Pearl Liang - Paddington

A snazzy recent addition to the Chinese scene, Pearl Liang is handily situated in the classy new waterside development just a stroll away from Paddington station. The interior has been done out in opulent contemporary style with pinks and pastel shades, water features, bamboo and an expansive mural of cherry trees in blossom.

The head chef came from Mandarin Kitchen in Queensway and several of its famed seafood specialities have re-surfaced on the menu here: look for the steamed razor clams with soy and shallots or baked lobster with noodles. Thankfully the full menu is of manageable proportions and it offers a broad mix of well-tried standards and more authentic specialities ranging from aromatic crispy duck and sizzling king prawns with black bean and chilli to roast baby squid in Szechuan spices and stewed pork belly with preserved vegetables.

Pearl Liang has also gained a reputation for its dim sum, which are served through the day and well into the evening. Choice is extensive, execution admirable and flavours are full-blooded. Among the delights on offer are Shanghai dumplings, fried octopus cakes, pork and spring onion 'pancakes' and shredded taro with crispy prawn rolls.