Discover Unexpected Joy in Chinatown This Christmas

As lights begin to illuminate London, the spirit of Christmas has truly returned and festive celebrations are on everyone’s mind.

Whether you’re shopping in Carnaby Street, celebrating the festivities in Covent Garden or going to a West End show, stop by Chinatown London for enticing dishes, captivating cocktails and hidden gems.

To make the most of your celebrations; we’ve highlighted a few exciting flavours, experiences and delights of the destination. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and joy of this London hub for East and South East Asian culture, and make this Christmas the most memorable!

Get the gang together for global flavours

When the turkey doesn’t quite cut it, you can depend on the abundance of worldwide cuisines available in Chinatown, guaranteed to tantalise your taste buds this Christmas time. Chinatown is London’s cultural hub for ESEA flavours: from Cantonese to Korean, Japanese to Vietnamese – you’ll discover an array of new flavours and dishes that will captivate the senses.

1. Swap carols and crackers for K-Pop and tongs, and head to Pochawa Grill for traditional Korean BBQ. Tuck into platters of succulent, marinated meats, crispy kimchi pancakes and cheers with Somaek. Perfect for group bookings with friends
2. Recharge after Christmas shopping in neighbouring Covent Garden, with a spread of fragrant and vibrant Vietnamese dishes at Viet Food. Delve into a steamy bow of Pho, crunch into fresh Summer rolls and tuck into crispy coconut calamari.
3. For a dim sum feast, one of Chinatown’s more refined restaurants Tao Tao Ju, serves delicious Cantonese and Sichuan delights presented with polish and finesse.
4. Next door you’ll find YiQi which has a menu featuring SE Asian favourites including Pad Thai, spicy crab and satay.
5. Finally, if you’re looking for plates of heat and spice this Winter, Rasa Sayang dishes up moreish Malaysian curries to lap up with your mates.

Head to the bar for a tipple (or two) with the team

For some out of office bonding, toast to the season with cocktails at one of Chinatown’s speakeasies and hidden bars after dark.

1. Tucked away on Rupert Street, Speedboat Bar offers late night drinks and bites – serving until 1am. Head upstairs for late night cocktails, whisky sodas and chasers (shots) whilst shooting a game of pool!
2. Inspired by 1920’s Shanghai, Opium is divided across two different floors with three different bars each with secret rooms and discrete nooks. Best for expertly crafted cocktails and the perfect spot to enjoy authentic and delicious dim sum from next door neighbours Dumplings’ Legend.
3. Experimental Cocktail Club is nestled above the thriving streets of Chinatown. Walk through an unassuming door and head upstairs and explore the alchemic menu that’ll take you on a journey from classics to original cocktails.

And finally, for unforgettable festive fun…

Chinatown London is a destination of wonder and curiosity, a place to make memories with one another. Don’t just fill your belly this Christmas, sing your heart out, glam up or get together for some friendly competition.

1. Both Plum Valley and Dumplings’ Legend are Chinatown’s ultimate singalong spots to sing the night away with friends and colleagues this Christmas. With a choice of private karaoke booths, pick up the mic and enjoy a spread of delicious dumplings, alongside wine, beer or cocktails.
2. Overlooking Macclesfield St, head up the stairs and you’ll find Fiza’s beauty salon. Book yourself in and get yourself party ready this season with a bespoke festive manicure, voluminous blow dry and lashes to match!
3. For something a little more playful, Razor is a gaming hub located on Charing Cross Rd, that promises a truly immersive gaming and shopping experience. Experiment in the playtest area, where you can try the latest products in-game with multiplayer player console stations and a LAN area with ten battle stations.