The Best Lamb Shank Curry in London?

A surprising thing about the UK is that the best Asian food can be found in London. While there's a plethora of selection in Chinatown (which I adore and love), there are many other restaurants outside of that perimeter that hit just as hard. Being from the West Midlands, Euston is my home base in London, and I was so grateful to be invited to Hong Ji Dim Sum Thai Restaurant, which is just a few steps away from Warren Street Tube Station.

Hong Ji opened up a couple of months ago and serves up amazing value dishes at hotel-quality taste and superb service. The clean and sleek interiors put the focus on the authenticity and vibrancy of the food. Although located in the middle of a bustling bit of this neighborhood, it is a peaceful spot to sit down and enjoy delicious Asian food. Behind the kitchen is Chef Nick, who has a lifetime of experience in food and hospitality. If you're looking for authentic and quality Pan Asian food without breaking the bank, Hong Ji is the place to be.

For starters, we had the Steamed Har Gow or Prawn Dumplings (£5.20), Softshell Crab in Coconut Galangal Sauce, and Chicken Wings with Garlic and Spices (£5.80). The hakaw/prawn dumplings were fresh and fabulous, perfect with soy sauce or on their own. The wings were crispy, had a sweet and sour dip, a good starter. The crab is a more exotic pick for a starter, but the galangal sauce is made from scratch, a personal recipe by Chef Nick.

For mains, we had the Lamb Shank in Massaman Curry (£16.80) and the Stewed Beef Rublets with Potato (£14.80). Let me tell you that the lamb shank alone is reason enough to visit Hong Ji right now. The lamb was perfectly cooked, the meat melted off the bone and I am still thinking about the sauce it came with. Also, the size of the lamb for the price you're paying is crazy good value for money! The beef reminded me a lot of the Filipino stews; it melted in my mouth and paired well with the white rice.

To close, we had the Sweet Soya Bean Pudding (£5.60) and the Fried Steamed Xiao Man Tau (£4.80 for 5 pieces with condensed milk). The pudding is good for two, but I wouldn't recommend it if you haven't had soy bean pudding before. Instead, opt for the Man Tao, deep-fried buns with a crispy outer shell and a cloud-like inside that you dip in condensed milk. I am yet to find someone who dislikes Man Tau, and perhaps I never will! Although usually a starter, I prefer to end my meals with it.

Main dishes range from £9-17, which is honestly extremely reasonable for London prices and the quality of food you are getting. I recommend you opt for the items on their Chef Special Menu to try Hong Ji's finest. Come for the hakaw, the lamb, and the man tau. I could not recommend this place enough!

Hong Ji is located at 327 Euston Rd., London NW1 3AD. They are open from 11:30 AM-10 PM from Monday-Friday, 12 noon to 10 PM on Saturdays, 12 noon to 9 PM on Sundays. The Closest Underground station is Warren Street. For bookings and reservations, call +44 07557226686.

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