Stacey asked for some advice for a friend who’d had bad experiences with Chinese food in London. Admittedly there’s plenty of opportunity for those, and it’s a shame that they hadn’t hit any of the winners. I suggested a list and thought I’d blog about it so other people might try something new.

Here’s a few recommendations…

Best Peking Duck
You can find the most popular Peking Duck at the Four Seasons in Bayswater. They’ve opened up another outlet in Chinatown though I haven’t been there yet.

Dim Sum (Yum Cha)
Not many places in London do this by the cart (and if they do, the quality tends to be very average). New World is pretty good with carts, but not my most favourite. For what I think is quality Dim Sum I head to Laureate (it’s on Shaftsbury Avenue), or Golden Dragon – both in Chinatown.

Malaysian/Singaporean
Though not exclusively “Chinese”, C&R Cafe, in Chinatown does great Malaysian or Singaporean food. It’s down a little alley somewhere (I think Rupert Court).

Upscale Chinese
London being London means every budget is accommodated for. Hakkasan (very expensive) offers a great dining experience though I think I prefer Shanghai Blues (expensive). Royal China (affordable upscale) is also less formal yet still very enjoyable dining experience. They have locations both in Queensway and Baker Street. Princess Gardens (affordable upscale) is also very nice though has been quite empty when I go there.