Dim Sum in London: Where to go

Dim Sum in London: Where To Go

Looking for some hot, steamy dim sum in London town? You’ve come to the right place.

Making good dim sum is an art, and in 2019 we no longer have time, or money, for mass produced, frozen dumplings being reheated and sold to us at obscene prices. The restaurant scene in London has responded, and specialised dumpling houses have been popping up all over the city.

These are the ones I’ve already given the green light; more to come, soon!

Lovely House Dim Sum Restaurant in London

Peckham is nowhere near London central; it’s in no way a tourist hub, you won’t find any guided walking tours or iconic attractions, but you can eat some of the best dim sum of your life.

To be fair, Peckham is home to the MOCA Art Gallery of London, which is right next door to Lovely House Dim Sum! Visiting the gallery was how I came to find little Lovely House in the first place.

This is the most low-key dining experience you’ll probably have in all of London. No frills, no fuss and low, low cost — what a treat!

Lovely House Dim Sum Restaurant in London – by Lovely House Dim Sum Restaurant – Uploaded by them

They have an extensive dim sum menu indulging all variants of steamed bean buns, not something many places offer in London. There is also a main meal menu of traditional Chinese dishes for diners with bigger appetites.

The only downside to Lovely House is that they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays & they don’t open for lunch service at all.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Wednesday TO Sunday –  6pm to 10am

ADDRESS: 119 Bellenden Rd, Peckham, London SE15 4QY, UK

METRO STATION: Peckham Rye

Ping Pong Soho in London

You can find virtually anything you want to eat in Soho; and unlike Peckham, this is an area for vibrant street life, iconic attractions and guided walking tours!

Ping Pong is a Chinese restaurant chain with other locations around the city. I have only eaten at this one in Soho, and was over the moon with the food and service.

Not many Chinese restaurants in London make an effort to consider the ever evolving climate of dietary restrictions and requirements. The Ping Pong menu is clearly set up to include meat eaters, vegetarians, vegans and gluten free individuals.

Ping Pong Soho in London – by Ping Pong Soho – Uploaded by them

More than this, they take allergies very seriously and will go out of their way to ensure everything coming from the kitchen is safe for consumption.

A dim sum lunch or dinner here, amongst friends or a lover, is the perfect night out on the town.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday –  11am to 10:30pm

ADDRESS: 45 Great Marlborough St, Soho, London W1F 7JL, UK

METRO STATION: Oxford Circus Underground

Opium Dim Sum Parlour in London

The St James neighborhood is a gem for hideaway bars with interesting concepts. Opium is a cocktail bar with a dim sum house inside; another phenomenal night out in London.

I warn you, this is a pricy joint and you’re going to pay quite a bit for the overall experience, since it usually entails creative cocktails and never-ending dim sum. Prices aside, this is a fabulous dining experience for anyone who values this cuisine.

Opium Dim Sum Parlour in London – by Opium Dim Sum Parlour – Uploaded by them

The space is designed to look and feel like an old Opium den. You’re very much removed from the outside world once inside.

It’s become quite a hot-spot in this neighborhood so booking in advance is recommended, but not essential so long as you don’t mind a bit of a line at the door.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – 5pm to 3am

ADDRESS: 15-16 Gerrard St, London W1D 6JE, UK

METRO STATION: Leicester Square

Shikumen in London

Shukimen is a chic, modern Chinese restaurant out in the suburbs west of Hyde Park. Don’t get confused by the location upon arrival, Shukimen is situated inside of the Shepard’s Bush Hotel.

It’s one of the top Chinese restaurants in the city, with menus from different cuisines in China that will leave you nothing short of impressed. Their dim sum menu is limited, but outstanding.

Shikumen in London – by Shikumen – Uploaded by them

The space is always filled with Asian people, which is a seal of approval.

Like all upmarket restaurants in London, booking is essential. Unless you are a guest at the hotel you won’t be able to show up last minute for dinner service; at lunch time this can be possible, but not worth the risk. Call them!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday –  12pm to 11pm

ADDRESS: 58 Shepherd’s Bush Green, Shepherd’s Bush, London W12 8QE, UK

METRO STATION: Shepherd’s Bush Market

Steam in London

It’s all in the name! Steam brings the dim sum goodness to Hammersmith, also in London west.

The menu is an array of delicious, creative dum sum options, of which you’ll want to try at least six different variants. They do offer platters that will come curated for you, instead of choosing individually. There are options for vegans and vegetarians; unfortunately no gluten free dim sum at this time.

Steam in London – by Steam – Sourced from their Facebook

To top off an already impressive dim sum selection, they also do authentic bao buns and Vietnamese rolls.

Eating a creatively conceptualized meal for under £15 per person is really unheard of in London. Evening service can be busy and you might need to wait thirty or so minutes before being served — bring a book!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday –  12pm to 3pm // 5pm to 11pm

ADDRESS: 177 King St, Hammersmith, London W6 9JT, UK

METRO STATION: Royal Oak