How to Spend the Day in Chinatown London (AD) | Love and London
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- čas přidán 24. 07. 2024
- In this video I spend the day exploring London's Chinatown, a hot spot to visit while in London for authentic cuisine, sweet treats, cocktails and more. In addition to going to some fabulous food spots in Chinatown, we get a mini-tour of the area from volunteer tour guides from China Exchange, and get to meet a Love and London follower with personal family ties to Chinatown London. (keep scrolling for info on everything mentioned in the video)
This video is sponsored by Chinatown London, a top destination in London for cuisines from all over East and SouthEast Asia. Cuisines range from Cantonese and Sichuanese to Malaysian, Singaporean, Taiwanese, Korean, Japanese and Filipino and more.
For more info on what to do in Chinatown, visit: loveandlondon.com/chinatown-l...
Watch more of my London area guides for more areas to explore when visiting London:
Shepherd's Bush, London: • Londoner's Guide to Sh...
Soho, London: • Londoner's Guide to So...
Cool areas to visit in London (you never heard of): • Cool Areas to Visit in...
CHINATOWN LONDON SPOTS MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO
- China Exchange Chinatown Tours. Run by local volunteers, their tours are just £27 and even include a sit-down meal at a Chinatown restaurant. More info here: chinaexchange.uk/events/china...
- We ate at Lotus Garden with Reece: www.lotusgardenchinatown.co.uk/ (if you aren't sure what to order, just ask the staff. Definitely go for dumplings but then they can advise on which ones and anything else you might want to try!)
- Mamasons for their Ube Bilog and Halo Halo: www.dirtyicecream.co.uk/
- Kova Patisserie for matcha cakes and pastries: kovapatisserie.com/
- Vietfood: vietnamfood.co.uk/vietfood/ (the bar VietLounge is on the top floor. Ask at the front door if it's open for drinks, if not, you can always have them downstairs).
Wheelchair accessibility info in Chinatown:
China Exchange's tour can be tricky with a wheelchair as it depends on what's happening in the streets that day. But the restaurant the tour visits is fully wheelchair accessible.
Lotus Garden has a disabled toilet but has two steps up to the restaurant from the pavement outside.
Mamasons is fully accessible.
Kova Patisserie has two steps up to their front door and a narrow doorway.
VietLounge is not wheelchair accessible.
Imperial China is wheelchair accessible (not mentioned in the video but just in case you need an extra suggestion!)
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About Love and London:
I'm Jess, I've lived in London for many years, and this channel is a London travel guide for anyone visiting the city that wants to experience it like you live here. Beyond talking about the usual London attractions, I show you some of the cooler things to do in London, that most travel guides don't mention. Watch my videos and you'll feel like you've got a Londoner friend telling you the best kept secrets in the city.
Glad to see the Asian diversity in London really shine!
❤️❤️❤️❤️ Thank you so much for watching Esther!
I totally agree, considering all the stupidity directed at people of Asian descent on a global scale. Shine a light!
Yes, Esther!! I totally agree!! 👏🏽
China Town is such an amazing corner in London! Love the food there!
It is! Thanks for watching.
I’m loving this series, Jess!! Thank you for showcasing the different ethnicities and cultures in London. There is so much diversity that tourists like myself could easily skip past. I’d love to check our. Gina town on my next visit- Thank you for showing us the best of London!! 👏🏽 😁👍🏽
Thanks for such kind words, so glad you've enjoyed it! Thank you for watching ❤️
I really enjoyed this video! It’s so helpful to get an idea of some of the highlights in a particular area. I have been to Chinatown in London once before, but had no knowledge about it and really didn’t know where to start! Thank you! Hope you do more of these!!! 😊
I think a lot of people are in the same position Julia, so it was so great to have the opportunity to explore and highlight the area and help steer people in the right direction. Thanks so much for taking the time to watch!
Been enjoying all the sneak peeks on social media and excited to finally watch this video!
So happy to hear this Sophia, really appreciate you taking the time to watch ❤️
I love these videos! Thank you for this! Great you are featuring these wonderful volunteers.
