Local Expert
Lulu P.
At the tender age of 31, I decided to quit my cushy life in Toronto to see if I could move to London successfully. Much to my surprise, things worked out well and I'm looking forward to being a…
At the tender age of 31, I decided to quit my cushy life in Toronto to see if I could move to London successfully. Much to my surprise, things worked out well and I'm looking forward to being a long-term tourist in my adopted city.
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Cha Cha Moon
After the success of Wagamama (chain of cheap non-sushi Japanese restaurants) and Busaba Eathai (chain of inexpensive Thai restaurants) it was only a matter of time before superstar restaurateur Alan Yau started a chain of inexpensive Chinese restaurants. While there is only one Cha Cha Moon (for now), I’m certain that it won’t be long before they start multiplying.
Much like Yau’s other Asian cheap and cheerful establishments, Cha Cha Moon features funky, modern, wood-based décor. Everyone gets seated cafeteria style so you really need to not mind eating with strangers.
While the food is decent, it really isn’t as good as my usual spots in Chinatown and on the Queensway. Things I liked about it? The décor is nice, it’s right off Carnaby Street and everything on the menu is £3.50. However, if all goes to plan Mr. Yau will be jacking those prices up real soon.
Menu highlights include: roast duck noodle soup, cheung fun fried noodles (dry), chive pancakes and the spicy Shanghai chicken dumplings.
A word of warning. You will most likely have to line up for this place. I personally would not wait longer than 10 to 15 minutes for a meal here. If it looks like you're going to have to line up longer than that, just walk over to Chinatown, which is about a 10 to 15 minute walk.