Gouqi Chinese London: Is the £59 Peking Duck Set Menu Worth It?

Alright, let’s talk about Gouqi Chinese because this one deserves a proper moment.

If you’ve ever found yourself wandering around Trafalgar Square, slightly overwhelmed by tourists and craving something genuinely comforting but still a little bit special, Gouqi might just be your answer.

Tucked away at 25–34 Cockspur Street, right in the heart of central London, this modern Chinese restaurant feels like a hidden gem hiding in plain sight. It’s open from 12pm daily (until 10pm Sunday to Thursday, and 10:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays), making it perfect for everything from a long lunch to a pre-theatre dinner.

I recently went to try their £59 per person dinner set menu, and let’s just say, I left very full, very happy, and already planning when I could come back.

About Gouqi

The name Gouqi comes from Gouqi Island, the second largest island in Shengsi County, Zhoushan City. It’s known for its goji berries and beautifully preserved fishing villages. The goji berry itself is a symbol of health and vitality in Chinese culture, and that philosophy quietly runs through the restaurant’s ethos. There’s a sense that they care about quality, balance and heritage, but without making it feel stiff or overly traditional.

That blend of old and new is something you feel the moment you step inside. Gouqi isn’t trying to replicate an old-school Chinatown banquet hall. Instead, it leans into a modern, contemporary aesthetic, with subtle Chinese design touches that give it warmth and identity. It feels polished but not intimidating, somewhere you could take your parents, a date, or your friend who “doesn’t usually do Chinese food” and wants to be impressed.

Gouqi is led by Chef Tong Chee Hwee, the former Head Chef at Hakkasan and that detail alone tells you a lot about the level this restaurant is operating on. For those who might not know, Hakkasan was the first Chinese restaurant in the UK to earn a Michelin star, and Chef Tong was instrumental in that achievement. Within just a year of his leadership, Hakkasan received its Michelin star in the 2003 guide, marking a huge moment for modern Chinese cuisine in London.

What Is Gouqi Known For?

If you’ve heard of Gouqi before, chances are it’s because of their Peking duck. It’s kind of their signature move. The “Legendary Peking Duck” isn’t just a menu item, it’s an experience. If you order a whole duck, they carve it in front of you, which instantly elevates dinner into something a little theatrical and special.

Beyond the duck, Gouqi is known for refined Chinese dishes that feel both rooted in tradition and slightly elevated. Think strong, confident flavours, garlic, black bean, chilli but presented with finesse. It’s not greasy takeaway vibes. It’s the kind of place where ingredients feel premium, and each dish has intention behind it.

They also offer both à la carte and set menu options, which makes it accessible depending on your budget and how hungry you’re feeling. The £59 set menu (minimum two people) is available Sunday to Thursday all day, and on Fridays and Saturdays before 6:30pm and after 9pm. There’s also a £28 lunch set menu, which honestly feels like a steal considering the quality.

What Is the Experience Like at Gouqi?

From the moment we walked in, the experience felt thoughtful. The staff immediately offered to store our coats, which sounds like a small thing, but it sets the tone. It feels attentive without being overbearing.

The interior strikes a nice balance. It’s modern and sleek, but there are subtle Chinese design elements that anchor it culturally. It doesn’t scream theme restaurant, it just quietly owns its identity. The lighting is warm, the seating comfortable, and there’s a gentle buzz in the background that makes it feel lively but not chaotic.

Service-wise, the staff were friendly and accommodating throughout the night. They were happy to explain dishes and made sure we were comfortable. There’s something reassuring about dining somewhere that feels well run. You can relax and focus on the food.

And if you do opt for a full duck, the table side carving definitely adds a little excitement. There’s something about watching your food being prepared in front of you that makes the whole evening feel more immersive.

What Is the Food Like at Gouqi?

We went for the £59 three-course special set menu, and between the two of us, we were genuinely stuffed by the end. I’m not exaggerating when I say we had to get takeaway boxes. It’s generous.

First Course – Starters

Each person gets one soup and one scallop. The soups were genuinely comforting in that deep, nourishing way.

The Double-Boiled Herbal Duck Soup with Peach Gum felt restorative, like something your mum would insist you eat if you were slightly under the weather. It was rich but not heavy, with that subtle herbal depth that lingers in the best way.

The Sweet Corn Soup with Chicken was smoother and slightly sweeter, a classic done properly. Both soups felt carefully made rather than rushed additions to a set menu.

The Scottish Diver Scallop was served with glass noodles, chilli, garlic and black bean sauce. The garlic and black bean flavours were bold and unapologetic, cutting beautifully through the delicate scallop. It had that satisfying umami punch that makes you slow down and savour each bite.

