Cafe Kowloon is the modern Cantonese restaurant from the group behind Mr Bao in Peckham, which opened right next to London Fields station earlier this year. A restaurant within a restaurant, you enter via Wonton Charlie’s, a small counter spot serving wonton noodle soups that’s predominantly lunch-only (other than Thursday and Friday), to find the sprawling, seductive space of Cafe Kowloon. There are big, round red-and-cream booths on one side, and an open kitchen with counter seating, and plenty of neon on the other side – and for the summer months, they have seating out the back too, on their new 40-cover terrace.
Eat This
The menu offers a modern, East London spin on Cantonese dishes. Highlights for us included the smashed cucumber salad with crispy rice; the lo bak goh turnip cake; and the yun cheong homemade sausage, with chilli jam. Best of all, however, was the prawn toast, which is served with two crisp-fried prawn heads and a brilliant spring onion mayo and HK chilli oil for dipping.
From the ‘signature dishes’ there’s a beautiful char siu pork collar, and thin slices of pink short rib served in a Hong Kong curry sauce with pickles on the side. Grab some rice and a side of cabbage and that makes for the perfect order.
Don’t miss the Hong Kong French toast for dessert – and say “yes” when they ask if you want it topped with HK milk tea ice cream.
Drink This
We kicked off with a smacked martini, and moved our way through Pillars pilsner, and – this being Hackney in 2026 – an Argentinian chilled red: Pergolas Criollas Tintas, Cara Sur Field Blend. Actually perfect on a hot summer night.
Why Go
Cafe Kowloon has a lot going for it – an incredibly fun vibe, slick interiors, excellent service, and a tight menu of dishes that deliver fun and flavour in spades. We really loved it and would highly recommend.
Key Information
Address | 392-393 Mentmore Terrace, London E8 3PH
Website | cafekowloon.co.uk
