The best Asian restaurants in Soho

Bao's original Soho spot has always been a go-to for soft buns and tasty Taiwanese comfort dishes. It's small and cosy, but still lively and bustling with people in the know. The classic bao is always a safe order, there are a handful of other items on the menu, usually something noodle-or rice-based along with other options like seafood and meaty plates.

Part pub, part Chinese restaurant, The Duck and Rice is a busy Soho hangout that works whether you want a pint or plates of crispy duck and dim sum. The ground floor feels like a traditional London pub, while upstairs brings a more elegant dining room feel. The menu covers all sorts, like prawn wontons, chop suey, rice dishes, and a bit of everything in between. Their beer cocktails are fun, and the whole place suits groups who want something delicious and simple but still with enough vibe to feel like a bit of a night out.

Kiln is a bustling spot where the cooking happens up front, so you see people preparing Thai dishes out on the open, like their northern style sausage, red mullet cooked low and slow, and famous skewers. Despite plenty of praise and national awards, the prices stay reasonable, and the room feels casual rather than overly fancy. Tables fill quickly, so you might wait, but it's well worth it.

Singapulah brings Singaporean classics to Soho, operating as both a restaurant and a small deli. The four-storey setup highlights different Singaporean producers, with featured brands rotating every few months. You'll find dishes built around those ingredients here, from laksa to chicken rice, alongside shelves stocked with snacks and pantry staples to take home. It's a casual spot that gives diners a quick tour of Singapore's food culture in one small hub.

Fatt Pundit focuses on Indo-Chinese cooking that traces back to Kolkata's Hakka community. The menu includes dumplings with chutneys, fiery stir fries, and seafood dishes like chilli prawns. There are rabbit wontons for the more adventurous, plus veggie options like Manchurian cauliflower. It's a good pick for mixed dietary needs since they also have gluten-free and dairy-free menus.

Himi is located just off Carnaby Street and offers a laid-back take on the izakaya setup. The space is modern, with an a la carte menu that shifts with the seasons. Expect sushi, sashimi, and grilled skewers alongside a drinks menu that pays homage to sake and highballs. The open kitchen adds some buzz, but the atmosphere stays relaxed enough for a catch up rather than a big night out.

This Indian restaurant began as a small pop up before settling into a permanent home and eventually opening more sites across London. The cooking draws on regional Indian flavours while using quality British produce, so dishes feel familiar without being repetitive. The Keralan chicken is one of the plates people come back for, and the samphire pakoras make an easy starter if you want something light.

Koya is a go-to in Soho for simple Japanese comfort food, with a menu that focuses on udon, served hot or cold, plus donburi and small plates throughout the day. Seating is at communal tables or the counter facing the kitchen, which keeps things easy and quick. They also offer a full gluten-free menu.

Speedboat Bar takes inspiration from the Thai Chinese shophouses of Bangkok, with bright colours, loud energy, and a menu built for fast wok cooking. Expect drunken noodles, stir fries, big salads, and punchy cocktails. The upstairs bar is decorated with portraits of canal racers, which gives the place a fun vibe. Perfect for groups heading out in Soho who want dinner that feels like part of the night rather than a warm-up.

Donia is all about modern Filipino cooking in Kingly Court, in the same spot Imad's Syrian Kitchen and Darjeeling Express started out. The menu here is built around sharing plates and thoughtful sourcing, with dishes like dumplings filled with prawn and pork, alongside options that balance sweet, sour, and salty flavours. The team behind it already runs well known Filipino spots across London, and this restaurant mimics the same successful approach. 

Hoppers brings Sri Lankan dishes to a busy corner of Soho, and queues outside are a regular sight. Egg hoppers are a must, followed by black pork curry, sambols, and the bone marrow served with warm roti that everyone talks about. The room is small but lively, and the menu works best when shared across the table. It's a spot worth waiting for, especially if you want something spicy and a little messy in the best way. Booking helps, but even a short queue tends to move quickly.

Tangra nods to Kolkata's Hakka Chinese community with a menu full of veggie friendly small plates and sauces. There are momo dumplings, kati rolls, Manchurian kofta, Hakka noodles, and fried rice, all served in a stylish room that fits the late night Soho crowd. The cocktails are solid, the music is louder than average, and the space fills up quickly.

Khao Bird's first permanent space brings Thai cooking to a two level site that once housed an adult cinema. The look mixes blue metal tones with Chiang Mai inspired signage, while the open kitchen sends out grilled dishes and plates that feel familiar without being predictable. Expect smoky flavours, bright salads, and a casual list of cocktails and slushies from the bar.

Dishoom has been a reliable favourite since arriving in 2014, and the queues outside most evenings tell the whole story. Inside, you get relaxed Bombay style decor and a menu full of comforting dishes that work for breakfast through dinner. The 24-hour black daal is the all-time favourite order and works well with a simple roti or naan. It is the kind of place people return to because the vibe stays warm, the food is consistent, and the menu covers enough to suit most groups.