The Royal China restaurant located on Baker Street is the largest within the Royal China Group, seating 200 guests.
It is the flagship branch within the collection which consists of six of London’s most authentic and prestigious Chinese restaurants, including the luxurious and critically-acclaimed Royal China Club.
The first Royal China restaurant opened its doors in 1996, and has since expanded to a number of branches across London such as Bayswater, Fulham, Harrow-on-the-Hill and Canary Wharf.
With its open-plan dining room and signature Chinese décor, contrasting of rich golden hues with striking red and black features, and lacquered murals depicting an ornate Chinese illustration, the Royal China on Baker Street restaurant offers a relaxed and vibrant space, perfect for couples, larger families and groups of friends dining together.
Before embarking on my Dim Sum lunch, I popped into the Royal China Club which is also situated on Baker Street, just a few moments away. This is a premium restaurant within the group, offering a first-rate experience. While it is the smaller of the two restaurants on Baker Street, its intimate setting gives it an exclusive and elegant ambience. Designed by Stiff + Trevillion, a large aquarium containing lobsters, crabs, fish and seafood creates a focal point, while a sleek black granite bar runs along the length of the room. It is a firm favourite with music celebrities such as Beyoncé, Jay-Z and Sam Smith, who have enjoyed various visits to the restaurant.
After my quick visit to the Royal China Club, it was swiftly onto the Royal China Baker Street which is renowned for its Dim Sum served daily from noon until 5pm, and includes Steamed Seafood Dumplings with Spicy Sauce, and Pan-fried Fillet of Duck Breast Rolls. They also have a dedicated Dim Sum Chef, as well as a Head Chef, and I couldn’t wait to sample the Dim Sum menu of which I had heard so much about.
On arrival at the restaurant, most guests were sharing baskets of dim sum, and tables were packed with a variety of sharing dishes. My table was an ample size and had enough room to house the variety of well-presented dishes that started to come my way.
I ordered a mixture of Dim Sum which arrived very quickly which was just as well as I couldn’t wait to get started on my culinary journey. No sooner had I started with my Minced Pork Dumplings, then the second, third, fourth and fifth dishes all arrived in quick succession.
I absolutely loved the Prawn and Chive Dumplings and I could have happily ordered plenty more of these as they were tender and so very moreish which was helped with a touch of chilli sauce. The Roast Pork Buns were fabulous too, very light, smooth and generously filled with a lavish amount of pork in a delicious, luscious sauce. The Honey Roast Pork Puffs were gorgeous in presentation and beautiful in taste too. They were small packages of slightly golden, crispy bronzed pastry filled with a hot heavenly pork filling. I’d heard so much about this dish and it didn’t let me down.
After going through a number of mouth-watering Dim Sum dishes, it was evident that I was not going to be able to sample a dessert on this occasion as I was full to the brim. My lunchtime Dim Sum quest had reached its climax. I was only supposed to indulge within a light lunch, but I was pleasantly surprised to how filling and enjoyable the dishes were. However, if you do have a sweet tooth then don’t despair as the Royal China Baker Street has a selection of desserts on the menu that won’t disappoint.
In short, the Royal China Baker Street is a fantastic venue for those looking to try dim sum for lunch. The staff are super helpful, efficient and friendly which was great to see during a very busy lunchtime period.
There are many dim sum restaurants in London, but if you are looking for the ultimate dim sum experience, coupled with excellent service and world class dishes, then look no further than the Royal China restaurant in Baker Street. I can’t wait to return with some friends to try further dishes on the menu, and this time I’ll save a little room for dessert too.
For more information, or to make a reservation, visit: www.rcguk.co.uk.
More of the Royal China Restaurant
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