PLUM VALLEY
For a contemporary take on the Cantonese dim sum tradition, Plum Valley brings a more modern dining experience to Gerrard Street.
BREAKFAST & BRUNCH IN CHINATOWN
From steaming baskets of dim sum and fluffy Cantonese buns to freshly baked pastries, silky milk teas and traditional Chinese congee, Chinatown offers a different way to start your day.
Whether you're grabbing a pineapple bun and coffee on the go, settling in for a leisurely weekend dim sum feast or exploring the neighbourhood's contemporary Asian-inspired cafés, there's plenty to discover beyond the classic full English.
With generations of culinary traditions sitting alongside exciting new concepts, Chinatown's breakfast and brunch scene brings together the best of old and new. Think Hong Kong-style bakery favourites, delicate dumplings, Japanese-inspired pastries and comforting bowls of noodles, all within a few streets of London's West End.
DIM SUM BRUNCH
Steaming bamboo baskets, delicate dumplings, fluffy buns and endless pots of Chinese tea make dim sum one of the most delicious ways to spend a leisurely morning.
GOLDEN DRAGON
For a classic Cantonese dim sum experience, Golden Dragon is a firm fixture with a menu of traditional favourites, including steamed dumplings, rice noodle rolls and savoury buns.
ORIENT LONDON
Located beside Chinatown's iconic Chinese gate, Orient London brings together traditional Cantonese cooking and an impressive selection of handcrafted dim sum.
BEYOND DIM SUM: TRADITIONAL ASIAN BREAKFASTS IN CHINATOWN
Forget cereal and toast. Across Asia, breakfast takes on a whole different meaning. From steaming bowls of rice porridge and savoury noodle soups to crispy Chinese doughnuts and silky soy milk, mornings are all about comforting flavours, contrasting textures and dishes that have been enjoyed for generations.
In Chinatown London, traditional Chinese restaurants, bakeries and casual dining spots offer an opportunity to explore these breakfast traditions, whether you're looking for something light and nourishing or a hearty meal to start the day.
CONGEE: THE ULTIMATE CHINESE COMFORT FOOD
Warm, comforting and endlessly versatile, congee has been a breakfast staple across China for centuries. This traditional rice porridge is slowly simmered until the grains break down into a silky, creamy consistency, creating the perfect base for both savoury and sweet additions.
In Cantonese cuisine, congee is often served with tender slices of pork, chicken, fish or preserved century egg, finished with spring onions, ginger and a drizzle of sesame oil. For a truly traditional pairing, add youtiao — golden, crispy Chinese dough sticks that are perfect for dipping into the warm porridge.
Where to explore: Cantonese restaurants such as Wong Kei are worth investigating for traditional rice and noodle dishes, while congee availability should be confirmed against current menus before recommending a specific venue.
CHEUNG FUN: SILKY RICE NOODLE ROLLS
Delicate, slippery and packed with flavour, cheung fun is a Cantonese breakfast and dim sum favourite. Made from thin sheets of steamed rice noodle, these soft rolls are wrapped around fillings such as prawns, char siu pork or beef, then finished with a light, savoury soy-based sauce.
For something more traditional, plain rice noodle rolls can be served with sesame or sweet sauces, creating a simple yet satisfying morning dish. Their delicate texture and subtle flavour make cheung fun an essential part of the Cantonese breakfast experience.
Where to try: Golden Dragon and Plum Valley are good starting points for Cantonese dim sum, including rice noodle roll dishes, subject to current menus.
SOY MILK & CHINESE BREAKFAST BUNS
In many parts of China, breakfast is a simple combination of warm soy milk and freshly steamed or baked buns. Known as doujiang, traditional Chinese soy milk can be served sweetened or unsweetened, and in some regions prepared as a savoury dish with seasonings and toppings.
Pair it with a fluffy baozi filled with pork or vegetables, or a lightly sweetened bun filled with red bean paste or custard, for a breakfast that's both convenient and satisfying.
Where to try: Chinatown Bakery is a natural stop for traditional Chinese baked buns and pastries, while Bun House offers a contemporary take on Cantonese steamed buns for a later brunch.