This is the story of how I made a friend at a comedy show in London. We probably spoke for five minutes. A couple of days later, we met again for dinner at New China Restaurant in Chinatown London, right in the heart of Gerrard Street.
When I was younger, making friends felt effortless. We believed our best friend today was simply a stranger yesterday. As we grew older, that innocence faded. “Stranger danger” became louder, and the standards for forming new friendships quietly increased.
But sometimes, life surprises you.
The person I met at the comedy show and I discovered a strange coincidence. In 2024, we had both lived in Edinburgh on the same street. That instant connection made the decision to meet again easier. Since it was Chinese New Year, it felt like the perfect excuse to explore a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown and continue the conversation.
Dinner at New China Restaurant, 48 Gerrard Street Chinatown
We chose New China Restaurant at 48 Gerrard Street, one of the busiest streets in Chinatown London during Chinese New Year celebrations. The restaurant was buzzing with energy, red lanterns glowing outside, and people lining up for authentic Chinese food.
From the moment we walked in, the staff were welcoming and patient despite how crowded it was.
My friend is vegan, and I wanted seafood, so we ordered several dishes to share. Our table included: Prawn Fried Rice, Ma Po Tofu, Assorted Pak Choi and Mushrooms, Fried Shredded Potatoes with Chilli Pepper and Plain Fried Noodles
Over dinner, I learned something new. Eating noodles during Chinese New Year symbolises longevity. Seafood represents wealth and prosperity. If that is true, we might have secured both that night.
The prawn fried rice was deeply flavourful, with perfectly cooked prawns and just the right level of spice. The rice had that authentic wok-char taste you hope for when visiting a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown London.
One combination that stood out for me was the plain fried noodles with Ma Po Tofu. The tofu blended beautifully with the noodles, creating a rich and slightly numbing spice that lingered pleasantly. It was comforting and bold at the same time.
The vegan dishes were equally impressive. The pak choi and mushrooms were coated in a flavourful base sauce that paired well with both the rice and noodles. The fried shredded potatoes felt like addictive snacks. I was too full to finish them, but they were genuinely delicious.
Authentic Chinese Food in Chinatown London
Whenever I walk into an authentic Asian restaurant, I have two small concerns. Will the food feel authentic? And will they accept AMEX?
New China Restaurant in Chinatown London handled both effortlessly. The flavours were unapologetically authentic, and yes, they accepted AMEX. I felt the place was slightly pricy but the food matched up to it, so I would not really mind.
Because it was Chinese New Year in Chinatown, the atmosphere felt electric. Families gathered around large tables. Friends laughed over steaming dishes. The restaurant was full, but the staff remained attentive and kind.
If you are searching for authentic Chinese food in Chinatown London, New China on Gerrard Street is worth considering, especially during festive celebrations.
Making New Friends in London
As we grow older, making new friends can feel harder than it used to. The leap of faith we once took as children feels riskier. But sometimes, all it takes is five minutes at a comedy show, a shared coincidence from Edinburgh, and dinner at a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown London. I ended the night having made a new friend and learned more about Chinese cuisine than I expected.
Maybe growing up does not mean we stop taking chances. I believe one successful attempt can overshadow a hundred failures.
Overall Rating:
Price – ★★★ (Higher stars mean better value for money)
Aesthetics – ★★★
Service – ★★★★
Taste – ★★★★★
Experience– ★★★★
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