China Tang

Refined great traditional Cantonese

Wagyu beef and taro puff with caviar

For the last 6 years, China Tang has become one of my most visited restaurants in London. There are so many Cantonese restaurants around but I found China Tang stands apart with its great respect to classic Cantonese cuisine, using top-level British ingredients. Head Chef Fong has been leading his kitchen team for over 10 years, year after year he has maintained such a high standard and created a group of loyal customers like myself. For my 18th visit, I returned to basic with a selection of dim sum and two old-fashioned meat dishes.

Dover sole and crab rolls with caviar

Chiu Chow peanuts and dried shrimp dumplings

Morel mushroom dumplings

The new seasonal dim sum was a taro puff that blended the filling with wagyu beef instead of minced pork, what is not to love? the rich peppery taste was lovely, and it was topped with Chinese caviar which acted like an umami seasoning. Another seasonal special was the crab and Dover sole rolls. The sweet seafood taste, combined with the meaty texture of the sole was just pure joy, Chef Fong has turned a humble spring roll dish into something truly exceptional. Pretty much all the Chinese restaurants would offer char siu, but the China Tang version I found is the one to beat. The sweet soy and honey blended with floral wine and sesame oil created a top-notch meat marinate, grilled to perfection with a lovely tender texture.

Xiao long bao

Iberico char siu

Braised beef brisket in yellow bean sauce

Dim sum offering has always been strong from China Tang, and this time was no different. I enjoyed all the dishes as they ticks all the boxes for me. Well-crafted pastry work, good use of local quality ingredients and all cooked to the perfect temperature. For classic good old fashioned Cantonese cuisine, this is the place to go in London without a doubt. 

Food 4.5/5

Average cost without drinks and services:
£80 (dinner)

53 Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1K 1QA

http://www.chinatanglondon.co.uk/