The best Asian restaurants in London, England no matter what you’re in the mood for
Rice, noodles, dumplings, sushi and more Far East 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 street food plates such as the spicy cumin beef bun, and the pan-fried chicken and mushroom pot sticker dumplings. If you love a kick with your Asian food, this is your number one Spice Girl.
Find out more about Dream Xi’An
2. 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 spans 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
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 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 waist-band elasticity!
Find out more about Singapulah
4. Noodle and Beer | Chinatown
If you’re painting the town red in the West End, 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 across them.
Find out more about Noodle and Beer
5. Mei Ume | Tower Hill
Chef de Cuisine Peter Ho adds a touch of magic to Asian staples to give guests flavours so unique and so tantalising their tongues won’t know what hit them. The whole Peking duck is a show-stopping arrangement with (recommended optional) caviar to lather on that hoisin spread, and the sesame prawn on toast is the perfect balance of crunch and flesh rather than soggy bread offering you’re used to. Sashimi, soups, noodles, and dim sum also join the Chinese meets Japanese dance in the kitchen, and the signature Mei Miao kitty dessert tastes even prettier than it looks.
Find out more about Mei Ume
6. MYMA | Canning Town
MYMA is the cosy East London eaterie that’s easily a weekly ritual, and it’s all down to First Table that we discovered it (the restaurant platform offers 50% deals during off-peak times, so we like to perch here at 5 pm on humpday!). As for the greats, there are so many. The Chicken Katsu Curry is tender yet crispy with a flavour-packed sauce, inside-out rolls (and all sushi, in fact) fresh and with the right consistency of rice, and the bao buns are generous. There’s also a cocktail bar upstairs. An outrageously good under-the-radar spot that we are thankful to find.
Find out more about MYMA
7. KOYN | Mayfair
There’s a double helping of ESEA cuisine at KOYN London, a dual-concept restaurant with Japanese upstairs and Thai downstairs. Both delicious, both authentic, and both an upscale affair. KOYN Thai draws from North, South and Central Provinces, with classic plates spanning colourful curries, fresh morning glory and chilis, and a saucy pad see ew. The spotlight is, however, on Tableside Larb, a traditional minced meat larb salad that’s customised right in front of you. Plus specials like the whole seabass and jumbo tiger prawn choo-cee. KOYN Japanese is meanwhile, famed for its sushi omakase, best enjoyed with a bottle from the robust sake list.
Find out more about KOYN
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. Straits Kitchen | City
Pan Pacific, Singapore’s jewel, has a property in London with a flagship restaurant helmed by Chef Adam Bateman. We love the Scottish salmon with sweet miso, wasabi, and green peas, and dry-aged Gressingham duck served with Peking-style pancakes. Melaka crème brûlée and Chinese wines rarely found in London complete a stellar dining experience at Straits Kitchen.
Find out more about Straits Kitchen
10. 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.
Find out more about Tayyabs
11. Laxsa | Soho
Beloved by many, Laxsa is an authentic Malaysian joint in Soho that delivers on flavour and price. Tuck in to 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.
Find out more about Laxsa
12. Nipa Thai | Lancaster Gate
Nipa Thai is still the hidden gem despite widespread acclaim from locals far and wide. It’s tucked at the back of the majestic Royal Lancaster London hotel, and led by Head Chef Sanguan Parr and Restaurant Manager Kaseam Jongpitakrat, who have been at the restaurant for over 25 years. Every plate oozes authenticity and freshness, from the Tod Mun Pla (Thai fish cakes) to Phad Kra Prao Koong (stir-fried prawns with chilli and basil), to every refreshing coconut-based dessert.
Find out more about Nipa Thai
13. Tonkotsu | Multiple Locations
Good ramen bars were few and far between in the UK, so when Tonkotsu first opened in Soho back in 2012, Londoners’ lives were changed. There are now multiple outposts all over London, each bubbling the OG’s rich broth, fresh-made noodles, and a deep-marinated soy egg for your pleasure. No surprise that the classic is the best seller, but alternative menu items include spicy and vegan varieties, Hiyashi noodle salads, and izakaya-style sides. Save room for the ice cream sandwiches and say cheers with a Kirin beer.
Find out more about Tonkotsu
14. 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 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
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
