Wong Kei in City of London, Westminster

Food fine Staff fantastically rude They do take Apple pay But obviously prefer cash (No income tax no vat)

Food is pretty good. It’s cash only and the service is no frills but not that rude.

Cash only from the beginning. I went in without knowing that it was cash only, and when I tried to get cash, they told me to go out and get the money because they didn't have enough cash. I was trying to find the money, but I couldn't find it because I didn't know the pin. He said he had no money so he took a card. Pay the service charge and pay by credit card. It's far from kind. It's beyond rude. It was a place I went to when I was hungry studying abroad, so I went there thinking about my memories, but I only had bad memories. The food isn't that delicious either. I'll have to look at the review ratings.

They say it is the restaurant with the rudest service in the city. I don't think so, although they did treat us curtly. They serve complimentary tea, the service is fast and the food is good, plentiful and relatively inexpensive. They only accept cash. Without a doubt, a typical Chinese restaurant in Chinatown.

Pretty racist service but ok value. I was brought up there so got used to being told to ‘sit down’ by my a man who wouldn’t survive in the world without a team carrying him. Wonton soup and the roast meats are great, serving (meat) sizes are not consistent. Some times you’re full and sometimes you’re just given bones with a bit of fat on but good luck complaining to management!!

I’ve been to Wong Kei a few times over the years, and whilst the service is often terrible the food is good. Today was awful. The crispy beef was cooked in motor oil and dry as the Sahara desert. The duck was average, the chow mein below. What was especially poor was at the end of the meal the waiter poured half of sauce over me whilst clearing away and laughed about it. Look you used to know what you were getting with Wong Kei - terrible service but good food. Now it’s a rip off in price and a rip off in taste. I don’t mind the poor service if the food makes up for it… But no more. Stay away.

So glad we came, looks a bit life a cafeteria as you go in, no frills, but vast choice of food which was very reasonable and delicious Not an amazing choice for vegetarians but super yum

This was over 30 years ago, but I used to go there 2-3 times a week, so I went 200 times in 2 years. At that time, the combative attitude of store staff was quite severe. I also saw a store employee yelling "Hey, Saddam Hussein, Down stairs" at a bearded Arab-looking customer, causing the store to erupt in laughter, and a customer getting angry over his bad attitude, saying, "If you don't like, get out of here. There are many restaurants in Chinatown." A friend of mine said he saw a store employee and a customer actually fighting each other. Once, when I was eating Beef with Black beans sauce rice, the waiter offered me a glass of beer. I think the last time I went there, around 2017, the staff members were wearing matching black T-shirts. Thirty years ago, Special Fried Rice was 2.2 pounds, but now... ．． ．． . The rise in prices in London is scary, but deflation in Japan is also terrible.

Great place for good Cantonese food. Very reasonably priced.

it was horrible, the dinner was really average, the waitress was unpleasant and spoke to us as if we were stupid, we had the impression that she was scolding us and what's more, they brought us the wrong dishes

I was treated like royalty despite the negative reviews. Would warn against going downstairs though. Looks like if an apocalyptic film did a restaurant scene. All negative reviews are clueless about proper restaurant etiquette. #My favourite restaurant

The fonod had no taste at all. The waiters were very rude. Every time we asked them something, they were even more rude. I don’t recommend this restaurant at all.

Minimalist setting, but this is not necessarily contradictory with good cuisine. Here, contrary to the recommendations that brought me here, the quality is not there. Two major problems: mediocre staff in general and cuisine without much flavor. To avoid

Horrible food really bad place to eat don't goo!!!! Rude staff. Very bad cheap oil food

What it is... great food served in a certain way

Terrible food, terrible service. Don’t bother

I miss the rudeness... upstairs, downstairs, sit down, you think this is English tea,...all that is missing the Wong Kei feeling....and still the food is tasty and the price is acceptable... In the late 70's and until 2005, the atmosphere remained the same then, the rudeness was gone! Such a shame, but the food remains fabulous!

The best Chinese restaurant in the world.... upstairs downstairs...

Bad food, bad service, the vibes of a waiting room in a large train station during a particularly bad period of strike action

Chinatown in London is said to be the cheapest and the most welcoming place in the city! But the food has not improved for more than 20 years, which is very average! In fact, the quality of restaurants in London’s Chinatown is average! Only decimals remain level! What a shame!

