Where To Find Asian Food In London : A Guide For Asian International Students

London is one of the best cities in the world for Asian food. No matter where you are from, you will find familiar flavours, snacks and ingredients that remind you of home. Whether you want a quick meal, a cosy restaurant or a fully stocked Asian supermarket, London has it all.

Here is a simple guide to help you find the best Asian food across the city.

1. Chinatown: The Classic Starting Point

Chinatown is the easiest place to begin your Asian food hunt.
It is located near Leicester Square and packed with restaurants, bakeries and supermarkets.

You will find Chinese, Vietnamese, Malaysian and Thai food all in one area. Popular spots include roast duck shops, dim sum restaurants and bubble tea stores. For groceries, head to SeeWoo or New Loon Moon for sauces, noodles and snacks.

Chinatown is busy, but it is perfect when you want something familiar without searching too far.

2. For Chinese Food: Explore North and East London

Chinese food is everywhere in London, but some neighbourhoods stand out.

North London

Areas like Colindale and Hendon have strong East Asian communities. You will find hotpot restaurants, Sichuan food and Hong Kong style cafes. Hoo Hing is a popular supermarket for Chinese groceries.

East London

If you are near Stratford or Canary Wharf, look for Tian Tian Market. It has fresh produce, frozen dumplings, sauces and snacks from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

These areas are great when you want more variety than Chinatown.

3. For Japanese Food: Go Beyond Sushi Chains

London has many Japanese restaurants, but the best finds are in specific neighbourhoods.

Soho & Fitzrovia

You will find ramen shops, izakayas and Japanese bakeries. Places like Kanada-Ya and Koya are student favourites.

North London

If you want Japanese groceries, head to Atariya. They have fresh sashimi, Japanese snacks and cooking ingredients.

West London

Japan Centre in Leicester Square is also a must visit. It has ready meals, snacks, drinks and a wide range of Japanese pantry items.

4. For Korean Food: Head to New Malden

New Malden is known as the Korean capital of the UK.
It has Korean supermarkets, BBQ restaurants, cafes and bakeries. You will find everything from kimchi to Korean fried chicken.

Korean supermarkets like H Mart and Korea Foods carry instant noodles, snacks, frozen items and fresh produce. If you miss Korean comfort food, this is the best place to go.

5. For Southeast Asian Food: Look for Hidden Gems

Southeast Asian food is spread across London, but there are reliable spots.

Malaysian & Singaporean Food

Check out Roti King near Euston for roti canai and curry.
For groceries, Chinatown supermarkets usually carry Malaysian and Singaporean brands.

Indonesian Food

Warung Padang in North London is a favourite for nasi padang and Indonesian snacks.

Thai & Vietnamese Food

Shoreditch and Hackney have great Thai and Vietnamese restaurants. You will find pho, pad thai and grilled meats at affordable prices.

6. For South Asian Food: Visit East London

South Asian food is easy to find across the city, but East London is the heart of it.

Brick Lane

Brick Lane is famous for Indian and Bangladeshi food. You will find biryani, curries and fresh naan everywhere.

Southall

Southall is known for Indian groceries, sweets and Punjabi food. It is one of the best places to buy spices, lentils and fresh produce.

Tooting

Tooting has great Sri Lankan and South Indian restaurants. You will find dosa, kottu and spicy curries at student friendly prices.

7. Asian Supermarkets Across London

If you want a one stop shop, here are reliable Asian supermarkets:

• Wing Yip in Croydon
• H Mart in New Malden
• Tian Tian Market in East London
• SeeWoo in Chinatown
• Japan Centre in Leicester Square

These stores carry snacks, sauces, noodles, frozen food and fresh produce from across Asia.

8. Halal Asian Food Options

If you need halal food, London has plenty of choices.
Many Malaysian, Indonesian and South Asian restaurants offer halal options. You can also find halal Korean fried chicken and halal Japanese curry in certain areas.

Always check Google Maps or ask staff to confirm.

9. Enjoy Exploring London’s Asian Food Scene

London is a city where you can eat your way across Asia without leaving the Tube map.
Take your time, explore different neighbourhoods and try new places. You will find comfort food, groceries and snacks that make you feel at home.