I am now DYING TO GO TO CHINATOWN!!!! Reece's expertise was great!
Thank you so much Jeanine! Happy to have them and to give their tours some love. Definitely recommended.
Right?! He's the best.
What a great place. I think one of the best aspects of an international city is it’s cultural diversity. Thanks for the tour. And, of course, the last 5 seconds were the best! (bloopers)😂
It absolutely is one of the best aspects! Thanks so much for watching Richard, appreciate it, and glad you made it to the bloopers ;)
Excellent video as always 👏🏻 thanks so much for exploring Chinatown for us, it's a place I always wanted to go but never knew where was good - but now I do! 😄
So glad to hear it! Thank you for taking the time to watch ❤️❤️❤️
there is always this amazing vibe when you enter any chinatown such as london, new york etc
There is! Couldn't agree more. Thanks for watching
San Francisco is the best.
Appreciating you highlighting locals and their perspectives in this video. I’ll be in London in a few weeks and will definitely be stopping by Chinatown. Thanks for the video!
Awesome ! Just FYI we no longer recommend Lotus Garden. We have lots of reccs for the area in our London itineraries: shop.loveandlondon.com/collections/itineraries
Great video, learned lots..can't wait to go next time I am in town! Thanks Jess
Thanks so much for watching George, I appreciate it!
Didn't know there was a Filipino dessert bar in Chinatown. Ube is a great flavour and, if they have it, papaya makes a really good ice cream too.
Oo that's a good question, I can't remember if they have Papaya but definitely could. Thanks for watching!
Loved it! You’ve made me hungry and a bit jealous 😁
Haha love it. Thank you for watching Andre, appreciate it! ❤️
As a long time subscriber and viewer I will say that I loved this tour. The restaurant food looked incredible! My wife and I are definitely going to visit these spots on our next trip to London, when the world gets back to normal. I will say though, that you should try the food and give us your opinion on it. The blooper where you laughingly say that it’s spicy was funny and informative, you can definitely include things like that.
As for those drinks! My God, they look like they can be worth the trip alone! Keep up the great work!
All the food included has my stamp of approval! So glad you enjoyed it, thank you for taking the time to watch and comment.
Great to see the diversity in content. As an Australian born Chinese (now British) it’s rare to see Chinese content in mainstream Western media. Keep up the terrific work!
Happy to help highlight such a great and unique area in London. Thanks so much for the kind words and for taking the time to watch!
If I move from France to China, am I now Chinese?
@@krampuskrampus1194 No, atleast I don't think so because unless your parents are Chinese then you are, but if they arent then you arent Chinese. Hope this helps! :)
@@YourYellow so if this person said they are "(now British)" they are not really British correct?
Correct :D@@krampuskrampus1194
I just subscribed, loving the channel so far. Brilliant!
So glad to hear it, thank you so much for taking the time to watch this video!
What a great video, you dont see many videos about this area so this is really helpful.
Thanks so much for watching!
You know you're food too, I spent loads of time in China town when I was a student at the London hospital medical college in the late 90's. Looks as beautiful then as it does now. One of my favourite places was Wonkies x
I really want to come back n explore more. Didn't even notice the plaques because it was packed and so much to see
Right?! That's why I love doing tours like that, I've passed by those plaques so many times and never looked or noticed.
I've been there years ago and loved it!! I wanna go back so bad!
It's great! Thanks for watching Gloria!
I'm from Kensington and Chelsea originally.
My friends and I used to eat in Wardour Street closeby.
Place callled Wong Kei.
Basic sure but lots of Chinese people ate there, along with the arty crowd in Theatre land.
Don't know what it's like these days, as I've lived in the ☀ 👉 🇹🇷 for a few years.
But the sliced roast duck in cherry sauce, was not only top cuisine, it was a decent size and superb vfm.
I’m so going to this area when I visit! Changing plans up now just to explore this area.
