Okay, so I’ve been craving dim sum lately, but you know, London prices can be a bit scary. I’m a bit tight-arse so I wasn’t willing to spend a fortune on those little delicious baskets. So, I started my mission to find some decent and, more importantly, cheap dim sum in this city. First thing I did? I jumped on Google, of course.
I searched for terms like “cheap dim sum London,” “budget-friendly dim sum,” and “best dim sum deals.” Man, there are tons of articles and lists out there! I spent a good few hours reading through blog posts, reviews, and forum discussions. I felt overwhelmed by choices but I wasn’t giving up. I narrowed down the list to a few places that kept popping up: Joy King Lau, Yauatcha, and a place called La Mian Dim Sum Stall.
Joy King Lau was mentioned a lot for its traditional Cantonese dim sum and it seemed like a popular spot. But some reviews said it could get busy, and the prices, while not super expensive, weren’t the cheapest. Yauatcha, on the other hand, looked a bit fancier and probably not exactly “budget-friendly.” But those pictures of their dim sum, oh boy, they looked amazing. Finally, La Mian Dim Sum Stall caught my eye. It seemed like a more casual, under-the-radar kind of place, and several people mentioned it was a real steal for the price.
I decided to try Joy King Lau first. It’s located in Chinatown, so it was easy to find. I went during lunchtime on a weekday, hoping to avoid the biggest crowds. It was still pretty packed, but I managed to get a table after a short wait. I ordered a few classic dishes: har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings), and some char siu bao (barbecue pork buns).
The dim sum arrived quickly, and it was pretty good! Not mind-blowing, but definitely satisfying, and the prices were reasonable, just as the reviews said. I’d say it’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a decent dim sum experience without breaking the bank.
- Pros: Classic Cantonese, good value, central location.
- Cons: Can get crowded, not the cheapest option out there.
Joy King Lau:
Next up, I wanted to see what the fuss was about with Yauatcha. I knew it wouldn’t be cheap, but I thought I’d treat myself. I went there for a late lunch, hoping it wouldn’t be too busy. The place is definitely more upscale, with a modern and stylish interior. I ordered a few of their signature dim sum dishes, and they were beautifully presented.
Taste-wise, they were definitely a step up from Joy King Lau. More refined, more complex flavors. But yeah, the prices reflected that. It was more of a splurge, but I’d say it’s worth it if you’re looking for a more special dim sum experience and you don’t mind paying extra.
- Pros: Beautiful presentation, high-quality ingredients, delicious flavors.
- Cons: Definitely not cheap, more of a special occasion place.
Yauatcha:
Finally, I ventured out to find La Mian Dim Sum Stall. It’s a bit off the beaten path, not in the heart of Chinatown like the other two. When I got there, I could see why people called it a hidden gem. It’s a small, unassuming place, and you might easily walk past it if you weren’t looking for it.
I ordered a variety of dim sum, and I was pleasantly surprised. The portions were generous, the flavors were great, and the prices were incredibly low. It’s definitely not fancy, but who cares when the food is this good and this cheap? This place is a real winner if you’re on a tight budget.
- Pros: Amazing value for money, generous portions, delicious.
- Cons: Not a fancy setting, a bit out of the way.
La Mian Dim Sum Stall:
So, after my dim sum adventures, I’ve definitely found some great options for cheap eats in London. La Mian Dim Sum Stall is my top pick for the best bang for your buck. Joy King Lau is a good middle-ground choice, and Yauatcha is for when you want to treat yourself. Next time you’re craving dim sum, don’t let the fear of London prices stop you! There are affordable gems out there waiting to be discovered. My belly is full, my wallet isn’t empty, and I’m a happy camper. Mission accomplished!