Second Course – The Peking Duck

Then came the Legendary Peking Duck. We had half a duck to share, served with homemade pancakes, cucumber, shallots and hoisin sauce.

The duck was juicy and I mean properly juicy. Not dry, not overly fatty, just that perfect balance of crisp skin and tender meat. Wrapping it in a soft pancake with the fresh crunch of cucumber and the sweetness of hoisin felt like assembling little parcels of joy. It’s one of those dishes that never gets old, but when done well, reminds you why it’s iconic in the first place.

Third Course – The Mains

For the final course, you choose one main each from four options. We picked the Braised Iberico Pork with Tiger Peppers and Shiitake Mushroom, and the Kung Pao Prawn with Dried Chilli and Cashew Nut.

The Iberico pork was incredibly soft, the kind that practically melts as soon as you bite into it. It had depth from the shiitake mushrooms and a gentle heat from the tiger peppers that kept things interesting without overwhelming the dish.

The Kung Pao prawn was packed with flavour. The dried chilli added warmth rather than sharp spice, and the cashew nuts gave that perfect crunch for contrast. It was balanced and satisfying.

The mains are served with seasonal vegetables and your choice of steamed jasmine rice or golden egg fried rice. We went for the golden egg fried rice, and honestly, no regrets. It was fluffy, fragrant and the perfect partner to the richer dishes.

By the end of it all, we were so full we had to admit defeat and ask for takeaway boxes. That’s always a good sign in my book.

What Is the Price Like at Gouqi?

At £59 per person for the dinner set menu, Gouqi sits in that “treat yourself” category. It’s not your casual weeknight takeaway, but for the quality, portion sizes and central London location, it feels absolutely worth it.

You’re getting multiple courses, premium ingredients (hello, Iberico pork and diver scallops), and a polished dining experience in the heart of London. Between two of us, the amount of food was more than enough. In terms of value for money, I genuinely think it delivers.

If you’re looking for something more affordable, the £28 lunch set menu is a great option. And of course, there’s an à la carte menu if you want to customise your experience.

Final Thoughts of Gouqi

Gouqi feels refined but welcoming, traditional but modern, indulgent but not excessive.

The food is flavourful, the portions are generous, and the service makes you feel looked after without fuss. The Peking duck alone is worth coming for, but the supporting dishes hold their own. Nothing felt like filler.

Would I go back? Absolutely. I’d recommend for family dinners and a catch-up that deserves more than just noodles, or when you want to impress someone without trying too hard.

If you’re in central London and craving elevated Chinese cuisine that still delivers on comfort and flavour, Gouqi is one to add to your list. Whether you go for the iconic duck, explore the mains, or opt for the set menu like we did, you’re in for a satisfying experience.

Highlights

• Modern contemporary interior with subtle Chinese design touches
• Friendly and accommodating staff
• Generous portion sizes
• Full duck carving available tableside for added dining experience
• Great option for special occasions, date nights or elevated central London dining
• Favourites: Peking duck, Double-Boiled Herbal Duck Soup with Peach Gum, Braised Iberico Pork with Tiger Peppers and Shiitake Mushroom, Scallops

Gouqi Chinese Details

• Location: 25‐34 Cockspur St in London near Trafalgar Square
• Opening Hours: Sun – Thu (12pm – 10pm); Fri – Sat (12pm – 10:30pm)
• Price: £59pp dinner set menu / £28pp lunch set menu

---

MORE ON MY BLOG

Explore more of my food blog

Explore more of my travel blog

---

CONNECT WITH ME ♡

♡ Instagram: @juliaxeats

♡ Tik Tok: @juliaxeats

♡ YouTube: @juliaxeats

♡ Blog: www.juliaxeats.com

Business inquiries: juliaxeats@gmail.com

---

Explore London, UK

---

More London, UK Posts

---

Tags: Gouqi Chinese, Gouqi London review, Gouqi Chinese London, Gouqi Cockspur Street, Gouqi Trafalgar Square, Peking duck London, best Peking duck London, Chinese restaurant Trafalgar Square, Chinese food central London, Gouqi set menu, Gouqi dinner review, Gouqi lunch menu, London Chinese restaurant review, Iberico pork London, Kung Pao prawn London, London food blog, London restaurant review, Chinese fine dining London, modern Chinese restaurant London, Cockspur Street restaurants, places to eat near Trafalgar Square, London set menu dinner, best Chinese restaurant London, duck carving London, luxury Chinese London, central London dining, London date night restaurant, goji berry restaurant London, Gouqi menu prices, London food recommendations