United Kingdom

London

Butcher

Wine

Emily Yeoh is the mastermind behind the fiery Two Hot Asians sauce brand.

Born and raised in London, Yeoh is of Chinese-Malaysian and Thai descent from her father's side of the family. She's known in the culinary scene as the founder of Two Hot Asians, a celebrated sauce brand that began from late-night conversations with friends, where nostalgic memories of childhood feasts and their parents' homemade sauces were formulated into an idea.

Soho was Yeoh's playground, and in the heart of this central hub lies Chinatown. Dim sum wasn't just a meal, it was a ritual. Her father, a culinary wizard with a treasure trove of family recipes, mesmerised Yeoh as he whipped up dishes with precision. Her mother, equally skilled in the kitchen, introduced a fusion of eastern and western flavours into Yeoh's palate from a young age.

As a Londoner, Yeoh's knowledge, then, runs deeper than surface level. Who better to dish out her top picks across the UK capital? Scroll down for her top five restaurants in London.

I’m so lucky to have moved so close to Bake Street, as you’ll find me and my son in there most weekends. He’s obsessed with the creme brulee cookie (there’s a reason it went viral with queues round the block). Their smashed burgers are, in my opinion, the best in London.  Also, the smashed patty melt and the birria totchos (like nachos, but on tater tots) are also up there as my fave. Follow them on instagram to be updated on the weekend menu, get there early to avoid disappointment and take someone to share so you can have a bit of everything. Big up Chloe and the whole team!

What can I say about Pelliccis that hasn’t been said a thousand times before?  It’s a classic, an institution; the Pelliccis needs to be treasured forever. The absolute best of the best cafe there is and ever was. Have the chips with mama’s homemade bolognese on top and don’t forget to buy a jar of Anna’s pesto sauce. You won’t regret it!

My favourite place to get authentic Malaysian food, hidden down a side street in Chinatown. It’s a family favourite, and my go-to dishes are the five spice loh bak, was tan hor and Singapore laksa (my auntie’s favourite!).

This is my local butcher that turns into a cook shop restaurant in the evenings, serving the most delicious cuts of meat. They just know how to cook meat to perfection, and I’ve had cuts of meat in there that I wouldn’t normally order in a restaurant – and they have been the best bits of meat I have ever had in my life (sorry vegans). So blessed to have this close to me.

This is another family favourite and we usually come here every year for Lunar New Year. It’s a seafood restaurant, but they’re really famous for their lobster noodle dish with ginger and spring onion – honestly, it’s that good! The deep fried dover sole with chilli and onions is also up there.

I’m not really a bread-y type person, but I am a Rogue Sarnies fan. They make their own bread too, and it’s wonderful – not too doughy, not too thick, just the right proportions. Chef's kiss!  My current favourite is the grand lamb slam, a slow roast lamb shoulder drenched in lamb jus with caramelised onions, pecorino, land cress and a St John-inspired green sauce. They also have limited specials on the menu, so this is my chance to ask them to bring back the Hail Caesar.

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Where to Eat in London With Emily Yeoh

Top Cuvée

Top Cuvée is a neighbourhood restaurant run by hospitality veterans and old friends, Brodie Meah and Max Venning. Specialising in seasonal small plates and the best natural wines from around the world, lockdown saw the Cuvée brand grow nationwide with the launch of Shop Cuvée, the country’s fastest growing ‘natty’ wine supplier. They have curated this guide around their favourite wine bars and restaurants across the city for you to enjoy.

"Writing that list has been a big reminder of what I love about the London food scene, the people! Such dedicated, knowledgeable and friendly people make the whole experience so much more than just a meal and a few glasses. Second to that is London's connection to the winegrowing regions of Europe, returning after living in Australia really put into perspective how lucky we are to be in a city, bursting with restaurants so seamlessly connected to these vineyards." - 

Having the shop around the corner means we've not got this epic wine list available for the restaurant. The casual vibe, combined with the good music and incredible food really makes it the perfect place to enjoy the best natural wine selection in not just London but the UK. Top of my list atm is the De l’Aube - an absolute banging Pinot Noir - while it’s been nice to drink at home it really is a wine to drink in a restaurant.

Best for a noisy boozy dinner. Make sure to book as there aren’t many tables and those who have one will happily spend the whole night getting through Nick Branham’s varied and genuinely exciting menu. If you’re feeling lucky you can rock up and try nab one of their terrace tables held for walk ins.

An incredible wine list, great spot for lunch if you're looking to drink something special with a menu afforded equal love. They always have something great on the record player also.

A butchers/restaurant/wine cave, need I say more? Jimmy has an insane collection of wines in the cellar and always worth asking about what's not on the wine list to get something special he's been sitting on. This is without a doubt my favourite spot in London for a steak and glass.

Best for late dinner and the 4am license means it's easy to get loose there with Charlie + the crew. Very popular within the hospitality industry for post-shift knees up and some of the best chicken wings and wine around.

Legendary Peckham rooftop with a focus on Italian juice. If you’re looking for views to go with your booze you could do a lot worse. Cracking pasta too.

Another southside winner with a great list, perfect for one glass which always turns into three. Tucked away in Brixton Village Market they have a bottle shop and intimate restaurant next door, the staff are always great and will really help you find your way around a list. Their newer spot Levan in Peckham is also exceptional.

Hill + Szrok

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