Ringing in the Lunar New Year
Hitting up Haozhan during Chinese New Year totally elevated my Year of the Dragon festivities. And you know what? I usually book the restaurant in advance, but I trust Chinatown, so this time I happened to stumble upon it.
Chinatown is like my own personal haven amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.
Ambiance:
Just like many other spots in Chinatown, the place was packed with hungry peeps, and the staff were hustling to keep up with all the tables. You could practically see the dollar signs in their eyes, hustling for those profits.
Service:
I have to hand it to them for that commercial hustle though. It’s a vibe you don’t get especially in Japan. They sat in three different groups at one table – they must have been sharing some interesting experiences. Sharing a round table with strangers and not being able to use a lazy Susan to serve your food as you please.
Price: ££
In London, the prices are pretty good, but as an Asian foodie, dining in Chinatown sometimes feels like a bit of a shock to the system.
What I Ordered:
Squid Ball in Curry Sauce
Even though it had a bit of a strong garlic kick, I actually really dug the boldness of the curry sauce.
Siu Mai
Steamed to absolute perfection, these dumplings had this incredible balance of tenderness and bounce that gave way to a burst of deliciousness from the filling. And the mix of minced pork and shrimp was just a texture sensation beyond words.
Chives and Prawn Dumpling
The wrapper, steamed flawlessly, had this amazing balance of stickiness, like silk almost. When you take that first bite, it’s like a burst of freshness from the chives and this incredible sweetness from the prawns just floods your senses.
*Xiao Long Bao
You absolutely cannot miss out on Haozhan’s Xiao Long Bao – it’s a total game-changer.
The moment you sink your teeth into that first dumpling, it’s like a revelation in texture. For me, the magic of Xiao Long Bao lies in finding that perfect balance between the soup and the wrapper. And let me tell you, Haozhan nailed it. The wrapper was thin, but it still managed to pack in all that warmth and flavor from the savory broth inside.
And speaking of that broth – oh my goodness. This rich, comforting depth from the pork just filled me with all kinds of goodness.
Pan fried Crispy Seafood Noodle
This noodle was perfectly fried to give that satisfying crunch that contrasts so beautifully with the tender, succulent seafood sauce piled on top.
When it comes to the seafood and veggies, they were just so soft and bursting with their natural sweetness and brininess. Each ingredient was holding onto its own deliciousness, coming together in this harmonious medley of flavors.
Conclusion:
Haozhan can be your go-to spot if you’re looking for a place in Chinatown. It’s not crazy busy, but it’s got that solid quality you’re after, especially when it comes to their dim sum game.
Tips from Hanako:
- No reservations needed here – it’s all walk-in. But hey, don’t stress, usually you’ll snag a table in just 15 minutes or so. Easy peasy.
- Dim Sum totally steals the show here, order dim sum!
- Check their IG for the recent stories: https://www.instagram.com/haozhan_london/?hl=en
- I personally liked Joy King Lau more!
