Mr Kong

When it comes to the best restaurants for Chinese food in London, they are not necessarily going to be found in Chinatown. The nature of the location makes it all too easy for restaurants to rest on their laurels, slacking off and still attracting the central crowds. However, Mr. Kong takes its food seriously and its position on the adjacent street to the Chinatown’s main Gerard Street drag is a blessing.

If dragons, waving cats and a propensity towards gold ornaments puts you off a Chinese restaurant then Mr. Kong is for you. Here, it’s all about up-market simplicity – think white tablecloths, carpet and a dark green colourway that starts at the exterior and creeps inside under a lighting scheme that is noticeably dimmer than some luminous spots on Gerard Street (yes, Lido, I’m looking at you).

The menu at Mr. Kong is much the same as you can find at most of the classic eateries in the neighbourhood but look closer and you’ll also find a selection of traditional dishes. Having accompanied a Hong Kong native, we were introduced to cold jellyfish and chicken, spicy tofu (unlike anything we had tried before) and salted seabass. Prices are slightly higher than other reliable Chinatown restaurants but the extra quality is well worth paying the extra. The staff are friendly – especially if you drop in the odd Chinese phrase, apparently – and the atmosphere is relaxed, with the size of the place making it more suitable to smaller groups. Without doubt one of our favourite Chinatown restaurants.