Guide to the best Asian restaurants in London

Gymkhana is a sophisticated restaurant inspired by elite Indian members' clubs. The northern Indian menus here earned it its second Michelin star in 2024. Expect luxurious interiors, exotic food, and exclusive signature cocktails. The menu is both classic and contemporary, including Tandoori kebabs and biryanis.

My Neighbours the Dumplings is a dumpling hot spot in Clapton and Victoria Park that specialises in classic Chinese cuisine, specifically focusing on dumplings. They offer a variety of handcrafted dumplings with various fillings in a range of different styles, like siu mai and potstickers.

For a taste of open-kitchen cooking and some of the city's most beloved Thai cuisine, make your way to Kiln in the heart of central London. Their sharing menu showcases dishes like Northern-style Laap sausage, slow-grilled red mullet, and lamb and cumin skewers. Despite consistently earning accolades as one of the country's top dining establishments, Kiln maintains affordable prices and offers a down-to-earth and hospitable atmosphere.

A contemporary Indian restaurant that draws inspiration from the travels of the owner's parents, Colonel Saab was voted Asian Restaurant of the Year at the 2023 Asian Curry Awards. The beautifully decorated restaurant offers creative Indian dishes like Anglo-Indian chicken chop or Falahari Kofta curry, complemented by an equally creative cocktail menu.

True to its name, My Old Place offers a laid-back, home-away-from home dining experience. They specialise in spicy Sichuan cuisine and a menu of less common dishes, including sliced pig ears and tripe. Inside the vibe is stripped-back and casual, reminiscent of a bustling local eatery tucked away in a Chinese alley.

Sambal Shiok is a Holloway restaurant that's making a splash on the food scene. This is a laksa bar that gives you an authentic taste of Malaysia – there are a handful of different types of laksa available, including veggie and vegan options. Beer, wine, and cocktails are also sold to go with the food, and you can buy ingredients from the pantry.

A. Wong, the signature restaurant from chef Andrew Wong, is synonymous with elevated Chinese cooking. Dim sum is served for lunch but the tasting menus really shine here, taking you on a culinary journey through the regions of China. Expect modern style mixed with classic Chinese flavours at this Michelin-starred restaurant.

Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant Kai is based in stylish surroundings in Mayfair. This upmarket restaurant has a modern look and serves elegant food inspired by the southern coastal regions of China, with a focus on the Nanyang region. Food uses local ingredients, with plenty of fish and seafood dishes as well as meat and plant-based choices. A range of drinks are offered too.

Mayfair Chinese restaurant Hakkasan is stylish and modern and held a Michelin star for its elevated Cantonese cuisine for several years before losing it in 2024. Diners can explore the region's flavours with one of the restaurant's signature tasting menus or choose from the sophisticated à la carte options. A high-end dim sum menu is available for lunch.

Opened in 1926, Veeraswamy is the oldest Indian restaurant in London and continues to attract a crowd with its traditional charm. This Michelin-starred restaurant serves dishes like duck vindaloo and smoked chicken tikka, with lighter dishes available on the business lunch menu. The lunch menu at weekends is full of decadent specialities.

Punjabi restaurant Tayyabs is iconic in East London. Since 1972, it's been attracting a varied crowd with comforting dishes full of flavour and all for a very reasonable price. Try classic dishes like pakora and tikka masala but make room for the soft and buttery naan breads here. Soft drinks are served, including lassi, but you're also welcome to BYOB, which always helps with keeping the costs down even more.

Hunan is a relaxed restaurant where it's worth keeping an open mind. There's no menu - tell your server what you like and dislike and how much spice you want, then let the chefs do the rest. The result is a bespoke 12-18 course menu that might include dishes like fried chicken or dumplings.

Diners at Maru enjoy a unique and exclusive experience based on the Japanese concept of omakase – leaving things up to the chef. Each day chef Taiji Maruyama creates a multiple-course tasting menu, making ample use of mostly raw and cooked fish and shellfish. This is a one-of-a-kind journey through the flavours of Japan.

Mei Ume is a modern and stylish restaurant with a Chinese kitchen plus a Japanese sushi counter. You can enjoy familiar dishes and more innovative options, including dim sum, sashimi, and stir fries. A fixed lunch menu is available or dive deep into the cooking here with the Mei Ume tasting menu.

