FAMILY FRIENDLY GUIDE TO CHINATOWN
From colourful collectables and freshly made dumplings to Japanese desserts and cultural discoveries, explore the best things to do in Chinatown London with kids.
NAVIGATING THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY
Set between Leicester Square and Soho, Chinatown London offers a different perspective on a family day out in the capital. It's a neighbourhood made for curiosity, where East and Southeast Asian food, culture and contemporary trends come together in the heart of the West End.
DISCOVER A WORLD OF FLAVOURS
One of the best ways to explore Chinatown is through its food. From traditional Cantonese dim sum to Japanese noodles, Korean street food and Taiwanese snacks, the neighbourhood offers an introduction to the diverse cuisines of East and Southeast Asia.
For families, it's an opportunity to discover new dishes together, share plates across the table and turn an everyday meal into something more memorable.
FRONT ROW TO THE KITCHEN
At Dumplings’ Legend, the experience begins before the first dish reaches the table. Behind the restaurant’s glass-walled kitchen, skilled chefs expertly fold, fill and shape delicate dumplings by hand, offering a fascinating glimpse into the artistry of traditional Chinese cooking. Young food lovers can watch the intricate process unfold before discovering an extensive menu of steamed, pan-fried and soup-filled dumplings. With an impressive variety of flavours and fillings to explore, it’s an interactive dining experience that brings a little theatre to the family table.
SWEET TOOTH SATISFIED
For a sweet treat worth making a detour for, Bubblewrap brings a playful twist to one of Hong Kong’s most-loved street-food classics. Its signature bubble waffles are served warm and golden, wrapped around swirls of creamy ice cream and finished with everything from fresh fruit and crushed Oreos to indulgent sauces. Colourful, delicious and made to be enjoyed on the go, it’s a Chinatown London favourite that’s guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.
EXPLORE THE SHOPS
From mystery collectables and colourful character merchandise to quirky stationery and snacks from across Asia, shopping in Chinatown London is an adventure in itself. Beyond the neighbourhood's restaurants and bakeries, discover a world of playful stores filled with unexpected treasures, where little ones can explore their favourite characters, uncover new interests and find something they won't see on every high street.
Whether you're searching for a pocket-money treat, a birthday present or a souvenir from your family day out in London, Chinatown's shops offer plenty of reasons to stop, browse and discover something new.
Prepare for plenty of 'can we get this?' moments at MINISO, where playful design meets an ever-changing collection of gifts, accessories and everyday essentials. From irresistibly soft plush toys and colourful stationery to character-inspired accessories and quirky gadgets, there's something to catch every family member's eye.
UNBOX A SURPRISE AT POP MART
Few things capture the excitement of a surprise quite like a blind box, and POP MART has turned the concept into a global phenomenon. Home to much-loved characters including LABUBU, MOLLY and DIMOO, its colourful collections of designer toys and miniature figurines are irresistible to curious collectors.
The fun lies in the mystery: each sealed box contains a surprise character waiting to be revealed. Let the kids explore the latest collections, choose their favourite series and experience the anticipation of discovering what's inside. With imaginative designs and characters full of personality, it's a shopping experience that feels more like a treasure hunt.
DISCOVER KOREAN SNACKS
Turn an ordinary shopping trip into a culinary adventure at OSEYO, where shelves are filled with Korean snacks, drinks and grocery discoveries. From brightly packaged sweets and unusual crisp flavours to instant noodles and popular Korean treats, there's plenty to spark the curiosity of adventurous young foodies.
Challenge everyone to pick a snack they've never tried before, discover a new favourite flavour or choose ingredients for a Korean-inspired family dinner at home. It's a fun way to introduce children to different food cultures, with a few delicious surprises along the way.
