For the first two years here in London, I lived in Belsize Park. I loved being close to Hampstead Heath, not far from Camden Town and generally felt so at home in this northern part of the capital. Visits to the Zoo or walks to the top of Primrose Hills hold many wonderful memories. I was a short bus ride from the centre of town and had many shops and restaurants on my doorstep. Now that I have Caspian I love being that bit further out and think South West London is a great place to raise children. Although leaving North London wasn’t an easy decision as it also meant leaving close friends. While we still stay in touch we don’t see each other as much as we would like as everyone is trying to juggle careers, homes and growing families.
Being invited to try out the newly opened Golden Dragon in Colindale was, therefore, a welcomed opportunity to venture back to my old hood and catch up with a dear friend over delicious Chinese.
GOLDEN DRAGON AT BANG, BANG ORIENTAL
Golden Dragon founded its first branch in Chinatown, Soho over 20 years ago and is renowned for its dim sum and Peking duck. It has now opened an impressive flagship restaurant in the newly established Asian food hall, Bang Bang Oriental. A brisk 10-minute walk from Colindale Tube Station and you’ll find the 300 cover restaurant on the ground floor. It features classic Hong Kong style décor and also has a private room for hire. Despite the dark furniture, the restaurant is brightly lit so lends itself more to family or business dinners than a romantic rendezvous.
Golden Dragon serves authentic dim sum dishes from Noon until 5 pm, which is the traditional time to enjoy dim sum in China. Although, we did try their spicy dumpling, which is also on offer in the evening. They were indeed very tasty.
SQUID, DUCK, BEEF AND PORK
We also tried their salt & chilli squid, which is a personal favourite of mine. For a starter, it’s truly a generous portion, but this didn’t stop us eating every last bit. We then had a quarter crispy duck served with traditional hoisin (plum) sauce and pancakes. This was as expected very good and our kind waiter shredded the meat at the table.
Speaking of tables, they cleverly come with a built-in hot plate in the middle to help keep dishes warm. Whether the staff assumed we were fast eaters (which we are) or simply forgot to show us how it works, I don’t know. If you visit Golden Dragon, this is a feature worth utilising to ensure every dish stays hot.
For our mains, we ordered sweet & sour pork and crispy beef with steamed rice. I can highly recommend the first and the latter was good, if quite spicy!
We enjoyed prosecco with our meal, but the restaurant has an extensive wine list, plus a fine wine section. There is also a vast tea menu with an impressive range of teas. These are stored in a traditional Chinese tea chest behind the bar. The staff at the restaurant were attentive and the food arrived quickly despite it being quite a busy night. They even arranged for us to take home our left-overs. Golden Dragon in Colindale is definitely worth a visit if you live near or want to go and explore the outskirts of North London.
Have you’ve been to the food hall Bang, Bang Oriental? What’s your favourite Chinese dish?
HOW TO BOOK A TABLE
Golden Dragon, 399 Edgware Road, Colindale, NW9 0FH
For reservations, please call: 0208 2058333
The restaurant is open from Noon until 10 pm Monday to Thursday, Noon until 10.30pm on Friday, 11 am until 10.30pm on Saturday and 11 am until 10 pm on Sunday. Three hours of free parking is available for guests in Morrison’s car park.
Please note we were given this meal. All words and opinions are my own.
No I’ve never ventured there before. Loving your dish selection it’s probably what I would order especially the salt and chilli squid.
We are in London between Christmas and New year so I am definitely adding to my list – is it child friendly?
Oh how delicious all this food looks! Will definately venture out when we’re next in London visiting my sister x
Whenever we visit london we tend to hit a chain type restaurant but the food looks amazing here. Will add it to my vsiit list
I have been wanting to go to Bang Bang Oriental as I know they have some great veggie options. I am so glad that you were able to catch up it your friend x
That food all looks amazing, Chinese is my absolute favourite!
Then you should definitely visit if you are ever in that area. Thanks for stopping by x
Oh wow, the food looks amazing. I would love to visit here 🙂
It was tasty indeed. Worth a visit.
Ooh I LOVE Chinese food, we had it last night actually, I always get the same dish though – such a creature of habit! This all looks delicious!
I know, I often order the same things. Hey, if it ain’t broken 😉
Oo my brother lives in London and would love to try this restaurant out – I’ll have to let him know 🙂
You should, it’d definitely worth a visit if he’s nearby.
We are huge fans of Chinese food I’ve never heard of Golden Dragon before but the food looks amazing so I will put that on our radar!
The whole area and Bang Bang Oriental is very fascinating and definitely worth a trip up to North London.
I love golden dragon. One of my faves In China town
Yes, I was there years ago and it’s a great restaurant. This one lives up to it.
I absolutely LOVE oriental food so will have to give this a try I think next time I’m down in London.
You really should visit, there’s also an Asian super market and several stalls and this one is a must.
Salt and chilli squid is definitely a favourite of mine too. All of the food looks delicious x
It was very good and I would order that dish again for sure.