There are so many hidden gems in Chinatown and this gem is one that is worth discovering soon. Arriving on Shaftesbury Avenue is a real taste of Hong Kong thanks to the recently opened eatery The Eight. Inspired by a Hong Kong tea room in the 1950s, the venue offers diners the chance to experience both the cuisine and culture of Asia.
The interiors of the restaurant are kept quite neutral in colour with a relatively calm aesthetic. Keeping with an authentic theme, the walls are decorated with traditional symbols, drawings of Chinese-style lanterns and typical street scenes. Its fast popularity means you may experience a queue but we're sure it is worth the wait as this 80 cover restaurant serves up a menu of favourites and Hong Kong classics.
On this menu, you can expect to find baked rice dishes with a range of sauce options including curry, tomato, black pepper and creamy mushroom. A popular signature is the volcano egg dish: egg, pork chop and an onion sauce all covering a bed of fluffy rice. You'll also find hot noodle soups as well as dry noodle dishes like beef brisket lo mein and crispy pork belly.
The most exciting section of the menu contains the signature dishes. King prawns are elevated by an indulgent black truffle sauce while sauteed beef comes accompanied by an XO sauce. With authentic plates like these it will be difficult to choose a main course so make sure to dine with a group so you can get a range to share.
Finish off your meal with the sweet offerings of mango pomela soga or ginger milk curd. On the drinks menu, The Eight sticks with its traditional display and serves up Hong Kong milk tea. For a real taste of Hong Kong in London, The Eight certainly means business.