Mama Lan - Central Dr, Hornchurch

The dumplings arrived simultaneously, and the first thing that caught my eye was their vibrant colors. The prawn dumplings had a pristine white shell, while the beef dumplings were a delightful dark yellow, resembling mini Jamaican patties that felt perfectly at home in Brixton. The prawn dumplings offered a lovely mix of textures, with the satisfying crunch of water chestnuts balanced by the tender chunks of prawn. However, the beef dumplings stole the show—they should definitely be eaten whole with a drizzle of black vinegar, as they burst with juicy flavor in every bite. The wings were crispy and enjoyable, although slightly overcooked. They relied on the idea that the crispy skin of chicken wings needs minimal seasoning, which is a solid approach but nothing particularly unique. I recommend starting with the dumplings and then using any leftover spring onions and dumpling sauces to enhance the wings for an extra flavor boost. The restaurant itself is quite small, so to ensure a seat, it’s best to choose your timing wisely, especially before the lunch and dinner rush. I visited at 3 PM on a Saturday and was able to find a seat inside, which was worth the wait. Plus, working up an appetite with a quick walk up the escalators at Brixton station makes any meal more enjoyable. There’s also additional seating outside, which would be nice during warmer weather. One last note: the beer is a bit pricey at £4.50 for a bottle of Tsingtao, but it’s a must-have with these types of street food dishes. If you're looking for quality Chinese street food in London, Mamalan is definitely worth a visit.

I highly recommend the spicy beef noodle soup. While some pieces of beef were a bit chewy (likely due to the cuts used rather than overcooking), the noodles were distinctly handmade and fresh. The broth was pleasantly warm, making it easy to enjoy. The pork dumplings were also great, though we found that the prawn and mushroom dumplings didn't quite compare. The variety of teas served was lovely. I tried the ginger rock sugar tea, which was generously portioned and quite delightful. I wouldn’t hesitate to visit their other three locations and am particularly excited about the larger branch in Stratford Olympic Village. Our meal for two, including tea, came to £15 each. Overall, I think this restaurant has great potential with just a little more polish!

This restaurant offers not only fantastic dumplings but also delicious beef noodle soup! It's usually packed on weekends, but thanks to the quick turnover, you'll be seated in no time. Keep in mind that tables are set for two or four people, so larger groups might have some difficulty. While the service could use some improvement, as there are only one or two waitstaff handling the floor, the main draw here is definitely the amazing dumplings. There are three varieties on the menu: one boiled and two pan-fried. We sampled all three, and they were all quite tasty, although the beef dumpling was a bit unusual (it's not so common to find that in China!).

I chose the chicken noodle salad, and we shared beef and pork dumplings. The service was quick, and you could immediately tell that the food was freshly prepared. The noodle salad was surprisingly cold, but it was delicious! It was packed with chicken, perfectly seasoned in a sauce reminiscent of satay, and I loved the sprinkling of peanuts on top. Now, let’s talk about the dumplings! They were AMAZING! Soft and juicy, with a generous filling of meat and spices. I wished they would never end! I could have easily gone for another plate. If I come back, I’d skip the salad and just have two plates of dumplings—they were that good! In terms of pricing, for central Brixton Market, it’s quite reasonable. We spent around £30 total for two noodle salads, two large portions of dumplings, and drinks!

I was wandering through the Brixton area and decided to check out one of the many eateries. I initially planned to visit Nanban for ramen since it was a chilly day, but unfortunately, it was closed. I opted for something quick and easy and popped into Mama Lan. I ordered pork and Chinese leaf dumplings along with some spicy crispy chicken wings. The wings were tasty, but I felt they could have used a sweet sauce to enhance the flavor. The dumplings were quite good when paired with vinegar and soy sauce, and it was nice to sit under cover outside in the market.