Zen China

6 Reviews on “Zen China”

• Peter White

  Stunted atmosphere as we’re the first to arrive to the restaurant at a little after 6pm. A beautiful view across the Thames toward Westminster, this wooden inspired restaurant is strangely very un-Chinese, with no Chinese decor whatsoever. No music either. The restaurant is in an odd location, and you walk through what appears to be an abandoned Teppsnyaki restaurant to get to it.Spring rolls ok, but the steamed Siu Mai very obviously shop bought. So too the prawn dumplings. And no chilli sauce. No one went back for a second dumpling, which is odd.Salt n pepper calamari pleasant, but had obviously sat for 5mins before it was served. This stuff has gotta arrive immediately once it’s cooked – More like Yum Cha texture.Then arrived the duck with ginger and pineapple. Really very pleasant, but you could’ve called it sweet ‘n sour duck (is there such a thing?). The Kung pao chicken was very tasty, with more chilli than most. Next came what could have have been mistaken for Peking duck, but it came with small chunks of pork. Same delicate pancakes, shallots etc, but no Hoi sin. The texture of the boiled pork, missing the lovely crisp skin of the duck, was a bit yuck.Wait staff applied a minimalist approach, leaving us unattended for over 30mins after clearing the table. No top up of drinks, and the only offer of tea/coffee/dessert came after we had physically paid.We had a good time regardless.

  December 14, 2016, 9:22 am

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• Gaurav Chawla

  we were having a great time with our son enjoying the different acts and shows near the london eye…suddenly we felt very hungry and could not decide where to eat…as my wife is vegan so had to choose accordingly…saw this chinese restaurant up in the county hall…decided to have it a go….my wife was very apprehensive …however to our surprise the staff was ultra polite and agreed to do vegan noodles for my wife and she loved it …the fryums that came in the beginning with the sweet chilli sauce were also awesome…they did a stir fry chicken for my son without any chillies and he totally loved it…overall we had a fantastic experience…the location of this restaurant by the riverside is brilliant..highly recommended

  February 12, 2015, 10:51 pm

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• Joe Matysiak

  I went to this Chinese on a recommendation and had high expectations. Unfortunately I was let down. The food was average at best and the service was of quite a low standard considering that we were one of two tables filled at the restaurant. Considering the price you pay, you would expect polite staff and a reasonably quick service if it was quiet.However,the dcor of the restaurant is very authentic and Chinese, which creates a memorable impact on your mind. This can then be coupled with the nice location and views of Big Ben and the London Eye. I would recommend this to someone who wants to experience Southbank, not to someone who wants to experience great Chinese food.

  February 6, 2015, 5:36 pm

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• Terrence Gardener

  I visited Zen as a last minute change to an evening out on the 25/11/11, taking the advise of a friend. I have to say that the experience was excellent along with the food nd views of Big Ben. Great location in countyhall, excellent service and attention to detail. Very helpful staff all in all an excellent experience that will be repeated.

  February 29, 2012, 5:49 pm

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• Phil Simons

  The best Beijing Duck I have ever had. Deliciously cooked and skillfully served.

  July 23, 2011, 7:00 pm

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• Kitty Nors

  Beijing Duck. Delicious and juicy it’s all I need to say about it. Coming back for more.

  April 18, 2011, 12:09 pm

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