10 Tantalising Treats For Students to Try in Chinatown London

Chinatown London isn’t just a hotspot for tourists, it’s a culinary melting pot for students looking to explore Chinese cuisine. You could be searching for a taste of home, or just looking for a more adventurous evening meal, you’ll find an affordable and tasty meal in this vibrant pocket of the city.

Situated near Leicester Square, London’s Chinatown is packed with flavour and authenticity that’s perfect for exploring on your next day off. From fresh dumplings to bursting buffet boxes, here are ten student friendly picks that are worth making the trip for.

Roast Duck at Four Seasons

Regularly hailed as the best roast duck in London. Four Seasons serves up a rich, glossy dish with perfectly crisp skin and tender meat. It’s a hearty option that won’t bust your budget, especially if you grab it as part of the weekday lunch deal.

Top tip: Get there before 1pm to beat the queue and take advantage of the rice box specials.

Bubble Tea at Happy Lemon

No visit to Chinatown is complete without a bubble tea in hand. Happy Lemon has become a student favourite thanks to its creative flavours and generous portion sizes. The rock salt cheese tea is a surprisingly tasty twist on a classic.

Looking for something unique? Try their seasonal specials, like mango matcha or Oreo milk tea.

Taiyaki at Bake

These adorable fish shaped waffles filled with red bean, custard, or matcha cream are a sweet snack with major Instagram appeal. Grab one while wandering through Chinatown’s busy streets for a sugar boost between lectures.

BBQ Pork Buns at Chinatown Bakery

Perfect for students on the go, the BBQ pork buns here are soft, fluffy, and packed with flavour. Easy to eat one handed, they’re ideal for commuters or anyone looking to save time and money without skimping on quality.

The buns are also super affordable, coming in at around £2 per portion.

Korean Fried Chicken at Olle

While not strictly a Chinese dish, the Korean Fried chicken from Olle is a must try. It’s crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, while also being coated in sticky sauces ranging from garlic soy to hot chilli.

You can pick up a larger portion to share with friends or to fuel yourself before a big night out. Olle is well known for its relaxed atmosphere and flavourful menu.

Best Paired With: Kimchi fries, spicy mayo, and a side of rice.

Egg Tarts a Golden Gate Cake Shop

There’s a choice of around 80 different oriental bakes at Golden Gate Cake Shop, however we’ve always gone for the egg tarts. The Portuguese style treat is wonderfully sweet and pairs perfectly with a coffee as you walk through Soho.

The crust is buttery and flaky, while the custard is smooth. Visit in the early afternoon for the best selection.

Hot Pot at Shuang Shuang

If you love an interactive meal, Shuang Shuang is the place for you. Here, you can build your own hot pot from an impressive array of ingredients.

The idea is to choose your broth to serve as a base, before adding meat, vegetables, and toppings that glide past gently on a conveyor belt. It’s a fun way of enjoying your meal, especially if you’ve never tried a hot pot.

Bao Buns at Baozilinn

Colourful, fluffy, and bursting with spice, a bao bun from Baozilinn is like a pocket of Northern China exploding in your mouth. Naturally dyed using ingredients such as beetroot and spinach, your bun will be packed with beef, chicken, or tofu to provide a full meal in bit sized portions.

They’re the perfect choice for a grab and go meal or a hearty snack on a cold day.

Dumplings at Dumplings’ Legend

This spot is known for its xiao long bao, a delicately prepared soup that soothes the soul. Once seated, you can watch the chefs craft each bowl by hand through a glass window. Then you can tuck in! Don’t forget to add vinegar for an added punch.

This is the perfect place to visit for a pre theatre meal if you’re taking in one of the many great shows in the West End.

Late Night Skewers at JinLi

A Sichuan style special, the skewers from JinLi are the ultimate handheld protein hit for those in search of meaty goodness. Choose from a range of meats, seafood, and veg to create your perfect meal on a stick.

All the meals are grilled to order and spiced to your taste. This delicious delicacy is also available late into the evening, making them a brilliant snack for anyone studying during the twilight hours.

A Few Extra Tips for Visiting Chinatown London

• Go with friends to sample more dishes and share the cost.

• Cash can still be king as a few smaller spots don’t accept cards.

• Weekday afternoons are quieter and better for avoiding long waits.

• Check menus outside to compare prices and portion sizes before committing.

Hungry for More?

Chinatown is just one corner of what makes London such a dynamic, diverse, and delicious place to live and study. Whether you’re after affordable meals, bold flavours, or places that feel like home, there’s plenty to discover nearby.

Explore more tips for student life in London on our city blog page.

So, what’s your choice? From roast duck to rainbow bao, Chinatown London is packed with student friendly dishes that balance taste, value, and experiential eating. Whether you go solo or with your housemates, it’s worth putting on your must visit list.