Enjoy it Jenn, lots to see. Also be sure to grab The Casual Tourist Guide to Central London or my 3-Day London Itinerary for more central London exploring: shop.loveandlondon.com
I love all of your videos. I am planning to book for the month of October 14 days between London, and Paris. I love history, good food, shopping, and meeting new people.
Thank you so much Briggitte! Thanks for much for watching :)
I'll see you there! I'm also coming in October for 7 days!
I love London's Chinatown, always visit it every time I'm in London ❤️
One of my favorite places in Chinatown to get a late-night snack is Good Fried Chicken!
Yes I love it too! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!
Awesome, thanks so much Jess!
Hope you got a couple good dinner reccs for your visit with your sister Lisa!
@@loveandlondon oh I did. Lotus Garden looks so good. Never had dim sum before! And oh those deserts look heavenly!
That food & dessert looked good AF!
hahah yes it is indeed
Great timing, I'm planning on visiting Chinatown next week
No way! Great timing indeed. Enjoy. Tag me on IG so I can see where you end up going! Thanks for watching Lucas.
Great video! I love Asian food and I’ve been studying Chinese online. On my next London trip (hopefully December) I’ll definitely check out the area.
No way, that's cool! Thank you so much for watching Barbara!
I can't believe I missed this vid of yours! So glad I clicked on the link that you added to your latest Viral TikTok places to eat in London!I have always wanted to try Mamason's as well as the pastry one you went to and now I have an awesome bar to try as well at Viet Food! WooHoo! :-)
SO glad to hear you enjoyed this one Norman, it's quite close to my heart ❤️ Thanks for watching
Honestly, all these food just made my stomach growl 😅😂 can’t wait to visit these places ❤
hah! thanks for watching!
I really liked Tokyo Diner on Newport Place. Very authentic, not expensive, and the service was extremely fast.
Love it! Thanks for the recommendation Laura!
Definitely plan on visiting Chinatown when I come to London!
Great to hear Steven, thanks so much for watching!
China Town is a great place and very clean and tidy (like most of the City). It does get very busy though (pre Covid). Great Vlog.
Glad you enjoy the area too Dazza, thanks so much for watching!
Great history of China town ❤️
Thanks so much for watching!
That was great!
Thank you Linda, thanks so much for taking the time to watch! ❤️
Loved this!! Thanks so much for posting it. Can't wait to try those restaurants and bakeries and the Viet bar. What was your favorite drink out of the three that you were served?
Thank YOU for watching Lisa, really appreciate you taking the time! All of the cocktails were quite unique tastes, enjoyed them all, but Ho Chi Minh was my favourite as I love lemon and basil.
@@loveandlondon The Ho Chi Minh looked very refreshing and I will definitely give it a go when I am in London. Have you ever been to a restaurant in Chinatown that has (don't laugh, but this is how I remember it) a full lucky statue but in the form of Charles Schulz's Peanuts Characters? They had the best food and unfortunately, I don't remember the name, but I remember that....lol
Thank you for the video is awesome and I really enjoyed it now, as when I went to London before covid, I just missed a lot of things. I remember I went through it every night as the opera house was at the other end of the neighborhood and I walked throughout but I did not have time to stop by. So thank you. By the way, it would be great if you made a video of the royal opera house covent garden area now that is the nutcracker on again you might even interview a star of the show, it would be great 😊👍🌟💗
Yes definitely visit Chinatown next time, but don't worry there's so much to see in London you could be here for years and not hit it all. Thanks so much for taking the time to watch ❤️
Concise and informative.
Thanks for watching !
I really loved this video. I especially enjoyed seeing the asian diversity in London. I'm glad I'm getting to go for my 25th birthday!
So glad to hear you enjoyed it Sujay! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. Enjoy your birthday!
@@loveandlondon Thank you so much Jess!
Good for you
Some restaurants offer two versions of menus: one for westerners and one for Chinese diners. The 'western' version is suited for non-Chinese diners. If you want to try real Chinese cuisine, do bring someone who is very familiar.
By the way, you should visit Chinatown Bakery, just off at Newport Pl.
