I had two specific meals in mind for our last day in London. Of course, with the Missus in tow, we had to have some Chinese food right? I also wanted to check out London’s Chinatown. I know that after our fairly mediocre visit to Dishoom, the Missus was a bit hesitant about my choices. But, there was one place I just needed to check out.
Folks who’ve read our little blog knows that one of my favorite cookbook writers is Fuchsia Dunlop. From the time I purchased Land of Plenty in 2005, I’ve enjoyed her cookbooks and writing style. And, I have made many items from or inspired from her cookbooks over the years. Several of which I’ve done posts on….though I do make adjustments for the Missus’s taste. As I’ve always noted, cookbooks are inspirations and guidelines for what I make. Anyway, I read way back in 2006, that Ms Dunlop had been a consultant with the Sichuan Restaurant Barshu in London and have been wanting to visit ever since. And finally, I had my chance.
Of course, the Missus wanted to walk the 2+ miles there from the hotel, but it was a mild winter day in London.
While walking thru Soho we passed the Chinese Church in London above. Formerly the Soho Baptist Chapel, according to it’s website, the Chinese Church in London was founded in 1950.
Barshu is located on Frith Street, one block from what is considered the Northern border of Chinatown.
There’s some modern interpretations of Sichuan here; but I really wanted to try some our favorite “foundational” Sichuan dishes.
Like the Dry Fried Green Beans with Minced Pork.
Whoa….a generous portion of minced pork on this. The beans were decently dry-fried. It could have used more garlic; but the texture was spot on. Decent porkiness and spice. This was quite nice.
The rice was fine as well.
Of course we had to try the Shui Zhu Niu Rou….the classic “water boiled beef”.
Really good ma-la…numbing “hot”. Almost perfect to my taste. The sauce was a bit on the “thinner” side, but packed with flavor…..great numbing-pungent tones, not overly salty, really delici-yoso! The beef could have been more velveted; but was quite tender.
The Fuqi Fei Pian was the only “clunker” for us.
While texturally, the tripe was nice and crunchy; this was almost bland. It really lacked the “la”, was not spicy enough.
The Ko Shui Ji (Mouthwatering Chicken) was also spot on.
The chicken was nicely prepped, so tender, and full of poultry goodness. Nice balanced ginger-savory-pungent tones, with a hint of sweet-sourness.. Loved the ma-la as well. This is one of my favorite classic Sichuan dishes and Barshu delivered on this one.
This meal lived up to expectations and made us miss an old favorite of ours which has now been closed over a decade now! My how time flies.
If Barshu was in San Diego; we’d visit quite often.
Barshu Restaurant
28 Frith St.
London, United Kingdom
After lunch we decided to check out Chinatown.
She enjoyed checking out this Chinese Herb Shop – Beijing Tong Ren Tang. Which has many locations around the globe and quite a long history.
We then took a nice stroll from the Newport Place Gate.
Down Lisle Street.
Back around the other Gate.
Then thru the “heart” of Chinatown; Gerrard Street, making a loop, before heading back to the hotel.
We were really enjoying ourselves. And I was starting to get a bit excited about dinner!