Bun House Disco Shoreditch: A Taste of Retro Hong Kong in London

Looking for a taste of retro Hong Kong but right here in London? Imagine neon-lit streets, late-night chatter over small plates, and that unmistakable energy that makes every bite feel like a celebration. That’s exactly what Bun House Disco in Shoreditch captures, a nostalgic old-school Hong Kong tea houses, reimagined with a funky, modern London twist.

Tucked along Bethnal Green Road (8 minutes walk from Shoreditch High Street station) , this spot doesn’t just serve food, it serves vibes. Between the shimmer of the disco ball, and the comforting aroma of steamed buns and classic dishes, you instantly feel like you’ve stepped into a different era.

If you grew up on dim sum Sundays or late-night cha chaan teng runs, you’ll find something familiar here but also something fresh. It’s as if someone took that Hong Kong hustle, added a Shoreditch edge, and turned it into a night out you’ll want to relive again and again.

Background About Bun House Disco

Bun House Disco is the latest outpost from the team behind the much-loved Bun House in Chinatown. While the Chinatown location is known for its smaller, grab-and-go menu, the Shoreditch branch takes things up a notch. The menu here is larger, more playful, and designed for sharing, perfect if you love to pick and mix your way through an evening meal.

The concept leans heavily into its name. There’s literally a disco ball twirling from the ceiling, bathing the room in warm, glittering light. It’s not full-on nightclub energy, but it’s enough to make you feel like you’re part of a party. The space blends retro-inspired touches with a modern, minimal edge with clean lines, cosy corners, and an overall vibe that makes you want to stay longer than you planned.

The staff were friendly and upbeat, matching the energy of the place perfectly. Service was quick, almost surprisingly so, considering how busy it was.

What is the experience like at Bun House Disco?

From the moment we sat down, it was clear that Bun House Disco isn’t the kind of restaurant where you order one main course and call it a night. The menu is built for sharing, encouraging a communal experience that’s ideal for groups of friends or even a fun date night. The plates were small enough to share but generous enough that you didn’t feel shortchanged.

And yes, they even sell merchandise, which somehow feels totally on brand. Bun House Disco doesn’t take itself too seriously, it’s confident enough to be playful.

I visited on a Tuesday night, and it was surprisingly packed for a weekday, a sure sign that this place has already built a loyal crowd. The atmosphere has a fun mix of music and conversation filling the space. You get the sense that everyone there is having a good time and honestly, it’s hard not to since the food was so good!

What is the food like at Bun House Disco?

Now, onto what matters most, the food. Every dish I tried had its own unique twist, blending Asian-inspired flavours with creative touches that felt familiar yet refreshing.

Chilli Crisp Burrata (£10.50)

A standout from the start. When I saw “chilli” on the menu, I expected heat, but it turned out to be more about flavour than spice. The combination of creamy burrata with crunchy nuts and fried garlic was genius, textural, aromatic, and perfectly balanced. It’s not a dish you’d expect to find in a place like this, but somehow it fits perfectly. Smooth, soft, and just rich enough without being heavy. One of my favourties!

Cucumber with Black Vinegar and Chilli Oil (£5.60)

A refreshing palate cleanser between bites. Despite the mention of chilli oil, it wasn’t spicy at all. The coolness of the cucumber and the slight tang of vinegar made it an excellent contrast to some of the richer dishes.

Tiger Prawn Toast with Guilin Garlic Mayo (£7.30)

This was a fun and elevated take on the classic prawn toast. Instead of a thin layer of prawn on bread, this one packed a thick prawn filling inside a crisp, thin toast shell. You really get your money’s worth here, the prawn was juicy, almost like a prawn paste you’d find in hotpot. It was crispy on the outside, succulent inside, and the garlic mayo tied it together with a little tang.

Salt & Pepper Squid (£12)

A crowd-pleaser and for good reason. The garlicky crunch was spot on, though I did wish the pieces were smaller for easier sharing. Still, the batter was light enough not to feel greasy, and the squid was tender inside. Simple, satisfying, and hits that nostalgic

Crispy Aubergine with Tangy Sesame Butter (£7.80)

One of my absolute favourites. The aubergine was smooth and velvety inside, yet somehow still had a crisp outer layer. The tangy sesame butter was divine, nutty, slightly sweet, and deeply flavourful. It’s one of those dishes you could easily underestimate, but it ends up stealing the show.

