Royal China (Canary Riverside)

£8 - £20 / Chinese, Vegetarian options

30 Westferry Circus, London

Opening hours

12PM-11PM

Sunday 11AM-10PM
Monday 12PM-10:30PM
Tuesday 12PM-10:30PM
Wednesday 12PM-10:30PM
Thursday 12PM-10:30PM
Friday 12PM-11PM
Saturday 12PM-11PM

Scenic Dim Sum with Exceptional Service

Visiting Royal China at Canary Wharf is like stepping into a tale spun by its frequent regulars, each threading a unique touch to the dining experience tapestry. The river view stretches alluringly, offering a serene backdrop to a cluster of bustling tables and evocative aromas of authentic Cantonese cuisine. Dim sum aficionados will find cause for celebration here, particularly with the prawn crystal dimsum praised as enticingly delectable. Among many visits I’ve made to this storied culinary stop, it’s clear that dim sum remains a house specialty, always served with reverence to tradition. The egg tarts are a whispered secret meant to be savored slowly, letting their flaky crusts and smooth custard prompts a renewed appreciation.

Yet, dining here has morphed into a dual narrative shaped by splendidly executed dishes on some occasions and a puzzling service mishap on others. Engaging staff like Kenny are recounting tales of friendliness and top-of-line care; a satisfying blend when paired with wok-fried shrimp generously infused with garlic. Nevertheless, erratic server attitudes or scenes of missing dishes unfortunately dot this establishment’s reputation, rendering an otherwise potential bout of gastronomic glory into missed opportune moments. With scarcity in vegetarian options and fluctuating attitude perceived from managers, a diner’s patience may stretch, wanting more cordiality for such a poised joint in pilsner territory. Still, Chronicle closely guards alluring elements, making repeat revelations incredibly desirable if one harnesses timing and charm of seasoned trope. — Nigel Gourmet