Legendary eatery, just don't use the loo's.

Amazing variety of food and quick service. You might have to end up a sharing table with others due to alot of crowd. But a must try for food!

A trip back to the past for us. Good no fuss food at a reasonable price. Staff are now friendly and polite (iykyk).

Cold service, great food - exactly what you want from a Chinese. Was packed out on a Thursday as well.

A normal store in Chinatown. The taste is also normal. I don't expect much from the service, but it's not as bad as people say. There's just no hospitality. It was cold, so I ate roast pork noodles, but they tasted like Chinese soup noodles lol. 10 pounds including tip. It's funny when converted into yen

Good Chinese food, service good, but like u to eat and leave. Very busy restaurant

It was ok. Nothing more, nothing less! Noodles with chicken, noodles with pork, noodles fry with shrimps and pork, duck. The stuff wasn't so friendly but we knew that before. I will visit it again next time 😁

As a devoted fan who has been visiting for 20 years, I’d like to share my thoughts with love and appreciation. Since the significant price increase last year, I’ve been saddened to notice some changes—such as the soup having a detergent smell, possibly due to insufficient rinsing of the dishes, and the roast duck rice sauce being completely different, now overly sweet compared to before. I still truly appreciate the excellent service and the complimentary tea, which continue to be delightful. However, the detergent smell in the soup is unacceptable. Every time I return, hoping things will be better, I find that nothing has changed. Please, I kindly ask for these issues to be addressed and improved.

Desde el pasado y el presente, he oído hablar del personal de Wong Kei siendo grosero o antipático, así que tuve que ver si los rumores todavía eran ciertos. Entrando eran notablemente antipáticos. Si no te importa el personal es una buena opción. Ahora, sobre la comida: la comida tardó unos 20 minutos en llegar. ¿Valió la pena esperar? Sí l, sin duda, ya que la comida está bien cocinada, llena y muy, muy sabroso. El precio era bastante promedio. Honestamente me gusta mucho este restaurante!

Extremely rude staff, food wasn’t even good, bland food and does not taste authentic. Spoons were so sticky I had to leave

Consistently good quality food. Served quickly and piping hot. A bit overcrowded, but that is expected with a long-established chinatown institution.

I went on the recommendation of a friend.But I didn't know that bad service was part of the fun. I left there horrified😜They only accept cash

One Staff member (a female) was extremely rude. Started to mop the floor around tables while people were still eating with a strong smell of bleach.. won't be returning and would not recommend

Doesn't deserve any of the hype. If this place was once good, those days are certainly long gone. Very rude and unhelpful staff, food average, premises dirty and you'll find regulars will be allowed to jump the queue regardless of how long you have been waiting

You need CASH! Credit cards are not accepted! 🙈

It was Chinese new year so very busy and I have factored that in as the staff were under a lot of pressure. BUT they very rude and abrupt, food was distinctly average (there is so much better on offer in Chinatown), they let so many "regulars" jump the queue and the place is really dirty. It dines out on its history but this place is lucky to still be trading

I visited on the recommendation of a tour guide, and although the service was unfriendly, I heard that it was delicious, so I went because I was curious about how bad it would really be. And I met 3 flying flies. I asked to change the plate. I didn't get an apology. The male server throws a bowl as if throwing a food plate. A version of Sweary Grandma without swearing. I'm a timid intp. I won’t do it twice.. Only cash is accepted.

There are reviews saying it's unfriendly, but it's not unfriendly, it's just a typical Chinese restaurant style. There are some foods that are edible and some that are a bit disappointing.

This place has a 3.5 rating and to be honest that’s about right , it’s fine nothing special. Good staff though and quick service .

It is a very typical Chinese restaurant, I liked that a lot. The treatment was abrupt and cold and although the food looked very good, it was very bland in taste. The teapot was rusty inside... Very well priced. Having so many options nearby, I don't recommend it.

This is the worst restaurant I have been to their food & service is horrible and I don’t think it’s clean.

Back again. Been here first time 40 years ago . Iconic. Food not as great as before. But still large Portion n decent prices. Not as rude as before.😊

Paid £12 a huge portion of two different meats (crispy belly pork and barbecue pork) and rice. Really good food, and authentic to Hong Kong diners that are very “get in, eat fast, get out” style. Would definitely recommend if you want a quick, cheap and tasty meal. Would not recommend if you’re looking for a leisurely meal and amazing service (but also there’s no service charge, which is rare in London these days).

