4-8 Newport Place,
Chinatown,
London,
WC2H 7JP
The ViewLondon Review
That showy dumpling place at the corner of Chinatown.
The Venue
On the corner where Newport Place and Newport Court meets sits this petite Chinese restaurant with a kelly green facade. It's a couple of steps from the Leicester Square tube exits - you won't miss it because there is always someone making dumplings in the window, and Chinatown is too small to get lost in anyway.
The isosceles triangular-shaped space it sits in is all it has really - Jen Cafe can take around 20 diners at one time, unless it does away with the kitchen at the back and the dumpling-maker's showtable in the front. But that would be impractical as the showtable is a headturner and the kitchen, well, it's essential.
The Atmosphere
The small size of the space, never-ending show of freshly made food, and native Mandarin-speaking staff seem appealing, but in comparison with other Chinatown restaurants, Jen Cafe is unusually mellow during lunch. The constant flow of empty seats is not simply because its turnover rate is high, it also has to do with the poor service; there is an obvious lack of greeting (and smiles) when one enters. Even when someone finally notices and brings you the menu, you cannot be sure there really is table service. When the time comes to order, questions are responded with hostility, even when asked politely in their native tongue ("Are your noodles handmade?"/"Yes. Is there a problem?"). Fortunately service charge is not included with the final bill.
The Food
Prices are reasonable, especially for handmade foods. Their crowd-stopper Beijing dumplings are a bargain - for £4, you get a filling bowl of eight steamed dumplings. These unattractive dimply grey-skinned dumplings make a heavy dish - the dumpling skin is thick and floury, and holds within it an evenly-salted ginger and pork filing. There is a variety of dishes featuring their handmade noodles, and vegetarians swear by the crispy pan-fried vegetarian dumplings.
The Drink
The iced teas, bubble teas and other Chinese drinks are what make Jen a cafe. The large variety of flavours available may seem unnecessary and at times overwhelming, but it is very much a standard Chinese drinks list.
The Last Word
A good place for cheap but filling handmade foods, just don't expect good table service.
Jen Cafe has been reviewed by 1 users