Little Canteen

Quirky little eatery serving excellent authentic home-style Chinese food with flair.

The 2018 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £7.95 (+p&p).

What makes this small neighbourhood dining spot so cool is that it really doesn’t try to be – it’s unassuming and feels entirely authentic. The white walls, wooden tables and selection of Chinese movie posters on the wall make it feel homely and relaxed. On entering you’re offered two menus: the western menu, with the usual compilation of sweet and sour dishes; and the Chinese menu with real Chinese dishes and English translations. Try and resist going for the western menu, because although the salt and chilli chips are some of the freshest you will taste, the Chinese menu is unmissable. Dishes like the double-cooked pork belly are succulent, slightly sweet, and extra spicy. Or the stir-fried preserved beans with pork mince, which seems so simple but gives off intricate flavours. An adventurous choice would be the salt and chilli pork intestines or the grilled oysters which are served up in their shells smothered in garlic and exuding a full umami flavour. Although it may be little, do not underestimate the mighty prowess of the canteen's Chinese food.