New Culture Revolution - Kings Road, The

Perhaps the period of social and political upheaval in China may be the inspiration behind its name, but in Islington, King's Road and Notting Hill, they've created a different revolution of sorts, prompting Londoners to explore flavours from the Northern Chinese territory and possibly win over those who cringe at the idea of a noodle-dumpling meal. New Culture Revolution also does well to restore faith amongst health experts and their ilk by eschewing MSGs and artificial additives.

Jiao ji - boiled dumplings served in a broth - is a good way to start, with stuffing that include pork and Chinese leaves, chicken, and cod fish and spinach, or choose their slightly more calorific counterpart, the pan-fried guotei. A subsequent order of chilli beef and aubergine on a nest of crispy noodles, or quick-fried cut fillet of red bream and mangetout fused with ginger and garlic may find yourself admiring how simple ingredients put together in a proper manner help create a delicate balance of flavours. A steaming hot cup of jasmine green tea helps to round things off nicely.