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From delicate soup dumplings to pan-fried parcels and hand-folded jiaozi, London's dumpling scene has never been better. This guide covers where to find the best across the styles, from famous names to neighbourhood specialists.
Soup dumplings and dim sum
Din Tai Fung, the Taiwanese giant, draws long queues for its precisely pleated xiao long bao, the soup dumplings that squirt hot broth as you bite. For a more local, less polished thrill, Dumpling Shack at Spitalfields Market is famous for its juicy sheng jian bao. Across Chinatown and beyond, the dim sum trolleys and steamer baskets of the great Cantonese kitchens serve har gow, siu mai and more.
Regional and neighbourhood dumplings
Beyond the Chinese classics, London hides some real gems. Silk Road in Camberwell serves robust Xinjiang cooking including hand-made dumplings, and My Neighbours the Dumplings in Clapton pairs dumplings with natural wine. Exploring these smaller, regional kitchens is one of the joys of eating dumplings in the city.
What are soup dumplings?
Soup dumplings, or xiao long bao, are delicate steamed parcels filled with seasoned meat and a rich, gelatinous broth that melts into hot soup as they cook. You eat them carefully to avoid the burst of liquid, often with black vinegar and ginger. Din Tai Fung is the most famous name for them in London.
Where can I find dim sum in London?
Chinatown and the great Cantonese dining rooms such as Yauatcha are the classic places for dim sum, served from mid-morning through the afternoon. Booking is wise at the popular rooms, especially at weekends when dim sum is a beloved ritual.
Where to go next
Explore the full picture in the best Chinese restaurants in London and the Chinatown guide.
