The best Chinese restaurants in Shoreditch

Named after a Chinese proverb stating that real conversation begins after the third round of drinks, Three Rounds Tavern brings Hong Kong drinking culture to Shoreditch. The kitchen at this modern, stylishly furnished restaurant serves traditional Chinese comfort food with an emphasis on smoking and braising, with the various cold cuts and classic dishes like salt and pepper squid all designed to match perfectly with the drinks on offer, headlined by potent baijiu spirits that are seldom found elsewhere in London.

The Sichuan, near Old Street Station, is a classic Chinese restaurant led by award-winning chef Zhang Xiao Zhong, a third-generation chef with a rich culinary heritage. Known for authentic Sichuan specialities, the menu features traditional dishes like grilled fish and dry hot pots, all prepared without MSG. With its East London-style exposed brick walls, Chinese artwork, and a function room complete with karaoke, The Sichuan provides a lively atmosphere for enjoying a delicious meal.

Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles, located near Old Spitalfields Market, brings the bold flavours of China's Shaanxi Province to London, with a focus on hand-pulled noodles. The bright, canteen-style restaurant offers a variety of authentic dishes, including jellyfish in chilli oil and Biang Biang noodles with melt-in-your-mouth beef in a fiery sauce. The hand-pulled noodles are also a favourite of budding social media influencers thanks to their astounding stretchiness.

This small eatery on Brick Lane is famous for its authentic Sichuan hot pot, made with rich and flavourful broths. The menu includes mixed dim sum platters and traditional specialities such as garlic-smashed cucumber, hot pig trotters, and kidney slices in a spicy, numbing sauce. A standout dish is their dry pot, featuring hearty tonic broths and paired with ingredients like tofu, lotus roots, and specially seasoned duck.

Tofu Vegan offers an entirely plant-based Chinese menu, crafted to appeal to vegans, vegetarians, and even meat-eaters. The majority of dishes are prepared with tofu, mushrooms, or meat substitutes to deliver an authentic flavour experience. Honouring China's long tradition of plant-based cuisine, the menu draws inspiration from various Chinese regions and features a diverse selection of dishes, including vegan-friendly dim sum.

On the southern edge of Shoreditch, just next to Liverpool Street Station, you'll find Yauatcha, an all-day dim sum teahouse. Choose from various signature menus and exclusive pairings – rosé and dim sum, anyone? – or head over on the weekend for brunch. You can also just stop by for a treat from the European-style patisserie selection, featuring detailed delights inspired by Chinese heritage and ingredients.

Another dining option next to Liverpool Street Station, Three Uncles is considered one of London's top destinations for Cantonese cuisine, with a particular focus on roasted meats. You can't miss the buzzy Chinese restaurant thanks to its blue façade and glowing neon signage. There's a variety of roasted meats served with rice to choose from if you're after a simple yet satisfying meal, as well as lo mein noodles and dim sum.

Chew Fun in Spitalfields specialises in Guilin noodles, a popular rice noodle from southern China. You can choose your ideal combo by picking the main ingredient before selecting your preferred noodles, sauces, and sides. Be sure to top your meal with their signature homemade chilli oil for an extra kick. Launched just before the pandemic, the restaurant was a big hit with the local Chinese community during lockdown and has since parlayed that success into a growing number of fans from across London.