Eat Here: Chop ChopBy Adam Hassanali
Nestled in the heart of the West End, Chop Chop by Four Seasons at The Hippodrome is one of London most authentic and highly regarded Cantonese restaurants. Given its prime location in the middle of Chinatown where competition is fierce Chop Chop needs to deliver, and it certainly does.
Chop Chop: The Lowdown
The Hippodrome itself is a spectacle, steeped in history and grandeur. As one of the largest casinos in the UK, its an attraction in its own right, offering entertainment and nightlife alongside its dining options. Even without the allure of Chop Chop, the venue is worth visiting. But the restaurant makes it even more compelling.
Chop Chop: The Food
Unlike many Chinatown establishments with extensive, sometimes overwhelming menus, Chop Chop keeps things concise and easy to navigate.
We began with prawn dumplings, which were beautifully constructed and perfectly complemented by a touch of chilli oil. The chicken and sweetcorn soup was hearty, warming, and packed with flavour a great way to start the meal
While crispy duck is often the go-to in Cantonese dining, Chop Chops renowned Hong Kong-style roast duck is a must-try. The crisp, dark umami-rich skin flaked effortlessly off the bone, revealing succulent, juicy meat dripping with soy. It was the standout dish of the evening.
For mains, we were torn between chicken chow mein and chicken fried rice, so naturally, we got both. The chow mein was crispy noodles, perfectly mixed vegetables, and tender chicken that soaked up the flavours beautifully. Paired with sweet and sour chicken, with its sticky, juicy sauce coating perfectly battered pieces, every mouthful was indulgent.
The fried rice, however, didn’t quite hit the same high notes. While the portion was generous, it lacked a bit of depth and perhaps due to already having chicken with the noodles this was poor ordering and we should have gone with the egg fried rice.
Chop Chop doesnt hold back on portion sizes the servings are huge and excellent value for money. Keep that in mind when ordering, as its easy to overestimate how much you can handle! If you still have room, their pistachio mille crepe cake or yuzu cheesecake provide a sweet finish to the meal.
Overall, Chop Chop by Four Seasons delivers a fantastic Cantonese dining experience. Whether youre drawn in by the famous roast duck, the vibrant atmosphere, or the generous portions, this is a spot that truly stands out in the heart of Chinatown. One key thing to note: Chop Chop is inside The Hippodrome, which operates an 18+ policy, so a valid photo ID is required for entry.
Hippodrome, Cranbourn Street, London WC2H 7JH
For further information on Chop Chop, see here.