I'm visiting next week hopefully with my brother.
Nice! Enjoy!
I love visiting China Town in London 💖💖💖
me too! Thanks for watching!
They really trashed Chinatown and Leicester square after England lost the Euro championship - thank God for the workers who worked all night to clean it up, they're the real heroes
Yes they are. Thanks for watching Evan.
Amazing 😍👌🏻❤❤❤
Can Jess still walk after all this cocktails ;-) I just went through Chinatown few days ago, but the place really deserves more attention. The Vietnamese restaurant looks amazing. Thanks for the video!
Hahah thankfully we wrapped shooting shortly after. Thanks so much for watching!
Anyone know what food item she ordered at Viet food?! The large salad?
ohhhhh i am so excited to visit chinatown on my trip
Gold mine restaurant!😋
I'm early! by the way I've been there, I took a really long flight to France then switched and flew to the Heathrow Airport in London!
Nice! And thank you for taking the time to watch ❤️
This is giving me major cravings for good food. But I always wondered when you cover so any food places in a day how do you manage to eat so much variety of food? Genuinely asking it cause I wanna make food videos in London but was wondering if I should go on different days to film each restaurant 😂
It's an art! ;) Thanks for watching Namitha!
Fun place to visit
Definitely. Fun place to eat WELL. Thanks for watching!
I like this video
Wow not sure how you kept eating, forget man versus food. But definitely gonna visit these places, thank you 😊
Thanks for watching Martin, I appreciate it!
London is a multicultural city 😍👍🏻❤❤
Thanks 😊
Yes! Thanks for watching Pablo.
Chinatown is one of London's oldest communities . The original one was in East London near Bethnal Green.
In Limehouse! Thanks for watching Ginger, appreciate it!
You should also visit Southall and Harrow.
Would love to visit the ice cream shop, and bakery.
Yes! Hope you enjoy when you do.
Hey Jess, I'm getting into London on the 25th for a short 2 - 3 day trip for my birthday as previously mentioned. I've booked a trip to the Kew Gardens on Monday 26th in the morning and a ride on the London Eye and a Thames River Cruise on Tuesday 27th (My birthday). I also plan on visiting Chinatown in London at some point on my trip as well. What are some of the other things I can do when in London as a tourist? I plan on arriving in the morning on Sunday and check in to my hotel for me isn't until 3pm. Is there anything else I can do? What would you recommend?
Hey Sujay! Thanks for watching the video. I have TONS of recommendations for what to do in my videos on this channel and also on my website: loveandlondon.com. Good luck and have a great time!
@@loveandlondon Thank you so much 😃
🤤🤤🤤🤤 Everything looked so delicious!
Haha yes it absolutely was. Such a great area for eating well. Thanks for watching Cecille!
Chinatown is now added to my itinerary when I visit! Problem is I'm not sure when that will be :( We pushed our trip to September, however I just read we would have to test on our 2nd day and are now nervous. Do you know if vaccinated American travelers still test after they get to UK? Oddly the information is not as easy to find as I hoped.
Thanks for watching Jennifer! At the moment, Americans have to quarantine for 10 days when arriving here, regardless of vaccination. Waiting for hopefully an announcement that changes that soon.
The Viet Food place looks interesting, have added it to my list
Enjoy it !! It's great. Really nice food and drink.
the Ho Chi Minh drink looked similar to a mojito, but I'm guessing it tasted different? Also Dim Sum is never a bad choice for lunch :)
Yeah it's different! It has basil in it, and as the basil infuses into the drink it changes the taste over time. Thanks so much for watching!
Good work
Thanks Richard, appreciate you taking the time to watch.
Great video... but you need to mention (1) Wong Kei (a London institution); (2) Kowloon Bakery and (3) Opium Bar
Sadly we couldn't fit it all into one video :) Thanks for watching!
I can’t find on google maps the viet longue. What’s the full name of the place?
VietFood is the restaurant but I think the bar might have shut!
