Cafe Kowloon - (Near Hackney, South East)

5 /5 Emily Carlson: We went for the soft launch, and everything was delicious! We really liked the interiors and how they had done up the railway arch. It all felt very HK, reminded me a lot of places like Ho Lee Fook but minimalist. The wontons and prawn toast were my favourites. The drinks also looked interesting, so would come back for cocktails! The staff were definitely the highlight though - everyone was so friendly and helpful and it made the whole night feel extra lovely.

4 /5 Ben Smith: One of the most exciting menus we’ve seen in a while. @cafe.kowloon has just opened and it’s dishing up a menu of killer, no-filler creative Cantonese dishes. Inspired by Hong Kong’s dai pai dong vendors, dim sum houses and cocktail bars, this London Fields spot is the newest opening from hospo group 6 of 1, the team behind Mr Bao, Daddy Bao, Good Measure and Master Bao. From glass noodles tangled around scallops to prawn toast served with crispy heads, plus pickles alongside Alfonso margs, burnt lemon highballs and field-blend chilled reds. It’s fun AF.

5 /5 Issy Villiers: I had a fantastic dinner at Cafe Kowloon earlier this week. From the moment the food arrived, I was impressed. The curry fish balls were bursting with flavour. The scallops with glass noodles in XO sauce were a highlight too, delicate yet rich, and beautifully balanced. And the prawn toast? Honestly the best I’ve ever had, perfectly crisp with a wonderful texture and flavour that really stood out! I was also really happy with the non-alcoholic drink options too. The pear chrysanthemum soda was refreshing and full of delicate floral notes. The open kitchen added such a great energy, watching the chefs at work while lovely music played made the whole experience feel special from start to finish. Service was friendly and attentive without ever feeling rushed, and overall this felt like one of the best new restaurants to open in the area. If you’re into bold Cantonese flavours and a warm, inviting setting, this is a place you shouldn’t miss!

5 /5 Lauren Kam: Pleasantly surprised. I didn’t have too many expectations going into this, as someone who is of Hong Kong ethnicity and knows the cuisine very well. But Cafe Kowloon brings nostalgia, authenticity and modern day together seamlessly. Each dish was reminiscent of the original from the first bite with an added contemporary twist. Often times contemporary Cantonese is doused with soy sauce and covered with hoisin, but not here. The curry fish ball was a clear winner, very nostalgic to Hong Kong, with a bouncy toothsome bite that even the HK aunties and uncles would approve of. Char siu was excellent - tasted like the familiar char siu flavours except made with the most tender pieces of pork. The prawn toast was very generous with ample amount of prawn taste and a very crispy cracker-like, toast base. Definitely the best I’ve ever had. Choy sum was clean, thankfully to cut the rich dishes as often times the vegetable sides are covered with too much sauce. Value is excellent, cocktail, several starters mains and desserts shared among 3 came to ~£40 Design of the space is also very well thought out, from the outside sign that glows Cafe Kowloon at night and hides during the day to disguise as Wonton Charlie’s is a nice touch. I appreciated the familiar chopsticks, the small bowls and of course the neon glowing sign. Congrats on the opening! I will be back.

4 /5 Kate: We ordered the cucumber, prawn toast, wontons, typhoon shelter tofu, Buddha’s delight and some jasmine rice. All of the food was good, also the complementary pickles at the beginning are amazing! Our server was really nice, you can tell they are all new and still getting used to things. But he was never too far away which is good. The atmosphere was also amazing. So can’t fault it on that!