This is a sponsored article on behalf of Chinatown London.
Fearsome stone lions. That ornate Fourth Gate. The enticing aromas that transport you from Shanghai to Penang, or from Seoul to the street food markets of Vietnam — all in a matter of footsteps. There's no place quite like London's Chinatown, and now is the perfect time to rediscover the beloved West End neighbourhood.
Every day from noon to 8pm throughout September, you can immerse yourself in the flavours of East Asia in al fresco form by taking advantage of Chinatown's exclusive new 'Take-Put' offer. For just £8-£10 (depending on whether you plump for the veggie or the fish/meat option) you get an iconic square Chinese takeaway box crammed full of delicacies from your favourite local haunts. Think beef rendang from C&R Café, Old Tree Daiwan Bee's Tawainese train bento, and Shanghai Modern's spicy garlic chicken wings — to name but a few.
Each 'Take-Put' container can be easily unfolded into a makeshift plate so you can enjoy your takeaway treats while staying put (geddit?) in Chinatown. The outdoor seating at Newport Place has been specially designed for socially-distanced dining and is a lovely spot for people-watching.
It also makes for a very photogenic lunch or dinner spot (and if you're sharing those important bento moments or dumpling close-ups, don't forget to tag @chinatownlondon and use the hashtag #LoveChinatown). Every table is adorned with the work of renowned paper-cutting artist Samantha Quinn. These beautiful koi carp and lotus designs symbolise perseverance, courage through adversity, self-regeneration and revival — fitting themes as London emerges from coronavirus lockdown.
Got a sweet tooth? As part of the #LoveChinatown campaign, you can also enjoy a mouthwatering range of desserts for just a fiver apiece. We're talking soft-serve ice-cream with custard taiyaki from Bake, Bubblewrap's cream and berry-stuffed waffles, and loads more besides.
With so much deliciousness on offer, you're going to need to allow some time for your food to go down before waddling off home. Luckily, there's plenty to keep you occupied while you do so.
And the #LoveChinatown campaign will be serving up a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach this month, with thousands of new rainbow-hued lanterns being installed. Created in partnership with London Chinatown Chinese Association, many of these have been signed by local business-owners, supporters of the area and public figures — including food writer Fuschia Dunlop and baker/GBBO finalist Kim Joy. What's more, visitors are invited to send their own well-wishes to Chinatown for all to see via a new digital screen at Newport Place.
So go on, show Chinatown some love this September and enjoy an authentic taste of East Asia in the heart of London — without breaking the bank. Click here to explore the wealth of culinary options you've got to choose from, and visit the Chinatown London Instagram for more mouth-watering inspiration.
