Where to Spend Christmas Day in Chinatown

How to have yourself a very Chinese Christmas at Chinatown.

Whether you’re a homesick student who can’t make it home this year or simply fancy an alternative to turkey, there are plenty of restaurants opening in Chinatown London on Christmas Day. Swap sprouts for spring rolls this season and make a beeline for one of these destinations.

What’s open on Christmas Day in Chinatown London

Far East

For an early-morning Christmas treat, Far East serve up delectable baked goods – from sweet red bean fritters and sticky lotus seed buns to pillowy roast pork buns. Why not have one instead of a mince pie? You’ll find plenty more besides, think; dim sum and crowd-pleasing Cantonese classics like wok-fried dishes and unctuous noodle soups.

Opening until 4am. 13 Gerrard St, Soho, London W1D 5PS

Plum Valley

Being one of Chinatown’s more sophisticated spots, Plum Valley makes the perfect destination for your Christmas dinner. The swish eatery serves progressive Chinese, Thai and Japanese fusion – try their moreish wasabi prawn dumplings. Come with friends and family and enjoy a post-dinner sing-a-long at Plum Valley’s KTV karaoke rooms, they’re open until 1.30am!

Opening until 12am. 20 Gerrard St, London W1D 6JQ

Rasa Sayang

It may have a simple, no-frills vibe but Rasa Sayang is one of the only places you’ll be able to chow down on a Malaysian-Singaporean Christmas dinner. Load up on street food staples like kueh pie tee (crispy wafer-like cups filled with minced chicken and prawn) or indulge in a hearty nasi lemak; coconut rice, chicken curry, egg, peanuts and anchovy.

Opening until 12am. 5 Macclesfield St, London W1D 6AY

Can’t make it to Chinatown London on Christmas Day? Better still, come down before and stock up on traditional ornamental Chinese gifts at Wan Jun, books, calligraphy at Guanghwa Bookshop or cool and quirky cosmetics at P2Bus.