Review: Songhelou, Soho

A taste of centuries-old Jiangnan cuisine from China has arrived in the heart of London, at the entrance of Chinatown in Wardour Street. 

Songhelou London will take people on a culinary Journey from Jiangnan to the streets of Soho, famed for its vibrant food and drink scene and the home of Chinatown. Steeped in history, the establishment is over 250 years old, founded during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty.  Songhelou is amongst China’s most renowned culinary institutions, representing the pinnacle of Suzhou cuisine. It brings with it centuries of culinary heritage across the seas to London for a truly authentic gastronomic experience. 

Songhelou is famed for its hand-made Suzhou-style noodles, thin and delicate noodles in a delicious dark, sweet yet spicy broth, where customers can choose their own toppings. Expect a range of authentic soup-based noodle dishes served with Sweet and Sour Squirrel-Shaped Bass (£37.80), Suzhou-style Braised Pork (£16.80), or Stir Fried Crab Meat & Roe (£23.80). The squirrel-shaped bass is expertly prepared and cooked, bringing a touch of theatre to the table. The front of house staff are happy to tell the story behind this signature dish , so I won't spoil it.

Further toppings available include Sizzling Eel Slices in oil (£10.80) and Flavoured Crayfish (£10.80). Those with a sweet tooth can finish with the Mini Rice Balls with Red Bean Paste (£6.80), or Red Date Sticky Rice Steamed Cake (£9.80). 

As the perfect accompaniment, no menu from Suzhou would be complete without a selection of refreshing and well-balanced teas to enhance the bold and fiery flavours. Choose from the Jasmin Silver Needle Tea (£3.90), Osmanthus Longjing Tea (£3.90), or Peach Oolong Tea (£3.90).  We opted for the Jasmin Silver Needle tea, a sophisticated variety blending the highest quality white tea buds and jasmine flowers for a fragrant but refreshing tea.

To represent Songhelou's Suzhou heritage the dining environment blends a sophisticated London touch with modern design elements, with natural wood and green foliage reflecting the tranquillity of Suzhou's water towns.

The restaurant space spans three floors (334 square metres), offering 64 dining tables, including private dining booths. The largest dining arrangement can accommodate up to 144 guests, making it perfect for both intimate meals and grand gatherings. The central London location is only a 200-metre walk from Leicester Square Underground Station.

Address: 22 Wardour St, London, W1D 6QQ 

Opening times: Monday – Sunday 12 noon to 10pm 

Website: en.songhelou.net  

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Deputy Editor, Chatting Food London: Amanda David

Amanda David is a freelance food writer specialising in London’s restaurants, bars and events. She is the author of EAT THIS NOW! on Substack, Events Editor and a contributing writer for London Cheapo, a regular contributor to Palate Magazine and a Member of the Guild of Food Writers.

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