Lanzhou Lamian Noodle Bar

A justifiably busy and buzzy 'real deal' Chinese sit-down and takeaway establishment started in 2007 or so by a man whose well-endowed menu ventures far from his southern Chinese roots. Signature dishes include the freshly made long hand-pulled noodles (La-Mian/Lamian), which work a treat in the context of the big bowl of the yummy stewed beef soup. (Short, flat and wide noodles (Dao Xiao-Mian) are also available.) Dim sum dumplings also recommended, and it's a generous portion to boot. Post-pandemic budget prices. This hole in the wall (on two floors) sits inauspiciously (and ever so conveniently) just a few doors east of Leicester Square tube station. Night owl-friendly opening hours, especially for West End weekend clubbers craving carbs at 4am.