Hoisin Sesame Cheung Fun (£6.20)

Cheung fun, or Cantonese rice noodles, are always a comfort food favourite. These were light, soft, and delicately coated in a hoisin-peanut sauce with toasted sesame on top. Simple but executed beautifully.

Saucy Wonton with Soy Vinegar (£8.60)

This dish was fine but didn’t quite stand out among the rest. The wontons were well-cooked, and the soy vinegar sauce gave it that comforting umami touch, but compared to the other bold flavours on the table, it felt like a safe choice. Good if you prefer something milder.

Crispy Pork Belly with Fermented Red Beancurd (£16)

This was another hit at the table. The pork belly was tender and juicy, served with lettuce, yellow radish, and cucumber so you can make your own wraps. While I was expecting a bit more crunch from the pork skin, the flavours were balanced and satisfying. The fermented beancurd added a subtle depth that made the dish memorable without being overpowering.

Custard Bun (£3.80)

A classic end to the meal. The bun was soft and pillowy, with a warm, smooth custard center. It’s not too sweet, which I appreciated after so many savoury dishes.

Kaya French Toast (£3.80)

This dish wrapped up the experience perfectly. A fusion of Southeast Asian with the comfort of French toast, topped with jasmine clotted cream and a drizzle of honey. It had that ideal balance of crunch and softness, not soggy in the slightest. Perfect to share between two or not, because honestly, you might want one all to yourself.

What is the price like at Bun House Disco?

With most dishes ranging from £5 to £15, Bun House Disco is refreshingly affordable, especially for Shoreditch. The portions are fair, and since the menu is built for sharing, you can sample a good variety without breaking the bank.

Given the quality of ingredients, creativity of the menu, and overall vibe of the place, it’s great value. You can have a satisfying meal with drinks for under £30 a person, which in London terms is a steal and still try multiple items on the menu.

Final Thoughts

Bun House Disco delivers on what it promises, a lively, flavourful dining experience where fun and food come together seamlessly. The fast service, shareable dishes, and energetic atmosphere make it a perfect spot for casual catch-ups or group outings.

It’s a place that doesn’t take itself too seriously yet takes its food seriously enough to keep you coming back. The combination of East Asian comfort food with playful modern twists works beautifully.

My top picks? Definitely the Chilli Crisp Burrata, Crispy Aubergine, Crispy Pork Belly, and Kaya French Toast. Each of these dishes stood out for their texture, balance, and creativity.

Would I go again? Absolutely. In fact, it’s already on my list of places to revisit and next time.

If you’re looking for a spot that feels effortlessly cool, serves dishes worth talking about, Bun House Disco is your next destination. It’s a perfect reflection of Shoreditch’s personality, bold, fun, and full of flavour.

Bun House Disco Highlights and Tips

• Must Try dishes: Chilli crisp burrata, Crispy aubergine, Tiger Prawn Toast, Cheung fun, Crispy Pork Belly, Kaya French toast
• Visit the Shoreditch location. It has a larger menu than the Chinatown branch, more variety and more fun dishes to explore.
• The atmosphere is energetic but laid-back, with retro Hong Kong touches, neon lighting, and that iconic disco ball giving it a fun twist.
• The service is friendly and fast. The dishes come out quickly, keeping the experience smooth and well-paced.
• Dishes are affordable, with most plates ranging from £5–£15, so ordering 4–5 dishes between two people gives you a great range without overspending.
• I visited with a group of four, and we ordered a bunch of dishes, including dessert. It ended up costing about £30 per person
• Accepts walk-ins, but I recommend booking in advance for groups larger than four to secure a table
• Bun House Disco in Shoreditch is just an 8-minute walk from Shoreditch High Street Station.

Bun House Disco Details

• Location: Shoreditch / 118 Bethnal Grn Rd, London E2 6DG
• Opening Hours: Tuesday – Thursday (12 – 9:30 pm); Friday – Saturday (12 – 10:30 pm); Sunday (11 am – 5 pm); Monday (Closed)
• Price: £5 – £15 average per dish
• Accepts card or cash

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