two sultry floors and plenty more to slurp and sip across them.
Find out more about Noodle and Beer
But wait, there’s more…
- Here’s what it’s like to spend a day at Cadbury World in Birmingham
- When you’re ready to go to Asia, peruse our favourite hotels in Singapore
- Glass of wine with your meal? We spotlight the incredible Château Quintus in Bordeaux
