Welcome to Old Town 97
Old Town 97, located in the heart of London’s Chinatown at 19 Wardour Street, is a culinary gem that celebrates authentic Cantonese cuisine. With nearly 30 years of history, it has garnered a loyal following thanks to its unique offerings and high-quality ingredients. Guests rave about the crispy-skinned roast duck and char siu, alongside delightful dishes like the wontons in chili oil and generous servings of fried rice. The vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by warm customer service, making it an ideal spot for food lovers. Indulging in Old Town 97's delectable dishes promises a rich and satisfying dining experience.
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19 Wardour St, London W1D 6PL, United Kingdom19 Wardour St, London W1D 6PL, United Kingdom Hotline: +44 20 7734 2868
Welcome to Old Town 97, a culinary gem nestled at 19 Wardour St in the vibrant hub of London's Chinatown. This beloved establishment has been delighting food lovers for nearly 30 years, offering a menu steeped in authentic Cantonese flavors that transports you straight to the heart of Hong Kong. With its welcoming ambiance and meticulous attention to detail, Old Town 97 has grown into a cherished destination for both locals and visitors alike.
At Old Town 97, everything from the crispy wasabi prawns (£13.41) to the mouthwatering BBQ duo of roast duck and char siu showcases the restaurant's commitment to exceptional quality and authenticity. Diners rave about the tender meats, expertly rendered through traditional air-drying and high-temperature roasting techniques. Furthermore, the stir-fried beef ho fun demonstrates the chef’s mastery, featuring delightful chewy rice noodles imbued with an irresistible charred aroma, or "wok hei."
Beverage enthusiasts won’t be disappointed either, with a range of refreshing options including iced milk tea coffee mixed (£4.73) and the intricately flavored grass jelly iced tea (£5.86). Such drinks provide a perfect refreshment to complement the bold spices of dishes like the boiled beef in chili oil, a chosen favorite for those who savor a spicy kick.
Old Town 97 isn't just about its food; the service adds to the overall experience. Patrons have frequently praised the attentiveness and friendliness of the staff, which elevates a great meal into an unforgettable evening. As one happy diner aptly noted, "The portions are valuable for money," making Old Town 97 a delightful indulgence without the excessive price tag.
If you're searching for a true taste of home-cooked Cantonese cuisine that is both wholesome and satisfying, look no further than Old Town 97. Whether it's a casual catch-up with friends or a special occasion, this restaurant is sure to leave you with full plates and even fuller hearts. Come for the food, stay for the experience, and perhaps, just perhaps, you'll join the ranks of devoted fans who've been coming back for years.
I really don’t know why the review is so low; I really enjoyed the food; plus the customer service was excellent. I would recommend to eat the Duck; so juicy and delicious. I tried the Boiled Beef in chilis oil; that’s very spicy exactly the way I love it; so if you into spicy food please go for it. The egg fried rice is really good as well. But keep it mind this is an expensive place according to me.
Service was so good! Our server Simon was friendly and offered us good recommendations! The food was great and the portion size was valuable for money. Would definitely return!
A truly hidden gem. I had gone in 2023 and again now and still top notch. Super authentic and home made food, must not miss! The wontons in chili oil, wonton soup and Cantonese duck are the best!
There’s no denying it—Old Town 97 is simply exceptional! (After all, it’s been around for nearly 30 years.) On Thursdays, after school, I always head straight to Chinatown with my good friends. We start by ordering the signature BBQ duo: roast duck and char siu. The crispy skin and tender meat are absolutely perfect, and the dish arrives steaming hot. This is because they use authentic Cantonese air-drying and high-temperature roasting techniques. The fat is rendered during the roasting process, while the meat remains juicy and tender. It’s a must-order every time! We also tried the stir-fried beef ho fun, which was cooked with incredible wok hei (charred aroma). The rice noodles were wonderfully chewy, almost as if you could see the chef tossing the ingredients in the wok! In addition, we got to try the new rotating egg-wrapped fried rice. It comes in three flavors—tomato sauce, curry, and black pepper—with various meat options. I opted for the tomato sauce and beef, and the portion was generous, definitely enough to fill you up. (The egg-wrapped fried rice is available from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., so make sure to get there within the time window!)
Food is amazing and just delicious. Big portions and good price. Don’t listen to negative comments.
it was an amazing experience! The atmosphere was cozy and lively, just like an authentic tea restaurant in Hong Kong. The food was absolutely delicious. I ordered (mention a few dishes you had, e.g., BBQ pork rice, pineapple bun with butter, Hong Kong-style milk tea), and each dish was spot on! The flavors were rich, and everything was freshly made. The milk tea was especially impressive—smooth, fragrant, and perfectly balanced. The service was also great. The staff was friendly and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed. Prices were reasonable, and the portion sizes were generous. If you're looking for an authentic cha chaan teng experience, I highly recommend this place! I’ll definitely be coming back for more.
I had Hot and Sour Soup and Prawn Toast. The soup was a bit spicy but refreshing, and it warmed me up. The prawn toast was my first time trying it, and it was crispy with a nice sesame flavor, really tasty!
Tasty and authentic Cantonese food. The roast duck was very good — crispy skin and tender meat. I also really liked the salted egg yolk chicken wings, super flavorful and crispy. Will come back again.