Why do people flock to China Town? Let me count the ways.
Restaurants
I basically had a meet- up with one of my bestfriends for a Malaysian dinner. Formerly working in Singapore, she have had one of her cravings to satisfy.
SOHO, China Town, Leicester Square or Covent Garden literally are full of restaurants from of all over the world that anyone is spoilt for choice. Some need reservations but most of them don't, unless it's one of those exclusive ones. Time out have a great list of international cuisines to check out for those looking for a 4 to 5 stars recommendations.
Asian bakeries and supermarkets
Just like anywhere in the world with China Town, for every Asian,it basically provides comfort food, consisting of anything like fruits, vegetables, chichiria, candies, canned goods, drinks and the lot. It have everything that reminds us of home, from China, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Korean, the Philippines etc. Name it and it will have it.
For Filipinos, it have SIOPAO in a bun. It's the only place in London that sells this and nowhere else.
Thai massage and salons
When i was new in London, i was coming here for my massage. Now I've found a chinese therapist near where i live that do acupuncture and massages. Easier to go home as it's literally a stone throw away with a bus access infront of it.
Alright, I admit my hair stylist is a Malaysian...for more than 10 years! I brought the same friend to her as she liked my hair cut and was disappointed. Hey, you stick to whoever can do your hair the way you want it, right?
Theatres, bars
This guy was singing Wonderwall.
In Leicester Square alone, all the buildings around it are theatres, the streets crossing out are also aligned with theatres. One need only to choose which show. Personally, i think it was Lion King that i went to first together with my work colleagues for a night out.
In 1999, I wanted to see Miss Saigon, but being new in the country, its' closing a month after my arrival went unnoticed. Although it was shown again some years later, the lead was no longer Lea Salonga whom i was gagging to see. But then i've already watch it in youtube😍😍😍
London souvenirs
Tourists love coming here for its' reputation and i must say that it's a place to not miss when walking around London. There's not a street without people mingling or walking about for whatever purpose they may have. Tourist shops abound in one side of Leicester Square. Odeon theatre is also a place to have a glimpse of cinema stars when walking in the red carpet to their premiere opening. If one fancy doing that stuff.
A night of Wonderwalls.
Shopping anyone?
It's not here.
Walking further away to Covent Garden or Regent's street is where one go for shopping therapy. And from Regent's St., a bit further is Oxford St. to Bond St. Don't forget your credit card.
For such a compact place, there's loads to do to anyone's fancy, depending on ones' mood. If going to the theatre for a night out, then it is the place to be. There are bars
Most times, I personally go to China town for Filipino groceries and my siopao. It is nearer and the Chinese stores stock them, way cheaper too compared to the Filipino stores in Earl's Court.
A walk and a drink around Leicester Square instead, anyone?
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All images are mine, taken with my Samsung Galaxy S7. Edits via PicsArt.
