A hidden gem for Xi’an noodles: Chinese Gourmet serves big flavours at small prices
Tucked away behind South Quay is Chinese Gourmet, a no-frills local spot with bold flavour and fresh hand-pulled noodles at budget-friendly prices. It may be small in size, but this new favourite is big on taste.
Slightly off the beaten track by the DLR stop South Quay in Skylines Village, is Chinese Gourmet. It is a humble shoe-box venue on the Isle of Dogs, just a short bus journey from Roman Road on the D6.
As I wandered down from the station at Canary Wharf, the high-rise towers gave way to red-beamed residential buildings. A few silver food trucks with blinking neon lights caught my attention down the road. Looking to my right, it felt like I’d stumbled into a local secret as I spied a small brick and wooden cabin. With bold yellow branding above the door, and a charming ‘open’ sign welcoming you in.
Chinese Gourmet offers a relaxed, no-frills “dine-in” takeaway experience. Think wipe-clean tables, plastic chairs and a canteen feel. There was a steady flow of delivery drivers popping in and out throughout our visit, a sign that this must be a popular online delivery spot.
A wooden picnic bench outside offers an alfresco option, but on this occasion, we opted for a table inside. The interior was stripped back, with a fresh white floor and drawings of lanterns and simplistic artwork in blues and reds.
The menu is varied, with plenty of vegetable, fish and meat options, something for everyone. The welcome sign shows the restaurant offers both Xi’an and Sichuan street food, as well as more well-known dishes such as sweet and sour and shredded duck. The two street food styles bring flavours from the north and southwest of China. Xi’an is known for its bold, savoury and spicy tastes with hand-pulled noodles, and Sichuan street food brings spice from chilli peppers, Sichuan peppercorns and fermented bean paste.
The meals are priced between £10 and £20, and you’ll likely spend £20 per person for a meal and a drink. But there are also options such as sweetcorn soup for £6, and vegetable, pawn or meat dumplings for £5.80. I didn’t try them this time, but they looked delicious.
Portions are generous (which is always a good feeling), and the prices are very reasonable. First up was the hand-pulled noodles with beef slices. Served in a bowl brimming with rich broth and a generous helping of fresh vegetables, it tingled on the tongue. The fresh hand-pulled noodles were homemade and oozing with sesame sauce, accompanied by the crunch of the vegetables, offering a juicy, fulfilling bite.
The chef’s special and a standout dish was the Xian Beef Burger with special sauce. It was presented in a humble paper bag, but was delightful in its rich flavoured meat, marinated in spices and then packed into a crisp bun. The aroma of sesame, ginger and pepper all come through with each bite.
This unexpected gem is also known to have busy queues at lunchtime from nearby offices. Many regulars online have shared that it is best to come early to secure a seat due to the limited space. The service is simple and efficient, more takeaway than table service, but perfect for this quick and easy spot.
Location: Unit 60 Skylines Village Limeharbour, London, E14 9TS