Once known as the rudest restaurant in London, this is a cultural landmark for many who have lived and dated in London. You go for the experience, the shated tables with strangers and being moved without any apparent reason to tge next floor up. Brilliant The building is of theatrical interest as it was originally the site of Willy Clarkson's wig and costume emporium opened in 1904 / 1905. The foundation stone was laid by the 'Divine Sarah', Sarah Bernhardt, a French actress who dominated the late 19th Century with her femme female roles and unconventional behaviour off stage. There is a plaque to Sarah Bernhardt on the door post of the restaurant.

Please see exhibit ‘A’ for maggot in noodles. Dish was gloopy and grim even without my little friend (pic 25-01-25). Had been here a few times with mixed experiences over the years, won’t be going back as clearly hygiene non-existent Full refund given and staff nice about it, but pretty bad

If you don't have any expectations towards the service, you are going to like the food ;)

I've loved coming to the Wong Kei for years. Price and quality of food good. Service can be very basic, if not downright rude, although I think that's not their USP any more. Frankly, it's good value, very quick service which is great if you're on a trip to the theatre, and if you don't like it, go somewhere more expensive where staff are polite but probably no more fond of you really. Depends what you're looking for.

honestly, going here for years as the chosen family restaurant has seen some changes. it used to be cheap and food edible, but the prices are like any other surrounding chinese now. the ‘rude’ staff is true for one or two, but mainly people are just slow and expect to be waited on hand and foot. the food is mediocre, and you have to know what to order - the duck pancakes & soya chicken noodle soup for example, are hard to mess up. some hits or miss, most pasta dishes are bland. once saw a big beetle half the size of my shoe in the bathroom while i was in there. do with that what you will. free tea though! they do give you much much smaller portions when you order takeaway.

oh stop moaning , you get exactly what is says on the tin.Great food , cheap & brilliant atmosphere, quick food & attention. If want hot air.. not for you. My 16 son was treated to a Wong Kei T shirt,,, very cool..& staff very polite, I missed my usual argument...

Roast duck and char-siu are cold

The worst dining experience I’ve ever encountered. Chicken wing served pink inside, staff did not apologise and gave a piece of prawn toast instead. The pork belly and sauce with rice were impressively flavourless. The mixed meat noodles were of such a low quality, i couldn’t tell you which meat was from which animal. Outrageously bad value for money. £50 for three beers two mains and small starters that were barely edible I actively discourage you from going here. There’s so many great places literally next door. Avoid!

Horrible experience there. Food was mid and the service, well I’ve never seen that in my life. I ordered meat and it came with seafood and it was never written or nor the allergens too. When I asked the server to see the menu again to tell him that I didn’t order that, he got mad and talked to us very badly saying it was our fault. Wanted to ask for the menu again and the guy said no. Then they gave it back without seafood and didn’t even say they were sorry. Wasn’t even good. I think there’s way better restaurants out there than this, especially when you get treated like this.

terrible service and can only paid by cash really disappointed with the food...

This is the overlooked gem in Chinatown and everything I've been looking for in London. Cheap, no frills but tasty food in good portions. Note it's cash only and, importantly, no service charge! Service might not be with a smile but it's quick and efficient. You're here to eat, not make friends. You are immediately given a pot of hot tea, free of charge, once you're sat (just sit wherever they tell you to). Plenty of chilli crisp oil and soy sauce ready as table condiments. The setting and food really took me back to Hong Kong. I'm really don't know anywhere more authentic!

This place was great when the staff were rude to you and served good food. Now it offers very average food and indifferent staff

Sister Ya’s service attitude has remained the same in Hong Kong for ten years and has never changed, so she is given 5 stars. However, ten years ago, the food was pretty good. Even though it was more expensive, the prices were still reasonable. However, the quality of food today is really poor. Fried rice with salted fish and chicken is ok with wok gas Salt and pepper squid powder is loose and oily Ginger and green onion oysters. The aroma of ginger and green onions is not noticeable, and the gravy is still watery. Alas, I felt very sad while eating. The sad thing was not because I ate something that was not good to eat, but because I saw Wang Kee getting worse and worse. I was so full of food that when I cooked it, I didn’t want to cook it anymore. Although everyone may not care, they all hope that Wang Kee can have a good image and eat well at the same time. Let his strength speak for himself.

