A second branch of Noodle Inn just opened in the capital but there's more hot on its heels, with the arrival of San Hao, opening in Chinatown (on the old Wan Chai Corner site) in December. The 120-cover spot, coming from the team behind YiQi, The Eight and Dozo, will specialise in handmade noodles and fried dumplings, reimagining traditional Chinese dishes through the use of local British ingredients, like Berkshire pork, heritage tomatoes and salsify.
The cucumber and wakame salad makes a light, refreshing start, tossed with pickled red onions, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy yuzu-soy dressing. The bright acidity awakens the palate for the richer flavors that follow. Pan-fried beef gyoza - five per order - have a crisp, golden bottom and juicy filling. A dip in the yuzu-ponzu sauce adds a zesty sweetness to every bite.