Food / 19 May, 2026 / Ellie Thompson

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

If your ideal London date night involves bold flavours, sharing plates, a lively atmosphere, and a little food-fuelled chaos, Kawan by Uncle Roger should be firmly on your radar.

Yes, that Uncle Roger.

The globally famous Malaysian comedian Nigel Ng, known for roasting celebrity chefs and passionately defending proper fried rice, has opened his first UK restaurant in the heart of Chinatown. Naturally, we had to investigate.

First Impressions: Buzzy, Fun And Very Soho

Set on Macclesfield Street, just moments from Leicester Square, Kawan (which means friend in Malaysian) feels exactly like the sort of place you want for a spontaneous date night in town.

This is not white tablecloth romance or hushed fine dining. This is lively, loud, sociable eating. A place where you order too much, steal food off each other’s plates and immediately start plotting a return visit.

With just 58 covers and a no-bookings policy, it has that classic Chinatown energy — slightly chaotic, but all part of the fun.

What’s On The Menu?

Kawan has been created in collaboration with restaurateur Keng Yew (the force behind YiQi, SanHao, Dozo and The Eight) and Executive Chef Daren Liew, whose impressive CV includes Duddell’s and the Hakkasan Group.

The menu takes Asian family-style favourites and gives them a playful London twist.

And yes, naturally, fried rice is front and centre. Let’s get real. Uncle Roger is not going to be opening a restaurant without fried rice on the menu!

There are two fried rice options: Chinatown Style, with crispy XO chilli and Cantonese lap cheung stirred through jasmine rice, or From The Village, a spicier belachan egg fried rice with seafood and vegetables.

Standout Dishes Worth Ordering

One of the biggest talking points is the wonderfully cheeky Chinese Wellington, Uncle Roger’s playful dig at “Uncle Gordon”. A puff pastry-wrapped duck leg with tomato chilli and Teochew butter olive mushroom.

Elsewhere, Aji-no-bun is a serious crowd-pleaser, packed with BBQ pork, rose wine, pickled vegetables and spicy chilli, served with hot roti that disappeared far too quickly.

For starters, Curry Cloud Toast is another fun order. A crispy vegan toast topped with seaweed, chai gluten and curry powder.

Then there’s dessert.

Because obviously there’s dessert… Or Happy Endings as Uncle Rog calls it.

The Sizzling Blue Milo dumplings arrive with buttery chocolate-milo filling and just the right amount of theatrical flourish.

Fuiyoooh.

Is Kawan Good For Date Night?

Absolutely, especially if your version of romance is more playful than polished. If you’re looking for a fun London date night with big personality, bold flavours and serious Chinatown buzz, Kawan by Uncle Roger is a fabulous go-to.

Kawan is energetic, informal and genuinely fun. It’s the sort of place that works brilliantly for couples who love trying new dishes, sharing everything and debating the best order.

The Practical Stuff

Worth knowing before you go:

• No reservations
• Open daily
• 12 Macclesfield Street, London W1D 5BP
• Average spend: £30–£50 for two
• Nearest tube: Leicester Square

Come hungry.

Order the fried rice.

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