Where to eat in London: 18 must-try Asian restaurants and cafes

If you’re craving the comforting, homey flavours of Asian cuisine, you’re in luck. From fragrant curries and steaming bowls of noodles to street-style dumplings that hit just right, London is packed with well-known establishments, as well as hidden gems that feel like a taste of home. Whether you’re longing for Singaporean favourites or eager to explore other Asian flavours, these must-try spots will satisfy your cravings.

Japanese

London’s Japanese food scene spans from Michelin-starred omakase in Mayfair to ramen joints in Soho. Sushi ranges from refined nigiri to casual belt sushi restaurants, while izakayas serve yakitori, sake, and small plates. Regional dishes like Hokkaido soup curry and Kyoto sweets are gaining more and more fans, while matcha desserts have become a staple, and you will likely find one at every corner.

Chinese and Cantonese

The Chinese food scene in London is a rich blend of heritage and variety, with Chinatown at its bustling heart. Just steps from Leicester Square, the area is a sensory feast - roast ducks glistening in shop windows, the scent of freshly made dumplings filling the air, and neon signs tempting you into restaurants that stay busy late into the night.

Here, you can sample delicate Cantonese dim sum, slurp hand-pulled noodles, dive into hotpots (there is even a Haidilao!) or nibble on Hong Kong–style desserts between meals. With dozens of eateries packed into a few lively streets, Chinatown offers a culinary tour of China in miniature,  and the map of flavours changes with every visit.

Vietnamese

London’s Vietnamese food scene has blossomed over the last two decades, with the East End’s Kingsland Road long known as the “Pho Mile” for its dense concentration of noodle houses. Here, steaming bowls of fragrant beef pho, fresh herb-packed summer rolls, and crispy bánh mì sandwiches are staples, while newer restaurants experiment with modern plating and fusion influences.

Vietnamese coffee culture has also taken hold, with cafés offering silky egg coffee and strong drip brews. The cuisine’s balance of freshness, texture, and spice resonates with Londoners seeking both comfort and vibrancy in their dining experiences.

Indian

London’s Indian food scene is as diverse as it is dynamic, reflecting the country’s rich regional flavours and the history of South Asian migration to the UK. Brick Lane remains synonymous with classic curry houses, while fine-dining destinations like Dishoom elevate traditional dishes with modern techniques and nods to colonial-era heritage. From Punjabi street food stalls to Goan restaurants serving fragrant seafood curries, every regional tradition has its champions. Balancing authenticity with reinvention, Indian cuisine remains one of London’s most enduring and influential culinary pillars.

Korean

Korean cuisine is one of London’s most dynamic and rapidly growing culinary scenes. Driven by the global rise of K-culture, it has moved from niche to mainstream over the past decade. BBQ restaurants, fried chicken spots, and kimchi-filled grocery stores are popping up across the city. In central London, Korean dining has gone upscale, with sleek, modern venues serving elevated takes on classics like bibimbap.