22-23 Liverpool Street,
Bank,
London,
EC2M 7PD
(020) 7042 9191
The ViewLondon Review
Who knew that Chinese street food could be so exciting? NOW offers quick, healthy and ultra inexpensive Southern Chinese dim sum and other delicious delights.
Venue
NOW's location is prime as it is situated right next to the always busy Liverpool Street station. The interior is quite small with no tables, just long counters and tall wooden stools. Though the decor is simple and minimalist, the bamboo covered ceiling is a nice touch. Walls are decorated with designs of Chinese writing in bright neon colours that resemble street signs. An open kitchen allows you to see your food being prepared which is always a bonus.
Atmosphere
If you shut your eyes for a moment and just take in the sounds and aromas, you feel as if you could easily be eating at a trendy eatery in a bustling city in China. NOW's menu seems to attract young professionals, students, tourists, and just about anyone else looking for a fast and low calorie meal or snack. Staff are pleasant, helpful and don't keep you waiting long to complete your order and get your food to you.
Food
The seafood dim sum basket (£3.99) is two har gau dumplings, two seafood dumplings, and two coriander dumplings. All are streamed, differently coloured and deeply filled with fresh ingredients. For veggies there is the vegetarian dim sum basket (£3.99) which is two golden vegetable dumplings, two spicy vegetable dumplings, and two spinach and mushroom dumplings. These baskets are full of variety and fabulous flavours. For side dishes, the duck rolls hoi sin (£1.69) is a great choice. The portion comes as two pieces and duck meat is tender and juicy while the outside is crispy and not overly fried. The veggie bun (£0.99) is a steamed slightly sweet bun filled with savoury mixed vegetables. If you're not a vegetarian, than try the pork bun (£0.99) which also a slightly sweet bun filled with sweet and savoury pork. A filling and satisfying soup to try is the chicken won ton soup (£4.19) which is a large pot of broth with tons of vegetables and several large, over stuffed chicken won tons.
For a more substantial main try the seasonal vegetable rice pot (£3.89) which is white rice, asparagus, baby corn, water chestnuts and broccoli, all brought together by a thick, rich, and slightly sweet black bean sauce. For dessert there's mango pudding (£2.29) which is thick and rich, bursting with fresh mango flavour. Lychee and citrus fruit jelly (£1.99) is light and refreshing and a great way to cleanse your palate. For something a little different, the chocolate and chilli mousse (£1.99) is an absolute must. It's a smooth, creamy chocolate mousse infused with spicy chilli and topped with a thick layer of dark chocolate - a definite treat for your taste buds.
Drink
There are plenty of drinks to quench your thirst at NOW. Choose from fresh juices like the pineapple and coconut cooler, exotic iced teas like the lemongrass and jasmine iced tea, and even some imported Chinese beers.
Last Word
NOW is the new, hip and happening place where you can have breakfast, lunch, dinner or even just a snack. Chinese street food has landed in central London and it may give some other popular and not so healthy fast food joints a bit of competition.
NOW has been reviewed by 8 users