Imperial China has become my go to place for dim sum (饮茶). It's located in the busiest area of London – China town near Soho.
First time we came across this place whilst taking a casual stroll through the West End with some friends. We were quite surprised when we walked by the Koi Carp swimming underneath us!
The front door was quite small but when you walk through it, you will be amazed how spacious it is inside. There is a small wooden bridge spanning a fish pond, warm wood panelling and lighting. A second floor offers a view of the dining room area below.
We were surrounding by hundreds of red festival lanterns. Sitting upon the front desk was the display of a traditional new year cake in the shape of a fish – Koi fish shaped rice cake (新年年糕) .
The overall atmosphere was really pleasant. We were immediately seated at a large round table on the second floor.
Like most of the Chinese restaurants, service here is efficient mainly to maximise customer turnover. Minutes after ordering, about a dozen food laden baskets arrived simultaneously.
The Dim Sum dishes are authentic and of very decent quality. Portions are reasonably standard compared to other restaurants within the neighbourhood.
Prawn Dumplings
Chicken Claws in Black Bean Sauce
Beef Balls in Vegetable
Steam Pork Dumplings
Fried Taro Paste Croquettes
Baked Shredded Turnip Pastry
Crispy Noodle with Pork & Vegetable
Chicken Fried Rice
We had a fantastic meal and finished up with two little desserts – egg custard tart and koi fish mango pudding- which were both absolutely delicious!
Egg Custard Tart
Koi Fish Mango Pudding
The general ambience and food of China Imperia are of top notch quality. It is a great place to entertain friends and family alike! Another one to add to the list of must-visit eateries in the heart of London.
Looks authentic. I believe you. :-)
A friend once told me she was in a Chinese restaurant in Europe.
Cannot remember which city for sure but she was working in Hamburg for a while she travel to other parts.
The story has it that she went into a Chinese restaurant and ordered so dimsum and the people there suggested she order something else just because she speak Chinese with them. They reveal that the dimsum are frozen ones coming out of a pack. Never forget her story after that.
Interesting you mentioned that, I also came across some Chinese restaurants in London that are quite unreliable in terms of the food quality. Luckily I found some decent quality places that I can count on every single time :)
Thanks for stopping by and commented @ace108!
You're welcome. Good to know there's enough true ones to go to. :-)
I want this food :)
The dim sum was really tasty. I am sure you will enjoy them too :)
I hope that soon :)
Yummmm. Dim sum is so good
I cannot agree more, lol.
Thank you for stopping by :)
dim sum! yum!
Indeed, dim sum is one of my favourite food, lol.
@doitvoluntarily, thank you for stopping by :)
I love dim sum! This looks incredible. Now I'm starving again :). Great post!
Hey Mark, come to London with Bianca we will all go there, lol...
Keep up the Great work
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Hey @gringalicious, thank you for stopping by :)
I love oriental food...very nice dear @rea and a good weekend for you :) PS: You beautiful in the last photo :)
It is very kind of you @jsantana, thank you.
You too have a nice weekend!
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Thank you@danlupi!
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very amazing photos and food
Thank you for your nice comment!
ricoo
Thanks.
You read my mind, was looking for a nice recommendation for a Dim Sum place in my local vicinity. Cheers :)