I’ve always felt that London’s Chinatown weighed more heavily on the basic side in comparison to its global counterparts. Restaurant wise, the best spots have traditionally been found well outside of Chinatown whereas in NYC, San Fran, even my hometown Toronto, the opposite is arguably the case. But in the last few years, London’s Chinatown has seen a growth spurt in swagger. Youthfully stylish Asian eateries have been springing up along Shaftesbury and into the heart of C-Town that not only cater to the increasing east Asian tourist and student population but also locals like us always on the lookout for new ways to feed the dumpling addiction. Right there in the mix is Viet Food (and Lounge). This higher quality Vietnamese restaurant comes from former Hakkasan Mayfair Head Chef Jeff Tan and is a welcome addition to the lower Wardour Street strip. Food is fast, fresh and expertly presented. Your favourite Vietnamese plates (like our delightful lemongrass pork) are presented with a pinch of pizzazz (think tiny bottles of dipping sauce, cash-money wads of fresh herbs, retro cute ceramics). Head upstairs to the newly opened art-deco lounge bar, and indulge in intricately blended cocktails with with a side of special bar bites. In a maze of new places to eat, Viet Food presents you with an easy answer.

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