Review: Pearl Liang, Sheldon Square, Paddington

At last! I've found a place that does great dim sum in central-ish of London!

Barbecued pork in puff pastry - good meat

My favourite place to have proper authentic dim sum is still The Lotus - the floating restaurant in Canary Wharf. But Pearl Liang is up there for a more sophisticated style of dim sum.

I came here for lunch and it was the best lunch I'd had...ever - since working in Paddington. Paddington is growing into a more modern area outside of its train station to cater for the ever-growing offices and even though Pearl Liang has been around for a while, I've never thought to pop in for lunch until my cousin suggested it.

One of my favourites - fried turnip cake/pancakes

As you know, I'm quite snobby when it comes to eating authentic Chinese food, but the food we had was exceptionally good. We were both very impressed. The food was good quality and you can tell they use fresh ingredients and everything is cooked fresh too. The service was very quick, although we were stood by the waiting area for a while before anyone formally acknowledged us.

Of course - steamed buns are a must, or 'bao'

I'd like to compare the lunch service to dinner though, and compare the prices to full main dishes, as it looked fairly pricey from the menu, whereas we spent £30 for seven dim sum plates which is pretty cheap considering. I might even think about taking my parents here if they were to visit - now that is high praise.

RATING: 4 out of 5

A new one - wasabi and prawn dumpling

Sui Mai - with lots of meat

As an added extra - we had to get the egg tarts. So fresh and delicious!

See? Sushi!

I discovered a lovely sushi place near my office the other week called See Sushi - how I have never made a visit during lunch (they do bento boxes at lunchtime) or even a cheeky after work outing, bamboozles me.

The exterior of this place is very unsuspecting, and it's not located in the most obvious place, but I think  that's why I like it. There is a little sign with its green logo and an arrow however directing you to its restaurant. Behind the post office on Praed Street in Paddington/Edgeware Road, you wouldn't think it was anything special. Step inside and it's a lot like the Tardis - much bigger and better on the inside.

They have an extensive menu, with lots to choose from. For any sushi novices, there are explanations and descriptions of each dish - hot and cold, cooked and raw. Special mention goes to the tofu, of which we ordered 2 rounds of.

Our sushi platter

Prices are average, what you would expect when ordering fish. There were 4 of us and 2 bottles of Prosecco and thought we got a very good deal and value for money. Don't expect too much from the drinks menu, just simple wines and beers on offer.

Like any oriental or asian cuisine, service is service. No frills but helpful enough, something I'm very used to, so if you're not, expect it.

I would definitely come here again. 3.5 out of 5.