Hoy Faan La — When London Meets Cantonese Soul
It was a true honour to join the three brilliant foodies behind Hoy Faan La on their London Chinese food adventure — and this time, they invited me to Pearl Liang in Paddington. A restaurant long known for its consistency and class, Pearl Liang delivers Cantonese comfort with a touch of sophistication. From smoky char siu to delicate dim sum, the experience was both nostalgic and deeply satisfying.
Atmosphere:
Pearl Liang feels like a calm retreat from the bustle of Paddington Basin — though on our visit, the dining room was buzzing with families! The space was alive with chatter, clinking teapots, and that joyful hum that only good Chinese food can inspire.
It’s the kind of place that’s perfect for a lingering lunch or a hearty dinner with a big family who know their har gao from their siu mai. The crowd is a cheerful mix of families, loyal regulars, and a few curious food adventurers like us.
Service:
The staff moved with quiet precision — efficient, in that unmistakably Cantonese way. Dishes arrived hot and perfectly timed, and tea was refilled almost before you noticed your cup was empty. There’s a real sense of professionalism here that many London restaurants lack- mostly friendly but not professional.
Drinks:
Let me talk about Chinese tea — because, sadly, not many Chinese restaurants in London get it right. Believe me, some even serve the teabag kind (a crime!). But here, the tea was freshly brewed and beautifully fragrant. It paired perfectly with the food, cutting through the richness of sauces and the savoury depth of the meats.
No cocktails or wine needed when the tea is this good for Chinese meal.
Price: ££
For the restaurants in China Town, please respect Pearl Liang. Considering the quality and portion sizes — the prices feel justified.
What I Ordered:
Barbecued Pork (Char Siu)
Tender, glistening slices of perfectly caramelised pork, smoky at the edges with that signature Cantonese sweetness. A star dish that set the tone.
Beef Sirloin with Black Bean and Chilli Sauce
The beef was juicy and rich, with a punchy sauce that balanced umami and spice from chili and black peppers beautifully.
Stuffed Bean Curd with Prawn Paste in Oyster Sauce
The tofu was beautifully silky — that classic Asian-style softness — offering a lovely contrast to the sticky oyster sauce, which was luscious, deeply savoury, and rich with seafood flavour, clinging lovingly to every bite.
Stir-Fried Mixed Vegetable
All the vegetables were crisp, vibrant, and fragrant — bursting with that unmistakable wok hei that only comes from real skill at the stove. Even Uncle Roger would approve this wok technique!
Xiao Long Bao
Deep broth neatly wrapped inside the thin skin. The soup had a nice richness, and while not the most outstanding in London, it was still thoroughly enjoyable and nicely execute.
Prawn Dumplings (Har Gau)
Translucent wrappers that were perfectly moist — not dry at all — always a good sign. Inside, the prawns were fresh, sweet, and beautifully cooked. Expertly done.
Siu Mai
Plump and juicy, with just the right balance of pork and shrimp. Honestly, that’s all you need from this classic dim sum favourite — simple and satisfying.
Monk’s Vegetable Dumpling
The filling of finely chopped vegetables was seasoned perfectly — light, fresh, and bursting with natural vegetable flavours. It’s the kind of dim sum that quietly impresses: simple, clean flavours with a perfect balance between the moist wrapper and the vibrant filling.
A gentle reminder that vegetarian dumplings can absolutely hold their own on a dim sum table.
Conclusion:
Pearl Liang is definitely one of the Paddington’s best-kept gems — a restaurant that quietly delivers refined Cantonese cooking with heart and finesse. Joining Hoy Faan La there felt like the perfect pairing: great company, serious food appreciation, and a shared love for the little details that make Chinese dining special.
It’s not flashy, it’s not trendy — it’s simply good food done right.
Their food menu is available: https://pearlliang.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/pearl-liang-menu.pdf
Need a spacious room for your group? They have three beautifully decorated, intimate private dining rooms perfect for gatherings or celebrations.
