Food / 6 July, 2026 / Ellie Thompson

Why YiQi Lah Should Be Your Next Chinatown Stop

London’s Chinatown has no shortage of fantastic places to eat, so when a new restaurant opens, it has a lot to live up to. YiQi Lah manages to do exactly that.

Tucked away in Newport Court, this intimate restaurant is the sister venue to the critically acclaimed YiQi Panasia, serving bold Malaysian, Indonesian, Singaporean and Thai-inspired dishes that deliver exceptional flavour without the hefty price tag.

Whether you’re heading into the West End before a show or planning an evening with friends, YiQi Lah is one of those restaurants you’ll want to return to.

First Impressions of YiQi Lah

The restaurant itself is cosy and intimate, creating a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for catching up over great food. The service was warm, friendly and attentive throughout the evening, striking exactly the right balance between welcoming and unobtrusive.

One thing we both noticed? The restaurant was full of Asian diners, which immediately gave us confidence we were in for an authentic experience. There was a lovely buzz about the place, with tables full of people clearly enjoying every bite.

What We Ordered

The menu is designed for sharing, so naturally we ordered more than we intended.

Our feast included:

• Crispy Soft-Shell Crab with Oatmeal
• Beef Green Curry
• Crispy Noodles
• Slow-Cooked Brisket
• Duck Salad

Although we stuck to water with our meal (they don’t have an alcohol licence), we certainly didn’t feel like we were missing out.

Our Favourite Dishes

If we had to pick a favourite, it would be the Crispy Soft-Shell Crab with Oatmeal. Crisp, savoury and seriously moreish, it was the perfect starter.

The Beef Green Curry was packed with flavour, the crispy noodles delivered exactly the crunch you’d hope for, and the slow-cooked brisket was cooked to perfection.

The duck salad brought freshness and balance to the table, and together the dishes worked brilliantly as a sharing feast. It’s rare to order this much and not find a weak link, but honestly, every plate delivered.

Is YiQi Lah Worth Visiting?

Absolutely.

What impressed us most wasn’t just one exceptional dish—it was the consistency. Every plate that arrived was beautifully presented, generously sized and packed with bold, authentic flavours.

If you’re looking for one of the best Southeast Asian restaurants in London’s Chinatown, YiQi Lah should be firmly on your list.

Whether you’re planning a theatre trip, meeting friends or simply exploring Chinatown, this hidden gem delivers exceptional food, fantastic service and excellent value for money.

Drop them a follow on Instagram!

Date Night At Tortello: The NEW Chic West London Italian To Know

Kawan By Uncle Roger Is Open: Chinatown’s Buzziest New Opening