Exploring London's Chinatown

Introduction

• Location: Center of London
  • Easy access: 2 min walk from Leicester Square Station
  • Nearby stations: Covent Garden and others
• Best visiting times:
  • Quiet in the mornings
  • Busy at lunchtime
  • Buzzy in evenings and early morning

China Exchange

• Volunteer tour guides: Marco and Peng
• Chinatown History:
  • Officially became London's Chinatown in 1985
  • Funded by Westminster Council with a million pounds
  • Features include stone lions donated by the People's Republic of China
  • Red lampposts and lanterns
• Tours:
  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Covers historical and cultural aspects

Lunch at Lotus Garden

• Guide: Rhys (11 London follower)
• Personal connection: Grew up in Europe, lived in Japan, family gatherings in Chinatown
• Recommended dishes:
  • Crystal prawn dumplings
  • Shanghai style pork dumplings
  • Deep fried shredded squid
• Tip for tea refills: Lift the lid

Dessert at Mamason's

• Mia introduces: Filipino dessert parlor
• Popular desserts:
  • Bil log: Ice cream sandwich, recommended flavor: Ube (purple yam)
  • Halo-halo: Multi-layered dessert with coconut, jackfruit, red bean, and more

Visit to Kova Patisserie

• Unique cakes:
  • Matcha Crepe: 18 layers, combines French crepes and Japanese matcha
  • Matcha Tiramisu
  • Sea Salt Cheese Lava: Popular cake

Dinner at Viet Food

• Vietnamese restaurant
• Head Chef: Jeff Tan, former Michelin-star chef at Hakkasan Mayfair
• Viet Lounge Bar:
  • Head Barman: Alex Loy
  • Unique cocktails with Asian ingredients
  • Notable cocktails: Ho Chi Minh, Dragon Keys, Kiss Me Salt

Conclusion

• Encouragement to explore more places in Chinatown
• Call to action: Leave suggestions and explore area guides for London