Chinatown is a popular place for tourists, food lovers and, Chinese and East-Asian communities in the capital. Its wide, thrumming streets and Chinese decor really give an insight into Chinese food, culture and lifestyle - if you know where to look.
In fact, some of the best Chinese businesses in the city are hidden even from the majority of people in Chinatown. One such business is Lo's Noodle Factory nestled away down Dansey Place.
You could easily walk around Chinatown multiple times without noticing the street - and the factory has no signs, advertising or website. Instead, the factory relies on word of mouth and the faithful orders of the restaurants which surround it, as well as walk-in orders from those in the know.
READ MORE:‘I’ve worked in Chinatown for 35 years - Men used to think I was from the moon'
Lo's Noodle Factory prefers to operate outside of the limelight. Owner Wai-keung Law told MyLondon: "It was mainly through word of mouth and the local Chinatown community that people were able to know about the factory."
But now, it is well-known in local legend, since hitting the headlines in 2019 when its landlord tried to close down the premises for redevelopment. After an outpouring of support for the business, the landlord eventually stopped pursuing the eviction and the factory has remained untouched ever since.
Despite this incredibly stressful period in the factory's history, Wai-keung Law told MyLondon that it actually helped the business as more and more people found out about its existence. He said: "This wider audience connected us with China Exchange who also helped us. They now include us in their food tours around Chinatown."
Lo's Noodle Factory was set up in 1978 by Wai-keung Law's great uncle. He was frustrated at the high prices being charged to the catering industry by other manufacturers - so he decided to set up his own factory.
The factory makes its noodles out of a tiny two-floor space, with a bakery upstairs and a noodle production line downstairs. Lo's Ho Fun, or soft rice noodles, are sought after across the capital. The noodles are soft and have elasticity, yet are not easily broken during the cooking process.
According to Chinatown's visitor page, the factory makes at least 2.5 miles of Ho Fun every single day. The bakery on the upper floor makes traditional sweet treats and the factory also sells dim sum. But the factory earns the majority of its business supplying the local restaurants of Chinatown. It is estimated the factory sells noodles to 95per cent of restaurants in the area, and no other noodle factory comes close to competing with it for clients.
But Wai-keung Law remains modest in the face of this impressive record. He said: "It is mainly luck I feel, as when my great uncle first started the business, no one wanted to set up a business in the area. This was before it became known as Chinatown, and we have been able to remain in the area ever since.
He added: "Due to social media and the increase in Chinese and Hong Kong nationals coming to the UK to study or reside, we have become more popular than ever before. It is a taste of home for most of them as the products we make are considered the old, traditional items. Many businesses decided not to replicate these because it is considered old-fashioned."
It's not just the taste that makes Lo's so popular - as a factory wholesaler their prices are a bargain if you fancy making your own Chinese dishes at home. Lo's signature noodles will cost just £1 for a full bag. Everything is made fresh daily too, making it the place to go to buy your noodles - no waiting for them to be packaged, picked up and delivered to a supermarket.
Visitors to the factory have described it as a "hidden gem" which produces products of "incredible quality." Another reviewer said: "Thank you for bringing me back to enjoy the authentic taste of home from childhood memories. My taste buds can tell that they use the most original traditional ingredients and procedures to make every product in their factory. Their food produced with their passion touched the bottom of my heart. Thank you."
Another customer said: "Best place to buy fresh noodles, savoury and sweet buns for steaming and Cheung fun! Don't be put off by the slightly off-beaten track entrance, these silky, delicious noodles are worth it and cook up far better and easier than any other store-bought product. Remember to bring cash!"
Lo's also supplies Hakkasan, a Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant that was first conceptualised in London and now has 10 locations all over the world. If their noodles are good enough for a Michelin star chef, they're good enough for us!
Do you have a story you think we should be covering? Email elizabeth.haigh@reachplc.com.
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