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Londonderry

Europe

United Kingdom

Nestled in the heart of London at 131-133 Central Street, Poon's at the Alchemist offers an authentic taste of homestyle Cantonese cuisine that transports diners straight to the comfort of a family kitchen. This family-run restaurant stands out amidst London's bustling culinary scene with its dedication to preserving traditional flavors and creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Known for its limited yet expertly executed menu, Poon's is a hidden gem for those craving genuine Cantonese dishes that evoke nostalgic warmth and culinary authenticity.

Explore the flavors of Cantonese home cooking

Poon's at the Alchemist: A Homestyle Cantonese Haven in London

https://maps.google.com/?q=131-133+Central+St,+London+EC1V+8AP

Poon's is renowned for its homestyle Cantonese dishes that evoke the warmth of a family kitchen. Among the standout offerings are sautéed Chinese greens, perfectly seasoned and cooked to retain their vibrant color and crunch, and tender greens served over rice in a traditional clay pot that infuses each bite with rich, savory flavors. The chicken rice, another crowd favorite, boasts succulent, tender pieces of chicken paired with fragrant, fluffy rice, delivering a comforting yet sophisticated taste experience.

The restaurant exudes a cozy, family-run charm that makes every visit feel like dining at a relative's home. Despite its limited menu, the warm hospitality and authentic flavors make it a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. The owners are passionate about sharing their culinary heritage, often sharing stories behind each dish, adding a personal touch to your dining experience.

What makes Poon's at the Alchemist unique?

Poon's stands out for its dedication to authentic homestyle Cantonese cuisine, served in a warm, family-run setting that offers a genuine taste of Chinese home cooking rarely found in London.

To experience authentic Cantonese comfort food in a cozy, family-oriented environment, with dishes that evoke nostalgic flavors and stories from the restaurant's heritage.

Located in London, Poon's is conveniently close to various cultural sites, shops, and local landmarks, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a hearty meal after exploring the city.

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This place offers a limited selection of homestyle Cantonese food, executed well. These are dishes that I would have at the grandparents house for a snack. For London, it is really hard to find such flavours and dishes executed properly. That said, for the home cook, these are easy dishes to make if you know what these dishes are supposed to taste like. Sautéed Chinese greens, lop Chong and tender greens over rice in clay pot. Chicken rice. It's home food and comfort food. It's also family run as opposed to the endless chains run by restaurant groups in London. Enjoy it while it lasts. Poons was packed and reservations are not super easy to get so I imagine multiple locations sprouting up. For that reason I would say 4 stars.  Why not 5 stars, it's really expensive for what it is. Also the menu selection is quite limited. Food took a long while to get to the table. Lastly, one of the servers was quite terrible. She cost this place probably a whole star by herself. She knocked over a cup of tea on me and didn't even get a napkin to help clean up. She asked if we wanted to get dessert and I asked what they had and she just walked away. Weird. The owner and her nephew were quite good and willing to share some of their family stories behind the restaurant, it it made up a bit for this one person.

Poon's at the Alchemist: Authentic Cantonese Dining in Londonderry, UK

Relax with comforting Chinese home-style favorites

Enjoy a taste of London’s hidden gem for Chinese cuisine

Savor dishes like sautéed Chinese greens and chicken rice

Experience the warmth of family-run Cantonese comfort food

Authentic Chinese dishes executed with care

Limited menu but rich in homestyle flavor

A cozy spot for true Chinese comfort food lovers

Start your culinary journey with our flavorful starters, including crispy spring rolls and delicate dumplings, perfect for sharing. Proceed to main courses featuring comforting dishes like sautéed Chinese greens, tender lop Chong, and aromatic chicken rice served in traditional clay pots. For those with a sweet tooth, our desserts offer a satisfying conclusion, with homemade options that evoke home-style warmth. Complement your meal with a selection of authentic Chinese drinks, including traditional teas and unique herbal infusions. Don't miss our specials, which highlight seasonal flavors and family recipes that bring a true taste of Cantonese cuisine to London.

Explore the menu for starters, mains, desserts, and beverages

Discover Poon's at the Alchemist in Londonderry for a vibrant dining experience, innovative dishes, and a lively atmosphere. Book your table now for unforgettable flavors!

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