London’s Asian food scene is evolving fast, growing into a vibrant mix of regional cuisines from across China and Asia. 

For decades, the UK was dominated by Anglo-Cantonese takeaways, with menus that leaned heavily on the deep-fried and the predictable. Chicken balls and “special” fried rice might still do the job for Big John, but in the capital, we’re in the middle of a culinary shift—where bold, regional flavours and lesser-known Asian cuisines are taking centre stage.

One of the newest and most exciting additions to this movement is Kung Fu Mama—a Taiwanese noodle restaurant born from a unique collaboration. It’s a partnership between Kung Fu Mama, the UK’s leading Taiwanese instant noodle brand, and the co-founder of the much-loved deli and restaurant chain, Ottolenghi. Now open in Covent Garden, they’re serving up fast, healthy, sun-dried Taiwanese noodles with a menu that’s simple but seriously tasty.

Inspired by the vibrant night markets of Taiwan, Kung Fu Mama brings light, healthy, and flavour-packed dishes designed to be eaten on the go. At the heart of it is Chris Tsu, the mind behind the brand, who started Kung Fu Mama back in 2009 after discovering a sun-dried noodle factory and experimenting with flavours inspired by his grandmother’s home cooking.

Shortly after, Chris opened a series of small noodle bars across Taipei alongside his brother and wife. By 2019, he had moved to London to bring his instant noodles to a wider market—eventually crossing paths with Noam Bar, co-founder of the celebrated Ottolenghi.

Their shared passion led to the launch of Kung Fu Mama’s Covent Garden restaurant, where the menu is all about healthy comfort food. Baking replaces frying, oils and salt are used sparingly, and the result is a noodle dish that feels both satisfying and nourishing.

But don’t let the health-conscious focus or the menu’s simplicity fool you—the food here is genuinely delicious. The current launch menu offers four noodle options: Sichuan beef, mapo tofu, three cup sauce mushrooms, and my choice—sesame and ginger chicken thighs.

A protein-packed bowl, filled with umami-rich chicken that had perfectly crisped skin, alongside edamame beans and a medley of Asian vegetables to round it all off. The noodles were thick and chewy, clinging beautifully to the sauce, and the chicken carried a smoky, nutty flavour from the sesame. If you prefer your noodles with a bit more moisture, there are large bottles of chilli oil scattered around the seating area—though personally, I found the oil a little underwhelming in both heat and flavour.

From my experience, if you’re someone who’s health-conscious, this dish is probably your best pick—it’s high in protein, low in fat, and still delivers great flavour.

Alongside the noodles, Kung Fu Mama also serves three bao bun options and three Asian salad sides, including steamed greens, cucumber salad, and one of my personal favourites: wood ear fungus mushroom salad.

However, during my visit, there was only ever going to be one side choice—the soft-shell crab bao. By far the most expensive side on the menu at £11 (compared to the chicken bao at £6.45), but honestly? It’s worth every penny.

When it comes to seafood, many places in London cut corners—crab sticks or a token sprinkle of crab or lobster in a sauce, slapped with a premium price tag. But not here. Kung Fu Mama serves up a whole soft-shell crab, baked so the entire shell is edible. It’s dramatic and vibrant—the crab itself is spilling out of the bao, decked in pickled pink radishes and a bright yellow, fruity cured egg sauce.

The crab was easy to eat, with plenty of sweet meat poking out of the shell, and the sauce was something I’ve never tasted before—sweet, fruity, and the perfect pairing for the richness of the crab.

To finish the meal, I ordered their house-made hibiscus tea, a striking dark red with floral, fruity notes. While it was refreshing in flavour, it’s worth noting that the tea is actually quite dry—and not the most thirst-quenching. I found myself reaching for water shortly after.

Atmosphere and Dining Experience

Kung Fu Mama aims to recreate the fast-paced, vibrant energy of a Taiwanese street food market—with speed being the main priority. You order using tablets, much like in most modern fast food places, and then wait for your name to be called to pick up your meal.

But you won’t be waiting long. I visited in the evening and had my order ready in under five minutes. That said, the lunchtime rush might be a different story—but from what I saw, they’ve got a good setup. Robots handle the noodle boiling, and toppings are prepped in advance to keep things moving quickly.

The food is served in sustainable paper bowls, which makes sense for takeaway. But sitting inside, it felt a bit out of place. It gave off a slightly “cheap” feel, and I couldn’t help but think it would’ve made more sense if I’d said I was taking the food away. Eating in, it felt a bit counterintuitive—like I was creating unnecessary waste that could’ve easily been avoided if they offered reusable plates or bowls for dine-in guests.

Seating is limited, with space for just 14 people around a dining table that wraps around the walls of the restaurant. It’s a shame, really, because the interior is genuinely well-designed. Vivid greens, blacks and whites, with a warm yellow hue from the lighting—it’s a lovely place to sit and enjoy a bowl of noodles.

Final Verdict

Kung Fu Mama is a great example of how London’s Asian food scene is evolving beyond outdated stereotypes. Instead of heavy sauces and tired dishes, you’ll find bold Taiwanese flavours, health-conscious twists, and a refreshing sense of simplicity.

From their signature sun-dried noodles to healthier baked bao, the menu feels thoughtful but never over-engineered. Paired with affordable pricing, quick service, a solid nod to sustainability, and options for both meat-eaters and vegans—it’s easy to see why Kung Fu Mama stands out.

If you’re after a quick, flavourful and wholesome meal around Covent Garden, this spot is well worth a try.

Kung Fu Mama Key Information

Noodle Price: £9.75

Bao Price: £10.95

Website: www.kungfumama.co.uk

Instagram: @kungfumama_uk

Address: 80 Long Acre, London WC2E 9NG