I went there with my cousins
Hey Jess, loved your video. I am using so many of your videos to plan my short trip to London. However, it would have been really helpful if you were to mention the cost of the food. For a foreigner to understand and budget the visit. Food looked fancy so i am guessing will be expensive.
Thanks for your feedback! In our guides we give a really good guidance on what costs to expect at each place we recommend. You might like our Casual Tourist Guides: shop.loveandlondon.com/collections/casual-tourist-guides-to-london
@@loveandlondon thank you Jess
So I have a flight question. Is $849 a good price for round trip from the US to London?
Can't really answer that! Depends on a ton of factors. Thanks for watching Haley.
When we get to London, looks like we're going to China Town.
Enjoy! Thanks so much for watching Mike.
Mamasons has my name on it for a visit asap 🤩
Oh yaaaa 🍦🍦🍦🍦
Wanted to ask if London apartments are very dog friendly ? I have 3 dogs and can afford 1,600 a month. Is this doable in London within walking distance to a good transit and 2 bedrooms ?
Zone 3 or farther that should be doable. 3 dogs might be tough.
Any recommendations for a good tea shop that serves green tea?
Do you just want to sit down and drink it or buy it to take home? You can have green tea at basically any cafe in London and also when having afternoon tea. It's everywhere ;)
@@loveandlondon sit and drink and ideally in Chinatown.
Is Chinatown open everyday of the week
Yes! ❤️❤️
I enjoyed this video but I think it would have been better if you described how the food and drinks tasted.
Thanks for watching! Anything that we include has my stamp of approval for taste.
蓮園❤
Ni hao :) (Great Channel Subscribed)
Thanks for watching!
Returned from a trip recently, April 2024, and ate at a restaurant on their street patio. They didn’t tell us but they charged us an additional £5 each for eating outside. Not cool.
Which restaurant? We've never seen or heard of this. Could have told them to take it off.
Are reservations recommended in these restaurants??
Reservations are recommended whenever you can get them in central London!
Hey, knowing that you're a veggie, do all the places you mentioned offer vegan options? :)
Not for vegan but VietFood is good for veggie. Here's a great article for where to get vegan food in Chinatown: chinatown.co.uk/en/get-inspired/best-vegan-dishes-in-chinatown-london/ Plum Valley does this really good Sweet and Sour Chicken (the mock chicken is banging) and the black pepper chicken dish is really good too. Enjoy!
@@loveandlondon Nice, this is helpful. Thanks!
👍❤️
Together
London together with Chinese Town, together we are strong.
Absolutely !
is proper chinese food or is it made for the english pallet
Quite authentic, the experts have told me! Go and try for yourself :)
The Hong Kong style Cantonese food is authentic. I have no knowledge about other regional dishes.
This looks way better than NYC one. But don’t see any locals.
It's much smaller than the NYC one so there aren't really any residences here!
@@loveandlondon true. even most residents in NYC chinatown is not even asian. lol.
Hey I've just moved onto a new apartment near the shard. I am looking for new friends here after being in France 8 years. It's so easy to search for guys (not needed as I am getting married) but for girls like- how do you find them? I spend every day on my own and it's getting very boring. I could be enjoying london much more with a few friends around.
Join Girls Gone International London FB group! Thanks for watching Suzy.
@@loveandlondon your amazing thank you 😊😊😊
The original family owned places in Chinatown are struggling to make rent now,
Make sure you go to an original place when you go to Chinatown, not a chain.
London wouldnt be the same without Chinatown as we know it
China people is awesome
🤤
hahha love it, thanks for watching Jim
Southall Little India (Suggestion)
Alright Jess, who carried you out of the Bar ??????
🤣 you're not wrong to assume this needed to be done... there are a lot of stairs
@@loveandlondon I saw all of those drinks in front of you and just figured.
🇨🇳 🇬🇧👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👊🏻
Thanks for watching Robert!
靜
First
I visited the Restaurant Lotus Garden and you need to know, it was awful. I really can't recommend this Restaurant. Please check the comments on google before you visit these places.
Sorry to hear that! This video is quite old now and of course things can always change.