Few foods have travelled the world and captured as many palates as noodles. From street stalls in Bangkok to upscale dining in New York, and from school lunches to TikTok cooking hacks — noodles are everywhere. The best Chinese noodles are warm, filling, customizable, and above all, comforting.
And like all traditional culinary staples, noodles come with a story of their own. This slurpy dish is arguably China’s greatest edible export, deeply woven into the country’s culinary identity and now a global obsession. And London — like many other cosmopolitan cities — has embraced it wholeheartedly.
Across the capital, you’ll find everything from fiery spicy noodles & nutty soba noodles to umami-rich broths and even viral hits like Samyang noodles—all served in sleek diners, quiet corner kitchens, and bustling Chinatown favorites. So, whether you’re hunting for the best Chinese noodles at Elm Street, London, or exploring hidden gems across the city — we’ve got you covered.
Here are some of the best Chinese noodle outlets across the city.
But first, a little context.
A Brief History of Noodles: From Ancient China to Global Gush
The story of noodles starts over 4,000 years ago in northwestern China. Archaeologists once uncovered a bowl of well-preserved millet noodles near the Yellow River — long, thin strands that looked surprisingly familiar even today.
In Chinese culture, noodles symbolise longevity, prosperity, and togetherness. Over the centuries, regional variations developed:
- Lamian from Lanzhou (hand-pulled, springy)
- Biang Biang from Xi’an (wide, belt-like, spicy noodles)
- Soba noodles (made from wheat) in cooler northern climates
- Spicy noodle varieties like Samyang noodles from Korea
And countless stir-fried, soupy, or chilled versions across the Far East.
As Chinese and other Far Eastern communities migrated, they brought their noodle traditions with them. In the UK, that influence started to gain real traction in the 20th century and exploded over the past two decades. What used to be limited to a Chinatown visit is now a citywide experience.
Today, London’s Chinese noodle scene blends authentic regional cooking with modern flair — and some serious spice. Let’s dig into the best Chinese noodles around Elm Street and beyond in London.
Where to Find the Best Chinese Noodles in London: 8 Must-Try Outlets
From hand-pulled belts of spice to rich, meaty broths and TikTok-famous bowls, London’s noodle scene is a flavour-packed adventure. Check out these nine spots serving the best Chinese noodles the city has to offer.
1. Murger Han
London’s OG Xi’an joint, Murger Han brought hand-pulled Biang Biang noodles to the city back in 2014 — and they haven’t stopped slinging 12-foot-long, chilli-oil-drenched noods since. Their tomato and egg version is a cult favourite, while spring onion and pork combos are slurp-worthy classics. Their namesake “Murger” claims to be the world’s oldest burger.
📍It has multiple locations across London, but Eversholt Street is a go-to.
2. Ikkan Sushi
Ikkan Sushi’s sleek Baker Street flagship spins sushi magic, but don’t sleep on their stir‑fried udon noodles—choose from prawns, chicken, or tofu‑veggie options, each wok-tossed with crisp veg in tangy‑sweet sauce that begs slurping. Beyond noodles, signature Dragon and Sunrise Rolls and gyoza deliver a full Japanese feast.
Get 20% off your first online order at Ikkan Sushi.
📍142 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5PH (Baker Street).
3. Noodle & Beer
London’s Noodle & Beer brings the bold flavours of Chongqing xiǎomiàn to life with house‑made wheat noodles bathed in chilli oil, garlic, sesame, and preserved Sichuan pickles. Here, you can even pair your bowl with a cold craft beer for the perfect match.
📍31 Bell Lane, Whitechapel, London E1 7LA (Liverpool Street)
4. Xi’an Biang Biang Noodles
Lively East End spot Xi’an Biang Biang Noodles specialises in hand‑pulled belt noodles soaked in cumin‑infused lamb broth and addictive chilli oil. Don’t miss the skin‑cold noodles in sesame sauce or sweet potato noodles in hot‑and‑sour soup for a true taste of Xi’an street food.
📍62 Wentworth Street, London E1 7AL (Aldgate East)
5. Marugame Udon
Marugame Udon’s London kitchens turn out fresh Sanuki udon daily, with standout yaki udon tossed in kimchi, cabbage, and bean sprouts for just under £6. Their tempura sides and rice bowls are wallet‑friendly, making it a lunchtime go‑to near Liverpool Street Marugame Udon.
📍114 Middlesex Street, Spitalfields, London E1 7ES Marugame Udon
6. IPPUDO
IPPUDO London serves world‑famous tonkotsu ramen in a broth simmered for 18 hours and signature shiitake pork buns that balance umami and sweetness. With sleek interiors and a welcoming vibe, queues often form around the block.
📍31A Villiers Street, London WC2N 6ND (Embankment)
7. Lanzhou Lamian Noodle Bar
This cosy, no‑frills noodle bar near Leicester Square Station whips up fresh, hand‑pulled lamian in soup, dry, or yaki styles — think hearty roast duck, tender pork, or even adventurous pig’s ear and stomach toppings. Open until the wee hours (4:30 AM on weekends), it’s a late‑night noodle haven.
📍33 Cranbourne Street, London WC2H 7AD (Leicester Square)
8. Fen Noodles
Born from the team behind Dumpling Shack, Fen Noodles at Old Spitalfields Market hand‑pulls every portion of thick, chewy belt noodles to order — think cumin beef drenched in umami punch or garlicky aubergine for vegans. It’s the “little brother” noodle bar you’ll keep coming back to.
📍The Kitchens, Old Spitalfields Market, 16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW
Conclusion: A World of Noodle Variety in the Heart of London
From the belt-thick Biang Biang at Murger Han to Marugame Udon’s silky yaki bowls, London’s Chinese noodle scene offers an unbeatable mix of textures, flavours, and styles. You can chase spicy noodles that tingle your palate, savour earthy buckwheat soba noodles, or brave the viral heat of Samyang noodles—all within a few Tube stops. Whether you’re strolling down Elm Street in search of the best Chinese noodles in London or exploring hidden alleyway gems, these nine outlets prove that noodles remain one of the city’s most versatile and beloved dishes. Grab your chopsticks, pick your poison, and get slurping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Where are the top spots for spicy noodles in London?
Ans. Try Noodle & Beer—known for its fiery Chongqing noodles with chilli oil and Sichuan pepper. Or you visit Ikkan Sushi near Baker Street, where the wok-tossed prawn or chicken udon delivers an addictive, sweet-and-spicy punch.
Q2. What’s the difference between soba noodles and Samyang noodles?
Ans. Soba noodles are Japanese‑style buckwheat strands with a nutty flavour and firm bite, often served cold with dipping sauce or in a hot broth. Samyang noodles, by contrast, are Korean wheat‑based instant noodles famous for their fiery, sticky sauce.
Q3. Which outlets serve the best Chinese noodles at Elm Street, London?
Ans. On Elm Street, London, you’ll find Chinese noodles at Lanzhou Lamian Noodle Bar and Fen Noodles that stand out for quality and authenticity. Lanzhou’s hand‑pulled lamian arrives in rich broth or dry tosses, while Fen’s belt noodles come in cumin‑beef or garlicky aubergine options—two essential stops for the best Chinese noodles at Elm Street, London.
Find Out More –
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