PRE-THEATRE DINING GUIDE
A night in London's West End deserves a memorable opening act. Just moments from the theatres of Shaftesbury Avenue and Leicester Square, Chinatown London offers a world of dining possibilities, from delicate dim sum and handmade dumplings to steaming bowls of noodles, Cantonese classics and contemporary Asian cuisine.
DINNER BEFORE THE CURTAIN RISES
Whether you're heading to Les Misérables, Moulin Rouge! The Musical or another West End production, discover restaurants that make the most of those hours before curtain-up. Settle in for a leisurely dinner, share a selection of small plates or find something delicious when time is short. In Chinatown, the evening begins long before the performance.
THE BEST OF THE WEST END
VIET FOOD, WARDOUR STREET
Vietnamese street food always equates to speed. This Wardour Street eatery is the work of a Michelin-starred chef, whose Chilli Grilled Sirloin Salad and Five Spice Soft Shell Crab have won widespread acclaim. But the Pho, too, is a superstar; slow-boiled for 16 hours in beef bone marrow and chicken to create a perfect broth. Or opt for their set menu at £37.80pp.
RASA SAYANG, MACCLESFIELD STREET
Ellen Chew’s Rasa Sayang is inspired by the bustling hawker scenes of Malaysia and Singapore, with halal helpings of Beef Rendang, Raffles Singapore Laksa, and Hainanese Chicken Rice. Don’t leave without a glass of Singapore Sling; the gin, Cointreau and pineapple refresher.
YIQI, LISLE STREET
A modern Pan-Asian restaurant that marries the flavours of Thailand, China, Singapore, and the rest of the region, with sample dishes like Volcano Thai Spare Ribs, Salt and Pepper Baby Squid, and Oyster Omelette. In a rush? Go for one of their signature set dishes with rice in bamboo.
JINLI, NEWPORT PLACE
Spice things up with Jinli, a restaurant that has been at the forefront of Sichuan food in London for the last decade. Expect Szechuan Bobo Chicken, Green Pepper Shredded Pork, and Fried Cumin Beef with plenty of chillies, though mild options are available for those who can’t handle the heat.
MORE SHOWS YOU'LL LOVE
PHO & BUN, SHAFTESBURY AVENUE
Looking for a modern twist on authentic flavours. Head to Pho & Bun for a taste of Vietnamese street food, including honey-glazed pork belly Bao Burgers, plum and juicy prawn summer rolls and crunchy spring rolls. Ask for the theatre menu and enjoy 2 courses for £23.95 or 3 courses for £26.95, between 5-6:30pm and after 10pm.
BUN HOUSE, LISLE STREET
Sink your teeth into fresh buns before the show. Bun House on Lisle Street steams them pillowy soft and stuffed with meat, veg, or sweet custard. If there’s time, park upstairs and sample their equally tasty dim sum menu, Chinese bar snacks, and tea selection.
