Oriental King 王饱饱 — Restaurant in London

I was on my way out to pick up a quick bite with a friend to bring back home. We dropped into Oriental King thinking we’d get takeout but shortly after arriving it became clear that although I’m sure their takeout is fine, this was going to be much more of a foodie adventure than we’d planned for that evening. And I was all in for that! So I called the other half to come join us and we got stuck in.

I don’t know if you know this feeling, but as western / British eaters we often tend to scan the menu for something recognisable and go with that. Play it safe. You spot “pig’s brain broth” and think ok, rustic - I’ll have a chicken with cashew nut in yellow bean sauce. ;)

Let me tell you - if you come here then just don’t do that! There is a lot of really interesting stuff on this menu and the wonderful owner is keen to understand what you like and how adventurous you might be, and match that up with what they offer.

First dish that came out was the “smacked cucumber with garlic and chilli” along with a whacking great portion of egg fried rice. Latter was fluffy and absolutely super. The smacked cucumber - something I’d never order without being advised to first - was absolutely amazing. Check my pics to get an idea. It was a really surprising type of dish and everyone loved it.

Then crispy squid. I’m always a bit sceptical of deep fried squid as it can sometimes be too oily or even a bit limp. What came out - served on brown newspaper design parchment style paper (perfect) was light, crispy, and delicately fried. Fresh chilis alongside and the whole dish was absolutely cracking - punchy and moreish.

Then some wonderful handmade chive pancakes. These were beautiful to look at and tasted as good. Interesting little parcels of goodness.

Then we had a plate of handmade dumplings. You can taste immediately that they are made fresh in the restaurant by hand, the texture and filling are nothing like most restaurants serve out. You have to go into central London to get dumplings of this quality (bar a few exceptions) and so I was excited.

Finally the mains: a gorgeously presented dish of green beans and minced pork with chilli. Fresh powerful flavours! Crispy shredded beef with chilli - perhaps less traditional (I’m not sure) but very well executed as I know it’s difficult making this dish so the outside of the beef is actually crispy but the inside is so soft and delicious. All the vegetables served with it were delicious as well. Finally the Peruvian chicken which was unexpected but again wonderful. See photos.

I am personally excited to go back and work my way systematically through the menu, perhaps I’ll even work my way up to the delightful sounding “fried pig’s intestines in chilli pot” (!) or the “dry fried pig feet” (!) but may need to get myself into the right frame of mind first 😅

Before that point I’m looking forward to trying some of these other amazing sounding dishes:

braised aubergine with minced pork stir fried shredded potato with black vinegar and chilli home style stewed pickle cabbage in pork bone soup (yes please) golden prawns with salted duck egg yolk sauce

How can the above not pique your interest?

We can’t wait to go...

My partner and I love Oriental King and we are regulars! From time to time, we've invited friends over because it simply never disappoints: the food is great, the service is amazing (they are always kind and attentive to us - going so far as remembering our names) and the atmosphere is super chill and quirky (from very Chinese decor to a wall with funny signs). It's the kind of place where you can have a great meal AND enjoy yourself!

When it comes to food, we have gone through quite a number of their plates (and we're only getting started). Plates we've had include: Vegetarian Spring Rolls Crispy Aromatic Duck Wonton Soup Steamed Prawn Dumplings Roast Pork Bun HK Style Sweet and Sour Chicken Steamed Rice and the Egg Fried Rice Dry Fried Crispy Pork in Sweet and Sour Sauce Sautéed Pork Intestines in Gravy Sauce Kung Pao Diced Chicken Grilled Fillet Beef Steak with Black Pepper Sauce Chive and Duck Blood Toffee Sweet Potato

If I'd have to pick my favourite and the one I would definitely recommend, it's the Grilled Fillet Beef Steak with Black Pepper Sauce! I love this one so much. From the presentation (I've included a picture) to the amazing flavours: it's a win!

Oriental King also has plenty of authentic Chinese dishes! My partner and I are still going through the menu (he's on the braver side of things so he'll probably be ordering the "Grilled Sichuan Spicy Pig's Brain Pot" soon).

In any case, I wanted to take my time to write a really good review as I feel that this place truly delivers!

PS. We've dined in AND we've had takeaway (I prefer dinning in because I like the restaurant and I feel the food is better when it's hot and served right there, but takeaway has also been great and we have no complaints about...

honestly don’t say this lightly, but this was the best food I have ever had, hands down. From the moment we walked in, everything was perfect.

The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with soft lighting and beautiful traditional Chinese décor (with a little twist) that set the tone for what was to come. But it was the food that truly blew me away.

Every dish burst with flavour, perfectly balanced and clearly made with the freshest ingredients. The Kung Pao chicken was incredible. Tender pieces of chicken in a rich, spicy sauce with just the right hint of sweetness. The crispy pork in sweet and sour sauce was a standout: golden and crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, all coated in a vibrant, tangy glaze. And the satay chicken skewers? Smoky, succulent, and served with the most deliciously creamy peanut sauce I’ve ever tasted.

What really stood out was how everything tasted authentic yet elevated, like home cooking taken to another level. Even the simple fried rice was exceptional.

Service was also fantastic, attentive without being overbearing, and staff were happy to recommend dishes based on what we liked.

I left already planning my next visit. If you’re looking for truly exceptional Chinese food, this place is an...