Phoenix Palace

It's perhaps uncommon knowledge that the best Chinese food in London is not to be found in Chinatown. For good dimsum, head to the endlessly popular Royal China (40-42 Baker Street, London, W1U 7AJ). Dinner there can be a little hit and miss, though, so for something slightly more unusual, try the Phoenix Palace just up the road (3-5 Glentworth Street, London, NW1 5PG). The place has inviting Chinese decor, the food is consistently good and you'll find things on the menu that you're unlikely to see anywhere else. The place went through somewhat of a dud patch, but a renovation and refreshed menu seems to have fixed that, and the place is bustling with a loyal clientele.

Below some suggestions, all of them excellent, and even better when someone else is paying for you...

Inside the Phoenix Palace

Pork with wild honey and coffee beans

Prawns with chilli and garlic

Stir-fried lamb with longan

Egg-plant and minced meat hotpot

Stir-fried morning glory

Steamed Chilean seabass with ginger and spring onion

Scallops in Portuguese sauce

Lotus paste pastries

Sweet water chestnut and sugar cane soup

See also: London restaurants Chinese food pictures