Okay, so I’ve been craving some good dim sum lately, and everyone keeps talking about Royal China in London. I figured I’d give it a shot and document the whole experience, you know, for science… and for my blog.
Getting There
First things first, I had to figure out which Royal China to go to! Turns out, there are a few of them scattered around London. I picked the one on Baker Street because it seemed pretty central and easy to get to. I just hopped on the tube, and it was a short walk from the station. Super convenient.
The Wait (and the Anticipation)
I went on a Saturday around lunchtime, and let me tell you, it was PACKED. There was a line out the door! I put my name down and waited… and waited. It probably took about 30-40 minutes to get seated, which, honestly, built up the anticipation even more. I spent the time people-watching and scoping out what other people were ordering. Everything looked so good!
Dim Sum Delights
Finally, we got a table! The place was buzzing – lots of families, groups of friends, all chattering away and enjoying their food. We were handed menus, and then the fun began. We started ticking off boxes on the dim sum order sheet. It’s like a little treasure hunt, trying to decide what to try.
- Har Gau (Shrimp Dumplings): These were a must-try. The shrimp were plump and juicy, and the dumpling wrappers were perfectly delicate.
- Siu Mai (Pork and Shrimp Dumplings): Another classic, and they didn’t disappoint. Savory and flavorful.
- Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls): We got the ones with shrimp. Silky smooth and so satisfying.
- Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns): Fluffy, slightly sweet buns filled with delicious barbecued pork.
- Xiao Long Bao: The best for the last, Soup Dumplings, The taste of soup is very strong.
- and more good foods…
We basically ordered a mountain of food. The waiters kept bringing out bamboo steamers piled high with goodies. Everything was hot, fresh, and tasted amazing. The service, to add a bit, was pretty fast, they get everything ready to cook.
The Verdict
So, was Royal China worth the hype (and the wait)? Absolutely! The dim sum was top-notch, the atmosphere was lively, and the whole experience was just a lot of fun. I can definitely see why it’s so popular. It’s not the cheapest dim sum in London, but the quality makes it worth it. My stomach was very happy, after I went home, I slept well that night. I’ll definitely be going back – maybe on a weekday next time to avoid the crowds! And, if you go, make sure to try a variety of dishes. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
