Best Dim Sum in London

A couple of years ago, I thought the dim sum choices were varied and authentic at New World restaurant at 1 Gerard Place, and it was in Rick's book, but it no longer is in the book, which could be a bad sign. Now, he lists Y Ming and Wong Kei.

For a more upscale Chinese dining experience with a multi-course tasting menu, but your nicer travel attire will be fine, make a reservation at Hunan on Pimlico Road.

Laura, does Hunan serve dim sum?

Ruth,

good luck in the dim sum. im going to try and hit a few places when i go back this sept.

if you can, you should try some of the local foods too.

fish n chips.

pasties

steak pies

happy trails.

I have gone to New World regularly for 15 years. I like the fact that it still serves from trolleys and the variety is good. Not the best food in the whole world, but I like it very much.

I will never return to Wong Kei.

The best dim sum in terms of food quality varies from year to year, often a branch of Royal China - with corresponding price list -, but Time Out maintains a best of Dim Sum list at http://www.timeout.com/london/food-drink/londons-best-dim-sum-restaurants

Dim sum isn't high on my list when I visit London BUT checking out food blogs and restaurant reviews before I arrive is. With that in mind, this article might be of interest to you. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-01-27/where-to-find-a-taste-of-china-with-creative-dim-sum-in-london.html. Information in blog posts might be out of date but these blogs provide information for your search. http://eatlovenoodles.blogspot.com/2010/12/dim-sum-in-london.html.
http://chechemui.wordpress.com/tag/dim-sum/

My personal preference is Wan Chai and it's getting a decent reputation. Btw - Nigel, "Wong Kei" is not my fave either - the clue is in the name I think! XD

Have a look here: http://www.chinatownlondon.org/page/eatingout/7/116 and here: http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/bestfors/showlist.php?list=50 for lists, locations and fairly up-to-date recommendations...

Ruth, some additional info that may be pertinent: in Chinatown most places are small and the queues for seating can stretch out of the door and down the road when they get busy. The times to avoid are the hour and a half before popular shows start (Gerrard St. is in the midst of theatre-land), the hour or so immediately after they finish, and after 11pm when the pubs start emptying. Getting a table in a popular place is a matter of booking ahead, or a combination of canny timing and a little luck. Myself, I've always trusted the latter and never gone home hungry, but then I'm usually hungry enough to not care if I'm on a rickety 2-seat table near the loo door. Indeed after an evening testing the potency of a large selection of beverages, the proximity can be a downright necessity...

Thanks for the tips everyone! We are currently reading up on reviews on Time Out and getting some good tips there too.

Royal China