In London, China Town is small but mighty. Every road and alleyway is waiting to be explored. It's like a treasure hunt, except there's no map. You create your own, with your own personal markings. And if your lucky, you strike gold. My favourite thing to do in neighbourhoods like China Town is try a bit of everything, or as much as I physically can. One of my most viral videos on TikTok was a China Town food tour. At first, I thought nothing of it but as time went on I understood how places like this can be overwhelming for people. Where to grab a snack? Where to have dinner? Where's the best place for dumplings? These are normal questions with an area that is so densely packed with variety. Do I have the answers to all those questions? No. But I do have favourites, certain places I take friends and family. For me, that's the best part, even though its called China Town it's a melting pot of different cultures and cuisines from all over Asia.
So here are the top three spots in my China Town food tour:
Ji Chickens / Good Friend
Before TikTok was ever a thing I stumbled across this shop on one of my first trips to China Town. This shop specialises in Taiwanese fried chicken. The menu is extensive with lots to chose from one but the one thing that caught my eye was fried chicken skin, it sounded different so I knew I had to try it. The portion is a decent size so make sure you're sharing a bag because it can become too sickening very quickly. I really enjoyed the concept, it reminded me of snacking on popcorn but instead it was chicken skin. It may sound weird I know but that's the memory that came to mind. They're also known for the volcanic cheesy chicken. This is a chicken breast stuffed with cheese, breaded and fried. Personally, the chicken skin will forever by my favourite. The whole concept of this shop is that you get to choose the seasoning you desire so the possibilities are endless. They have flavours like chilli, curry, tomato, seaweed, cheese, plum e.t.c. You can really go to town with whatever combinations your heart desires. It's a shop that really reflects the nature of China Town and what it's all about.
Bunsik
Korean corn dogs are another food frenzy that took over the TikTok world. Now before Bunsik was open I attempted to make these at home, they weren't bad but definitely not as good as Bunsik, so I decided to leave it to the professionals. The shop was highly criticised when it first opened because of the hype and waiting time e.t.c. However, all the times I've gone I've thoroughly enjoyed it. I've never actually gotten the sausage, a little bit controversial I know, but the cheese pull is just where it's at for me. Just like most shops in China Town you have a choice of what you want, different combinations of corn dogs, toppings and sauces. I always get the potato mozzarella topped with sugar, ketchup and buldak mayo (spicy mayo). Now whenever I introduce anyone they're alarmed at the sugar but I always say it's the perfect bite of sweet and salty, chewy and crunchy. what more can you ask for?
Beijing Dumpling House
http://beijingdumpling.co.uk/
A runner up for a Michelin star it's no surprise that Beijing Dumpling House is one of my go to's. Unfortunately the only dumplings I've tried are the infamous pork xaio long bao aka the soup dumplings. Warm, steamy little pockets of savoury deliciousness. The concept of xaio long bao always amazed me, how intricately the dumpling is made and how perfectly pleated it looks. The difference between a good dumpling and a great dumpling is the care that is taken to make each and every one of them. Beijing Dumpling House does exactly that, the dumplings are made fresh at the front of the restaurant and that's why it deserves a spot in my China Town food tour.
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