When Londoners want a curry they go to Brick Lane, where some of the best curry houses in the city reside, including Cinammon, an award-winning Indian restaurant. This traditional restaurant appears modest but serves all your favourite flavourful Indian dishes - expect the classics like saag aloo and chicken tikka, and staple side dishes like rice and naan bread. It's simple food that's wholly satisfying.

Visit Dinings SW3 for a modern incarnation of a traditional Japanese izakaya. At this sophisticated restaurant you can expect attentive service and an elegant menu of sushi, sashimi, and innovative fusion dishes that blend Japanese and European culinary traditions. There’s a fresh daily special on the menu each day too.

At Tohbang you'll find a friendly atmosphere and a big choice of typical Korean dishes. The menu aims to help diners discover the full range of Korean flavours, with popular dishes like Korean barbecue, fried chicken, and noodles. Try a set menu for a broad experience of this type of food.

Champor-Champor is one of London’s most celebrated Thai restaurants, drawing on culinary and cultural traditions from both Thailand and Malaysia. The compact venue is bursting with colour and ambience. The menu is spicy and full of flavour, and the well-selected wine list is intended to complement the dishes on offer.

Peckham’s Thai restaurant The Begging Bowl brings unique street food to South London. These are elevated dishes that celebrate the complexity and depth of Thai cuisine. Authenticity is at the heart of this menu, which uses traditional techniques and sources ingredients directly from Thailand for flavours you just can’t imitate.

Cinnamon Club sits within a Grade II listed building in the heart of London, giving Indian cooking a fine dining makeover. Classic flavours and techniques are combined with contemporary influences to create unique food. Cinnamon Club is especially well-known for its comprehensive tasting menus but à la carte choices are served too.

Celebrate the culture and cuisine of Nepal with Aloo Tama. These two eateries in Westminster and Paddington serve authentic food that's bursting with flavour - expect comforting dishes like dumplings, fried rice, noodles, and potato salad. This is a popular destination for sampling a unique style of Asian food.

A floating pagoda on Regent’s Canal houses Feng Shang Princess, a stylish Chinese restaurant. You can sample favourite dishes here whilst enjoying peaceful canal views. The set and à la carte menus include something for everyone from fried noodles to traditional curries. The bar on-board serves a broad choice of drinks.

Award-winning Japanese restaurant Hot Stone gives diners a unique and interactive experience. Start a meal here with sushi rolls before cooking your choice of ingredients yourself on a hot stone. Opt for seafood, vegetables, or wagyu or Kobe beef for a luxury meal. An indulgent tasting menu is served here too.

MiMi Mei Fair is an elegant Chinese restaurant with a bold turquoise exterior and several decadent dining spaces, including private dining rooms. This is a venue for refined cooking that celebrates the evolution of Chinese cuisine. Expect upscale dim sum and sophisticated ingredients like mushroom spring rolls, seafood dim sum and more. Though the menu does change from time to time they consistently specialise in Peking duck.

Elegant Soho restaurant Aqua Kyoto is a destination for sophisticated Japanese food. It’s ultra-modern and luxurious, with a roof terrace that boasts striking city views. À la carte and tasting menus are available, offering up flavour-packed options like sushi, tempura, and wagyu beef. There’s also a sophisticated bottomless brunch each week.

Diners can get a new perspective on Asian cooking at Dilara Uyghur Restaurant, specialising in Uyghur recipes. Chefs here use organic ingredients and traditional cooking methods to create dishes like sour and spicy fried potatoes and classic Uyghur noodle dishes. More familiar Mediterranean dishes are also available at this modest local restaurant.

Fatt Pundit does Indo-Chinese food in Soho and Covent Garden, inspired by the Hakka people. Check out the momo dumplings filled with goat or vegetables, plus dishes like rabbit wontons, fish curry, or vegetable fritters. Pair this distinctive food with something from the international wine list for Asian dining that’s a little different.

When you’re in the mood for dumplings, head to Din Tai Fung. The dumplings here have been declared the best in the world, served hot and stuffed with tempting fillings, including the famously soupy xiao long bao. Other specialities are also on the menu like dan dan noodles and egg fried rice.

