Tian Tian天天渔港 — Restaurant in London

Having lived in various parts of East London, I’ve always thought of this stretch of Mile End Road as “chicken shop mile,” known mostly for deep-fried chicken with a South Asian twist.

Sitting quietly among them is Tian Tian, and for the ten years I’ve been around here, it’s always been there too. It feels almost neglectful that after exploring so many of London’s boroughs in search of authentic Chinese food, the place that impressed me most was right on my doorstep.

We ordered braised tofu, savoury and rich with a gravy-like flavour that felt surprisingly homely. The hot and sour soup came in a bowl large enough to feed two, thick, balanced and deeply satisfying. The Sichuan crab was brilliantly seasoned and almost soft-shell in parts, which made it exciting to eat. And the tomato and egg stir-fry was a standout- simple, warm, and cooked with real care.

Tian Tian clearly serves a local Chinese community. Most of the tables were filled with groups of students and young professionals arriving at different times, greeting each other with smiles and stories before digging in. It’s run by what seems to be a husband-and-wife team: she handles the floor, he’s in the kitchen. The service isn’t polished in a formal way, but it has its own rhythm - fast, sharp and quietly impressive.

It’s excellent value for money, and the food speaks for itself. No gimmicks, no branding, just honest cooking that’s full of warmth and flavour. If you’ve walked past Tian Tian before, don’t. Go in, order the tofu and the crab, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

Conor...

Very disappointing. Went in with my partner. Love authentic Chinese food so thought we would give it a try. Ordered a few dishes. The hianese chicken rice was very overcooked and mushy. The chef special prawns with Chinese cabbage and chilli oil was terrible. The cabbage and prawn were boiled to within an inch of its life with the slightest bit of fresh chilli ( not chilli oil). Also got pork and chive dumpling which were homemade I think but to be honest frozen ones would have been better! It was 90% dough 9% chive and a possible 1% pork! ( and over cooked) The stir fried green been were good though!.. oh and I ordered Chinese hot tea and it came in a coca cola glass! When I asked for a tea pot and cup instead they said they didn't have any cups??! Trying to drink boiling hot tea from a glass was..interesting. all of this for 50 squid. If you're looking for great authentic Chinese food go to Top Taste on Roman Road.. so...

It is always filled with asian locals which is a huge tell tale sign... If you are looking for real Chinese food, in particular szechuanese style this is the place.

I have been coming here for almost a decade and it remains one of my favourite places in the UK. It has the real feel, if you are looking for a bougie experience where food is not the center point then fair enough. But for me good food is no.1 always.

I love the Aubergine, peppers and potatos (Di San Xian) absolute classic, and the fu zi fei pien. The food always has strong wok hei, the szechuan chilli oil has a strong numbing flavour. This is what you want if you know anything about szechuanese food!

The Service has massively improved since covid making this place the complete package, the staff are friendly and speak good english.

Best szechuanese place in London easy but its ridiculous how it is not more well known....