Lao Dao

A Xinjiang-inspired restaurant by the people behind the iconic Silk Road restaurant in Camberwell. It’s a welcome addition to Elephant and Castle, which is quickly becoming an alternative Chinatown, filled with bustling Chinese eateries that double as basement style karaoke bars. Lao Dao’s menu celebrates interesting dishes beyond Silk Road’s repertoire, such as the Xinjiang style spiced chicken which features delicious strips of poached chicken, or the crunchy and deeply satisfying stir fried lotus white with chilli sauce. More highlights include the juicy, grilled lamb ribs and the spicy, deep fried Xinjiang style ‘bony chicken’ (which tastes much better than it sounds), all pleasantly washed down with Chinese tea, which Lao Dao serves in large, beautifully painted teapots.