Akira is located in Japan House and is an upscale restaurant with traditional Japanese food and service. Food is served on artisan tableware sourced directly from Japan. Lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea are available here, including bento boxes at lunchtime. From the bar, try out sake or an Asian-inspired signature cocktail.

Yauatcha does Chinese dining with two London locations and outposts in India and Saudi Arabia. It’s not just the dim sum here that stands out – there’s a European-style patisserie using Chinese ingredients to craft unique sweet treats. Enjoy desserts to go or top off a meal with them in the teahouse setting here.

Sông Quê Café is one of many Vietnamese restaurants on Kingsland Road but it stands out because of its vibrant green exterior. This is a well-established family restaurant that's a popular venue for exploring Vietnamese cooking. A variety of classic dishes are on the menu, including eleven types of pho.

The pan-Asian food at Huŏ is a million miles away from a greasy takeaway - this is modern cuisine that's fresh, healthy, and clean. The restaurant has a modern interior and a cute outdoor terrace with plants and lights. On the menu, discover diverse dishes and influences from across the continent.

Farang is an Islington restaurant that serves award-winning Thai street food. Expect authentic dishes on the menu like curries, pork belly, and veggie and vegan options. You can also book a tasting experience for a detailed exploration of this cuisine, and buy ingredients from the larder to bring the flavours home with you.

At Hannah Japanese Restaurant there are several menus that explore the classic dishes of Japan. Lunch includes bento, sushi, and donburi, whilst the evening menu focuses on omakase - leaving things up to the chef with tasting menus. You can explore modern Asian cooking here, alongside a varied selection of wine and sake.

Family-run restaurant Masigo is a popular destination for Korean food. Classic dishes are served including bibimbap, kimbab, and fried chicken. You can indulge in a Korean-style hot dog too. There's a comfortable atmosphere and a diverse choice of dishes to please any hungry diner, including if Korean food is new to you.

Yuu Kitchen is a fun and trendy place for Japanese and Taiwanese food, especially fluffy bao. Buckle up for a 60 minute bottomless bao special, or join the weekly bottomless brunch. The main menu includes choices like karaage and gyoza. Bubble tea is served too, with the option to add your favourite alcohol.

Ngon Ngon catches the eye of passers-by with its bright yellow exterior. Inside you'll discover traditional Vietnamese cooking alongside friendly and attentive service, plus a homey and relaxed atmosphere. Expect classic dishes like pho, summer rolls, and flat noodles, served with Vietnamese beer or a traditional and refreshing iced coffee.

When you want good food and no fuss, Ninh's in Highbury is a popular restaurant for Vietnamese cuisine. This simple space serves up home-cooked favourites, with comforting dishes like caramel pork or curry on the menu. Try out a set menu to explore the restaurant's cooking more deeply.

House of Momo is unmissable for dumpling lovers. The speciality here is momo dumplings and Nepalese cuisine. There are plenty of momo to choose between, from simple steamed bites to dumplings served in a spicy chilli sauce. Thali platters are on the menu too, including curries and side dishes for a filling meal.

Based in Hackney, Lucky & Joy is a popular local hospot for modern Chinese food. The interior is quirky and cosy, with plants and colourful lights. Hot and cold dishes for sharing are available such as pineapple fried rice, grilled chicken, and pickled peanuts. At lunchtime, grab a rice bowl or Asian-inspired sandwich.

Newly opened, Toba is an authentic Indonesian restaurant owned by the founder of Camden's beloved food stall Pino's Warung. Located in Central London, the restaurant boasts an intimate and elegant setting with downlighters and art on the walls. The food is a tribute to the founder's childhood, featuring intense flavours from his homeland in dishes like nasi goreng and beef renang. Additionally, Indonesian-inspired cocktails and wine are available to complement your meal.

Old Chang Kee brings flavours from Singapore to Londoners. This award-winning eatery is informal and fun, specialising in curry puffs. These Singaporean street food favourites combine Western pies with Eastern spices. Diners can also try fried noodles, curries, laksa, and fried chicken here. Dining-in is available but you can also get a takeaway.