Food always good here - BBQ pork & vegetable with oyster. I come to eat here every time when I come to London.

Just had lunch in Wong Kei. Good food, good price and very good service. Free tea as well. Will definitely come again. Ignore all the negative comments on the social media

Food super authentic, hot and fast. Food slaps, but some of the wait staff with attitude and the desire to yell need a slap too

The best roast duck noodle soup in london. Been going there since 2006

Food is amazing and very cheap and Hong Kong style, they even have 蝦多士, the service is just very Hong Kong, I don’t think they r rude, they r just efficient hahaha, they also all smile

Food good but has lost its distinctive taste. The poor staff manners are still evident but used to be mitigated by a great food experience.

One of my top favourite restaurants in Chinatown. Only reason I don't go every time I'm in the area is I don't carry cash (no card payment). Food is perfect every time and service is exactly as I like it: quick, efficient, fuss-free. Excellent value for money.

It tastes very bad. Don't waste your money by eating next door or elsewhere. The attitude of the store staff is very bad and they are very respectful to white people. It's a bad restaurant that worships foreigners.

Wong Kei is a no-frills, budget-friendly spot for a quick meal. Don’t expect an atmospheric dining experience or attentive service—this place is all about efficiency. Cash payments only, and the waiters are famously abrupt when taking your order. You’ll likely be seated at a communal table in a setting reminiscent of a 1970s canteen, complete with red carpet. Once you embrace the charm of its utilitarian vibe, you can focus on enjoying the food. Be sure to ask for the bill as soon as you’re done eating—lingering isn’t encouraged—then carry on with your day.

Go to this restaurant after les miserable. Most restaurants were closed around 10:30pm. Only wong kei opened. Poor hygiene. The chopsticks had a layer of grease. Threw up 3 hours after going to this restaurant. Ordered Singaporean fried rice noodle, tasted really really bad. The tea wasn’t good.

I had really bad experience at this restaurant. A waiter guy was so rude. We asked for extra empty bowl, he just went by saying there were bowls given already ...Never experienced like this before...

Food is fantastic, service is fast and keep topping up tea 🫖👍

Do not go Won Kei’s if you are wanting 5 Star treatment with exceptional customer service, with an overtly pleasant atmosphere & especially if you are the type of person to be easily offended! However, Go Won Kei’s if you want a down to earth no frill's comical like service with lots of character, good food & price! After a good walk around on a Saturday evening in Chinatown/Soho, most restaurants had huge queues outside of them….me & my bro didn’t want to be waiting up to an hour or so, especially since it was cold outside, so we decided to hit Won Kei’s as nobody was queuing outside! It wasn’t crazy busy as we walked in and were guided upstairs to dine. Once we were upstairs, the main waiter there was setting up two spaces on a large round table to sit with other customers. When he asked us to sit there, I kindly declined & asked to be seated at a two persons table in which he said was perfectly fine. We just had to wait for a few minutes longer. Then our table was ready & we were very pleased as we were sat by the window! We had spare ribs and sauce, half crispy duck with pancakes, Singapore fried noodles & Sweet and sour chicken with rice. Everything tasted lovely and freshly cooked.The atmosphere and service was great! This place is the complete opposite of pretentious. I’ve never been to China but I can imagine that there are many places similar to Won Kei’s! And to me that is more authentic then a lot of the restaurants near there! The food has always been consistent and at good standards every time I’ve been there. Overall, out of 10…I give this place a solid 8.5!

I have been going here for over 30 years. In the last four months I have been overcharged by £5/£10 on every visit. Today I confronted the manager, guy with a pony tail on the ground floor. He just got very annoyed and aggressive. Funnily enough, there was another customer that was over charged too. The food is good. But over charging is not on!!!

Used to have a really good food my Singapore fried noodles were oily - we went there a 8 of us but will choose other option next time.

Very rude helper and staff! Not only did the helper insult me and my friends for NOT DRINKING THE WHOLE CUP OF WATER, they were being racist! Additionally, the food were cold and not delicious. Not recommended AT ALL.

This place has improved a lot they are less rude than before some of the employees are good some others need to lear manners. The food was good, some dishes better and others. They delivered all pretty quick .. you get free Chinese tea. The toilet were clean, is only possible to pay with cash. Not cards allowed.

