Being a Korean international student who’s spent most of his life in Shanghai, there are times when I miss my comfort food. The Korean Fried Chicken, or the Dim Sum, and the hot, hearty stews are things I crave the most. I was pleased to find that there were others who shared my cravings and joined me on different East Asian culinary experiences in London.

So, without further ado, and in no particular order, here are my picks for the 5 best East Asian restaurants in London.

Haidilao

Craving some long-overdue hotpot? Haidilao is your saviour.

I’ve eaten at Haidilao before in Shanghai, but I really wanted to try it in London. It’s located in Piccadilly Square, just right next to the entrance to Chinatown overlooking Leicester Square (look below for the exact address). I went there with a few friends (eight to be exact), and it felt like I was back in Shanghai. We all arrived a little early, and were given board games to help us burn time. We were shown to our seats shortly after, and I’ve got to say, I had one of the best culinary experiences in London. Haidilao’s customer service is famously excellent and it was no different here in London.

We ordered four broths, a chock load of veggies, meat and seafood to please our palette. The price was a little expensive but it was definitely worth it. Just remember to make a reservation at least six days in advance if you want to avoid queueing! I highly recommend the tomato broth and getting ordering seafood as well as your preferred meat. All in all, a really wonderful experience, I highly recommend going with a few friends!

Address: Haidilao, Trocadero, Coventry Street, London W1D 7ER

Telephone: +44 (0)20 8150 0616

Hozi

As a Korean, I would be lying if I said that I didn’t miss my country’s food. Hozi tended to my cravings well and in my opinion it is one of the best Korean restaurants in the whole city. The food is authentic, the service is great, and the whole experience just felt like I was back home in Korea. Highly recommend getting on of the stews (any of them are great), the Korean Fried Chicken and getting the seafood pancake (Haemul Pajeon). Goodness, I’m getting hungry now just writing about it. The food is very reasonably priced and and a culinary delight. 

Address: Hozi, 25 – 27 Theobalds road, London WC1X 8SP

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7242 0978

Kimchee

Located in Holborn and King’s Cross, Kimchee is a great place to go for anyone who wants to try Korean cuisine. Their interior design is amazing and the menu is great too. 

Make sure you get the chargrilled meat (pork belly and galbi are my picks) and a starter to really get the best out of your time there — the desserts are also quite nice. Reasonably priced and great service, all of the staff are really nice and most importantly, the food is top notch. Definitely would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for some Korean food. 

Address: Kimchee, 71 High Holborn, London WC1V 6EA.

Telephone number: +44 (0)20 7430 0956

Misato

One of London’s cheapest student-friendly eats, Misato offers an array of Japanese dishes, ranging from sushi to Japanese curry. Whenever I go there, I always order the Pork Katsu with rice, and the portions are great if you want to please an empty stomach. It’s located in Chinatown, only around 30 minutes away from City by bus or tube.     

Remember to bring cash when you go here! They don’t accept card payments.

Address: Misato, 11 Wardour Street, Soho, London W1D 6PG

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7734 0808

Haozhan

In my opinion, Chinatown’s Haozhan is one of the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Their speciality — Peking Duck — is excellent and their Dim Sum is equally good. Dim Sum is served daily until 5pm which is the same for most restaurants in Chinatown. Peking Duck is served all day. Only a half-hour’s bus ride from Angel to China Town, the food at Haozhan is reasonably priced and the portions are just right. This is a great place to please your Dim Sum/Peking Duck cravings. 

Address: Haozhan, 8 Gerrard Street, London W1D 5PJ

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7434 3838

Happy eating!