Joy King Lau London: Best Yum Cha in Chinatown?

If you’re on the hunt for authentic yum cha in London, let me put you onto a spot that truly hits, Joy King Lau. Tucked right in the heart of Chinatown, this place has built a reputation over decades for serving classic Cantonese dim sum that locals and visitors keep coming back for based on the many Google reviews (5K+).

I recently visited on a Sunday afternoon, and let me tell you, this isn’t one of those quiet, hidden gems. It’s busy, packed, and honestly, that’s how you know it’s going to be good. If you’re someone who loves sharing plates, sipping tea, and trying a bit of everything, this is exactly the kind of experience you’ll enjoy.

About Joy King Lau

Joy King Lau isn’t new to the game, in fact, it’s been around since 1977. That alone says a lot. Restaurants don’t survive that long in London (especially in competitive Chinatown) unless they’re doing something right. Over the years, it’s become one of the go-to spots for traditional Cantonese dim sum, also known as yum cha.

The restaurant itself spans three floors, which is surprisingly spacious considering how busy it gets. Even with all that room, it still fills up quickly, especially on weekends. There’s a comforting sense of history here, it feels like a place that’s been part of countless family gatherings, celebrations, and Sunday traditions.

What is Joy King Lau known for?

Joy King Lau is best known for its classic Cantonese dim sum done properly, no fuss, just solid, reliable dishes that hit the spot every time. This is the place where you come for the staples, siu mai, har gow, chicken feet, and all those comforting small plates that define yum cha.

It’s also known for being one of the best spots for yum cha in London Chinatown. Ask around, and you’ll hear people mention it as a go-to for authentic flavours without the inflated prices you sometimes find elsewhere.

Another thing that stands out is its consistency. Because it’s been serving dim sum for decades, there’s a level of trust, you know what you’re getting, and it’s going to be good.

What is the Experience like at Joy King Lau?

Walking into Joy King Lau on a Sunday at 1:30pm, I was immediately met with a queue forming outside. That’s your first clue, this place is popular. I’d definitely recommend going earlier if you want to avoid a long wait.

Once inside, it’s lively and a little chaotic in the best way. Tables are close together, conversations fill the room, and there’s a constant flow of dishes coming out of the kitchen. It feels authentic, like stepping into a proper dim sum spot rather than a polished, modern interpretation.

One thing to note, unlike usual yum cha experiences where dim sum is wheeled around on trolleys, Joy King Lau uses a tick-sheet ordering system. You mark what you want on a piece of paper, and the dishes are brought to your table. This method is actually super efficient, especially given how packed the restaurant gets.

What is the Food like at Joy King Lau?

Dim sum dishes here are simple, traditional, and packed with flavour. My personal favourite has always been siu mai, and I can confidently say it’s one of the best I’ve had in London. Juicy, well-seasoned, and perfectly steamed, it’s the kind of dish that makes you immediately plan your next visit.

We ordered a mix of classics:

• Spare ribs in black bean sauce (£5.50) – tender and full of that rich, savoury flavour
• Pork & prawn with crab meat (£5.50) – a nice balance of textures and seafood sweetness
• Chicken feet in black bean sauce (£5.50) – sticky, flavourful, and a must-try if you’re into traditional dim sum
• King prawn dumpling (£5.50) – fresh, plump, and well-executed
• Prawn cheung fun (£7.50) – silky rice rolls with perfectly cooked prawns inside
• Pan-fried turnip cake with pork and shrimp (£5.30) – crispy on the outside, soft and savoury inside

We also ordered a couple of larger dishes:

• Roast duck with rice (£12.50) – rich, slightly crispy skin with tender meat
• Ho fun with Beef and vegetables (£13.50) – simple but satisfying

And of course, no yum cha is complete without tea. I usually go for bo lei (pu-erh tea), which is slightly stronger than jasmine and helps cut through the richness of the food.

What is the Price like at Joy King Lau?

One of the best things about Joy King Lau is its value. Most dim sum dishes fall between £5 and £8, which is pretty reasonable for central London, especially in Chinatown.

For our meal, the total came to around £67.30, and with the 12.5% service charge, it was just over £70. Considering the variety and quantity of food we ordered, it felt like great value for money.

This pricing makes it ideal for group dining. You can order a wide range of dishes, share everything, and still keep things relatively affordable.

Final Thoughts about Joy King Lau

Overall, Joy King Lau serves authentic food, a lively atmosphere, and great value. It’s not trying to be trendy or reinvent dim sum, it sticks to tradition, and that’s what makes it so good.

This is the kind of place you come to with friends or family, order way too much food, and just enjoy the moment. For me, it’s easily one of the best yum cha spots in London Chinatown and definitely somewhere I’ll be returning to.

If you’re planning a trip to Chinatown or just craving proper dim sum, Joy King Lau should absolutely be on your list. Go early, bring a group, and come hungry, you’ll want to try as much as possible.

And if you’re like me and judge a place by its siu mai, trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

Joy King Lau Highlights

• One of the best yum cha spots in London Chinatown
• Authentic Cantonese dim sum with decades of history
• Great value with most dishes priced between £5–£8
• Wide variety of classic dim sum options
• Efficient ordering system on paper despite busy environment
• Perfect for group dining and sharing plates
• Recommended dishes: siu mai, har gow, chicken feet, Prawn Cheung fun, pan fried turnip paate with pork and shrimp, and Ho Fun with beef and vegetables

Joy King Lau Details

• Location: London Chinatown, 3 Leicester St, London WC2H 7BL
• Opening Hours:
  • Monday–Saturday: 12:00pm–10:30pm
  • Sunday: 11:30am–9:30pm
• Price Range: £20–£30 per person
• Service Charge: 12.5%
• Best Time to Visit: Earlier in the day, especially on weekends
• Ordering Style: Tick-sheet (no dim sum trolleys)
• Seating: Three floors, but fills up quickly
• Cuisine: Cantonese dim sum / yum cha

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