It may not seem cheap when converted into Japanese yen, but it is still cheaper than other stores.

Very rude staff. Not nice atmosphere 😕

I don't understand the low ratings. This restaurant is amazing. Roast duck is really nice. It reminds me of the food in Hong Kong.

Absolutly unfriendly waitress. Rice with to less Sauce. Pay only with cash

Rude, rude, rude!!!! Absolutely disgusting to their customers!!!

If you want great food delivered efficiency, you’re gonna be happy… if you want bells and whistles, go somewhere where they blow smoke and charge you extra for it

Beat Duck Noodle Soup in the world

Bad pricing and the worst food in china town period

Food quality and service attitude are average.

Simply classic Chinese, it never fails to please

Hard to fault Wong Kei, I've been eating there irregularly for nearly 30 years. I wouldn't take a date here but great for either a solo pitstop or even for a group - prices are cheap, portions are large, service is quick, and most importantly the food tastes great. They used to trade on a reputation of rude and abrupt service but this seems to have gone now. Still expect to be seated anywhere across a number of floors and potentially to have to share a table at busy times.

This is a garbage place, get lost, don’t even go there

Bad attitude, only accept cash, food tastes bad

The infamous Wong Kei, and that is it! The rudeness of the waiter started as soon as I entered the restaurant. I waited a bit to be seated and the guy just used his finger to point to the direction where to be seated. Without a word, the same waiter dropped the menu in front of me. Picked a duck dried rice noodle - taste was very blend and barely any duck meat, but I could taste lots of onions and bean sprouts. Damage was Gbp12.50, no added tip on the bill and of course CASH only for this restaurant. The usual no thank-you and bye - no human interactions whatsoever. To be honest, that was within my expectation, so Wong Kei did not disappoint me.

Excellent food, quick service. Cash only.

Absolutely avoid, dirty place, food I don't know if it's real, waiters who throw plates at you, they don't want card payments... In short, nothing positive

The muddlers are burned, the treatment is very unpleasant and they force you to pay in cash.

Came here during a friend’s birthday party

Staff very rude , arrogant and impolite. Food is not delicious as well. Won’t go anymore.

Authentic HK char Chan teng experience. Felt surreal having such an experience in central London. Place is old but well-maintained. Prices are very reasonable with no service charge and comes with free Chinese tea. But it only accepts cash.

As it is! I did get a smile when I went in & left! 😎

Honestly the reviews of people complaining are people who had expectations of a proper sit down restaurant, where as Wong Kei is a kitchen and a really bloody good one at that. The noodle soups that they are famous for are exemplary. If your looking to grab a quick dinner in Soho and trying to look after the pennies Wong Kei is your place. We had the wontun soup and the BBQ pork soup and they were absolutely amazing. So fresh and aromatic. We also got the quarter of a duck and pancakes to share as a side and it was again really delicious. No the service isn't super charismatic and engaged, but honestly that's not the service I enjoy. I don't need someone to pretend to be my friend while I order food. Good old school take your order, here's your food, here's the bill. Perfect.

The worst Chinese restaurant I have ever been to. Very disappointed with the customer service at this place. Staff are very rude. Food was nice but found two pieces of hair in the food. Asking for cutlery and drinks was like we was asking for a lot. Would not recommend going there at all. I don’t normally write reviews but on this occasion I had to.

Know that you are going to a place with famously terrible service with quotes from waiters such as "it's not a library hurry and choose" and "no you must sit downstairs!". On this occasion the waiter was awesome! Very helpful and went the extra mile. The food... Well it's epic. Came back after 12 years and sure enough it's better than remembered. Cheap and epic food, hard to compete with!

Me and my friends went there yesterday, the service was alright but the food was absolutely an outrageous. Most of us ordered some kind of soups. I had soup with duck and it’s was horrible, the duck still had bone and it was hard an chewy and did not taste like duck at all. In the won tun soup we found multiple strands of hair wrapped in the dough. We were a few bites in and decided to check some reviews because we were feeling sick by that point, Apparently the Restaurant got sued because of rats found in the kitchen. Anyways I absolutely do not recommend.

has to be one the worst chinese in soho - real talk

37 years since my last visit, the food is still good. The staff were all friendly ( not like 1987 🤣🤣🤣) it’s great. Good food and great prices