Japan Centre is an unique visit for any Japanese culture and cuisine enthusiast in London (was…read moresurprised to find it). This emporium feels like a slice of Tokyo, offering a massive selection of authentic groceries, specialty ingredients, and even unique kitchenware and stationery that you won't find in a standard supermarket. The variety of ready-to-eat options is impressive--from fresh sushi and bento boxes to delicious matcha croissants and mochi doughnuts. It's a great spot to grab a quick, lunch or pick up high-quality snacks and pantry staples. Whether you're there to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and frequent cultural events, it's a fantastic experience in the heart of Leicester Square!

Although I didn't go to the main area, wanted to share my experience at Tokyo Onigiri which is on…read morethe corner and ground floor of this center. It's a small and efficient space that specializes in freshly made onigiri. There's a small bar counter to sit and face the street but it's easy to grab and go also. They have a machine to help dispense and sell cold Japanese drinks as well! I got multiple onigiri and ordering was quick and so was the service.

Who can resist a browse round a new type of food shop? Not me!…read more I was initially attracted by the large TV in the shop window showing a video of close up magic. Still haven't worked out the connection with the shop but an entertaining watch none the less. Kalinka is a shop specialising in Russian food. Fascinating but couldn't really discern much from the Cyrillic though there were a few English signs up as well. As expected, lots of preserved fish and meats in the fridge section. As I was determined to buy something, I asked the advice of the nice girl behind the counter and left with a piroshky - bread filled with meat. Need to return with a Russian friend.

Kalinka is a Russian based grocery store on Queensway and once you go in you can't help but hum the…read moreditty from Tetris (google it and you'll recognise it instantly). It's reasonably small and reasonably expensive as well - considering they have to import the goods to sell them I can definitely understand the need to put a bit more money on the top. The woman behind the counter is vigilant and helpful, 'What is that?' 'What is that?' Can't understand this Cyrillic NONSENSE. Never the less, a great place to get some authentic Russian goods, including meat I definitely wouldn't expect on the dinner table...

Loon Fung looks large from the outside and it does stock a lot of Chinese foodstuffs. However,…read moresomehow, I still find more that I want to buy from Loon Moon across the road. However, Loon Fung does have a butcher, which is unique for Chinatown supermarkets. Look for good prices on pork belly, a favourite for Chinese cooks long before it became fashionable in trendy restaurants. Also worth a browse to see cuts that you won't find in Tesco - pigs' trotters and pigs' ears! I also think Loon Fung is the best Chinatown supermarket to buy longans, a round fruit with brown skin. For a mental picture, think of a lychee and shrink it about half. Now, get a mental taste of lychee, sweeten and intensify the flavour, make a little more perfumed and juicy and that's the taste of longan. Wonderful!! If you see them, get some to try and you won't regret it.

You'd do well do drop in for your canned and dry goods, but pass on the produce…read more On the upside, I was able to ask for the specific sauce I was looking for in Mandarin and get an answer (well, really it was more of a directional wave) back. Unfortunately, the cashiers were possibly the slowest ones I've ever encountered in a Chinese grocery. I realise that's not saying a whole lot, considering the robotic speed I've seen Chinese cashiers bag goods elsewhere, but still... Oh, and a giant bag of wooden chopsticks for just ~£1.50? Now -that's- a bargain I can buy into.

Walked here after visiting Westminster Abbey. Friendly restaurant with large pasta portions that…read moreare shareable between two adults. Service was fine. Pasta was delicious. Definitely honest cooked like your Italian grandma would have made. Not too saucy but just right. The also had cannoli which we picked up the pistachio Rene and chocolate ones. Crispy, flaky, and delicious. Lots of Barilla pasta boxes on the walls for decoration. There was an old, senile man there that was shouting randomly and probably with dementia. He definitely wasn't aware of his surroundings. The restaurant took care of him and have him a drink and a table. I really appreciated that a lot. It shows they are caring people and that's the kind of business I want to support. Thank you

This is a lovely small restaurant on Horseferry not far from our hotel. It's a great spot for a low…read morekey pasta dinner. Previous reviews mentioned the portions are large so we shared a dish. It hit the spot and was delicious. The service was outstanding, friendly and prompt. Highly recommend.

