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. 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
2. 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. Wear loose-fitting trousers!
Find out more about Singapulah
3. 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
4. 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. It goes without saying the curries and pad thais are equally splendid.
Find out more about Nipa Thai
5. 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
6. Sticks’n’Sushi | Multiple Locations
You may have noticed Sticks’n’Sushi all over the gram lately, but it was actually founded way back in 1994, becoming one of the most successful restaurant groups in Denmark before landing on our island shores. Here, there are outposts spanning Chelsea, Islington, Soho and Battersea, all rolling and firing classic nigiri, maki, yakitori and more. We love the deep-fried oysters, and the ‘build your own’ Temaki Setto which includes sushi rice, crispy nori, and wagyu tartare and avocado to top them with (amongst other ingredients), paired with a bottle of sparkling sake. A variety of themed set menus may also pique your interest at each location.
Find out more about Sticks’n’Sushi
7. Straits Kitchen | City
Pan Pacific, Singapore’s jewel, has a property in London with a flagship restaurant helmed by Chef Adam Bateman. Recipes are rooted in tradition but executed using modern Western cooking techniques.
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 an impeccable dining experience at Straits Kitchen. You’ll easily think those glittering vistas are part of the Lion City.
Find out more about Straits Kitchen
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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
11. Yauatcha | City
This all-day dim sum tea house fuses Cantonese parcels and plates with tea and European patisserie. If that wasn’t already exciting enough, things just turned up a notch at their City location. Every Saturday it hosts ‘infinite Yum Cha’ from 12-6 pm, where guests tuck into as much steamed, fried, and baked dim sum as they can handle, including seafood and black truffle dumplings, venison puffs, and char siu baos. The deal includes a main, a cocktail, and dessert for a sweet £45.
Find out more about Yauatcha
12. Thai Square | Trafalgar Square
Yes, there’s one all over town, but that’s for good reason. Thai Square forever stirs some of the tastiest Thai food in the capital, and the original Trafalgar Square restaurant is situated within a historic 1915 former HQ of the Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce. In the company of grand buddha, guests tuck into juicy Tamarind Prawns, spicy Jungle Currys, and Khao Soi—a rare dish on any British Thai menu. The fruit in the Mango Sticky Rice is also a peak of ripe. Set menus make occasions and pre-theatre events a Thai breeze.
Find out more about Thai Square
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