Upscale Belgravia restaurant Salloos has been open since 1976. It's a contemporary space with crisp white walls and bursts of colour. Visit the restaurant for authentic Mughalai cuisine, with dishes cooked in the Tandoor being a speciality in particular. There's also a well-selected wine list of bottles chosen to complement the food here.

Ganapati, a Southern Indian restaurant in the heart of Peckham, offers a homely and laid-back dining experience with regularly changing menus. The options include a range of curries, lunchtime thali meals, and a selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Situated on a residential road in Leyton, Singburi is a culinary hot spot known for its mouthwatering Thai flavours. With no website, intermittent phone availability, and limited evening hours, this elusive restaurant has earned its reputation as one of London's hardest-to-get-into spots. Expertly prepared dishes and affordable prices keep diners coming back for more, making it a must-visit spot for those craving authentic, won't-break-the-bank Thai cuisine.

Three Uncles, with its multiple London locations, stands as a top choice for authentic Cantonese cuisine, with a particular speciality in roasted meats. The restaurant, decorated with a striking blue facade and vibrant neon signs, exudes a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy a variety of roasted meats served with rice, or opt for the flavoursome options of lo mein noodles and freshly steamed dim sum.

Bone Daddies is a ramen restaurant with multiple locations throughout the city. Here, you can feast on a fusion of Japanese cuisine with a Western touch. Ramen is the star of the show, but they also serve sides and other dishes like pig bones coated in a sweet and spicy sesame glaze. Opt for the classic tonkotsu ramen finished off with an orange-yolk Clarence Court egg.

Kanada-Ya is a renowned Japanese ramen restaurant with several branches in various locations around London. Known for its dedication to authenticity and quality, it offers a diverse range of award-winning Japanese ramen, from classic tonkotsu to creative takes, all prepared with precision and care. Their tonkotsu is particularly well-known, but they also serve a range of other dishes, like onigiri and gyoza.

Explore the aromatic flavours of Korean cuisine at Co&Ko in Soho. Their menu offers a genuine and diverse selection of dishes, with options ranging from barbecues to  bibimbap and various Korean delicacies. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Korean fare or you're just dipping your finger in, C&Ko Korean Restaurant offers a window into the world of Korean food.

The acclaimed Bombay Restaurant provides can lay claim to a long and renowned history of exceptional food and top-notch service, going back all the way to 1984. The restaurant's unwavering dedication to delivering the finest authentic Indian cuisine has persisted for nearly 35 years, culminating in numerous awards, including the Curry Oscar for Asian Restaurant of the Year in the London Suburbs category.

Uzbek chef Muzaffar Sadykov could be regularly found at food markets and festivals around London before launching his all-day dining spot in the West End. Central to his menu is the iconic Uzbek dish, plov or pilaf – a hearty combination of rice, veggies, and meat, meticulously slow-cooked and infused with the exotic tastes and spices of the Silk Road. This cosy establishment on Regent Street welcomes both takeout and sit-down patrons.

Discover authentic dishes from Malaysia at Malaysian Deli in Brockley. This restaurant has a straightforward contemporary look and is known for friendly service. The menu is simple, featuring Malaysian classics like roti chennai and noodle dishes. Guests are also welcome to bring their own alcohol to this restaurant.

Experience a modern take on Tamil Sri Lankan cooking at Trinco. This restaurant opened in 2023 and serves 100% vegetarian cuisine. The menu includes small plates, traditional curries, and authentic sides, with cocktails, beer, and a varied wine list. The restaurant space is buzzing and bohemian with mirrors, leafy plants, and soft colours.

You can try authentic recipes from Indonesia at Barnet's Bali Satay House. This local restaurant is decorated with traditional Balinese crafts and the staff wear traditional clothing. On the menu you'll see a variety of classic recipes like satay and gado gado, prepared with authentic ingredients. Food is available to eat-in or take away.

Farzi in Piccadilly Circus is a sophisticated Indian restaurant serving various modern Pan-Asian dishes, such as fragrant curries, grilled goodies and small plates like chaat, spicy cauliflower and pan-seared scallops. The cocktails are just as tasty as the food – order the Smoked Old Fashioned for a smokey spectacle. The restaurant and bar is elegant and laid-back, with ample seating upstairs and down, making it an excellent choice for those dining in a larger group. They also serve a pre-theatre menu as well as a lunchtime thali.