The restaurant is in Harrods foodhall with limited bar seating, so if you want a quick expensive…read morelunch it's not bad! It was pretty pricey but I guess that's what you get for eating at Harrods! The egg fried rice was fine, nothing special just egg and rice but my son ate it all up. The char siu bun was very fresh and the kids loved it. The won ton soup was tasty and the XLB was delicious. XLB was 13.80 so you're paying 4.60 for 1 little XLB. :D Overall, it was good but definitely very expensive.

One of the places inside Harrods where you can have food. It's not that the food was bad, it was…read moredecent. But was it worth the money they charge? I think not. If their justification is the location, then sure charge little more. But not how much they actually do. Converted to US dollars made it even more rough. I ate in better restaurants during my London trip, so can't give this place more than 2 stars.

Grabbed a quick breakfast here and had a great experience. They have indoor seating as well as a…read morefew tables outdoors. I visited in early November, and it was warm enough to sit outside. I tried: + Cinnamon bun + Flat white + Nordic smoked salmon open sandwich + Curried chicken open sandwich The sandwiches were both tasty, and I loved the cinnamon bun. Would recommend for an easy meal or snacks.

We have been using Scandi Kitchen for some time now and have been able to obtain nearly all the…read moreSwedish and Danish products with a few Norwegian ones thrown in that we previously found at the Swedish shop in Paris Its relatively easy to use the website though it doesn't like to take foreign cards Delivery always seems to take an inordinate amount of time (hence only 4 *s) but its worth it...secret tip...if you want it next day add something frozen, as once all your order has arrived, they guarantee next day service at that point... Good service

Stumbled upon this place en route to another restaurant for lunch and WOW so glad I did. Its a cafe…read moreand retail space combined. You order and pick up your food at the counter and seat yourself. The tonkatsu ramen and spicy kaarage were delicious and reasonably priced.

Opening day proved to be a great opportunity to try some ramen right above Japan Centre. With a…read moresmall menu of about four different meat ramen and one vegetarian ramen, you can hone in on the heart if the restaurant. This looks like a typical tiny ramen shop from Tokyo. Small seats and an even smaller kitchen serving up a delicious meal. The signature Showaken broth is chicken and pork based but light in flavour. Slightly shoyu but more chicken based. The miso is creamier and has a bit more depth. Both bowls were covered in toppings: chasiu, bacon, bamboo shoots, egg, cabbage and spring onions plus nori. Noodles were wavy and cooked well. Overall a great meal with prices ranging from £11-13 a bowl. Not bad for a first day and conveniently located in central London.

a pure gem. i got a hamper for my leave party and my husband loves the old rum. the chilli sauce is…read morea bit too hot but other than that it was lovely

Oyster mushrooms. 8 types of Bok Choy. A whole aisle of noodles…read more What's not to like? This place is great and really not that expensive considering it's almost next to Kensington Palace and half the world's embassies including Russia. Even then, I'd be going there once a week if I lived in the hood. In addition to many aisles of goods, there's produce, a butcher, frozen items such as dumplings, and ready-to-eat sushi and korean sides. Not a huge quantity but enough to tickle one's fancy. I'm simply happy to walk out with a bottle of szechuan peppercorn, which is not only great for jazzing up any Asian dishes, but is also helpful if attacked by Russian spies.

With the ethnic diversity and many Chinese restaurants in this area, it's perhaps surprising and…read moreinevitable that an oriental supermarket would open in the area. It has a fair range of frozen and tinned food/bottles. Not as much variety on the fresh stuff as Chinatown. Prices probably on a par with Chinatown. If you live in the area, this would be a good local place to pick up the oriental basics for your food store.

Little hole in the wall. dine in or carryout. Fantastic! Get the chilli, garlic sauce. It isn't too…read morespicy and goes great on the lamb or chicken! Friendly owner, great stuff.