I've had my fair share of bad Chinese food...but this restaurant takes the cake. Even the rice was bad. The rice. I can't cook yet I can still make rice. It was dry, with mushy clumps dispersed throughout. Chewy in all the wrong ways. My rice cooker at home does a better job. Inside was not the cleanest. No matter what you do, do NOT visit the bathroom (unless critical urgency). I went down to wash my hands yet I left feeling dirtier than when I arrived. *shivers* You've been warned. Service was nice. Food arrived quickly. Crazy cheap prices as well. So not ALL bad. Maybe we just ordered the wrong dishes, but overall there was very little flavor and the taste that did exist, it was not a pleasant one. Best compared to watered-down microwave food. Even that is a bit better than this sad excuse for Chinese food. My stomach was already off-put by my trip to the bathroom, but one bite of the chunky brown mush, and my appetite disintegrated. Good for a quick bite to eat. The duck meat was the most tolerable. BUT if you want authentic Asian food, look elsewhere. If you want some grub that will churn your insides, then look no further! read more

Oriental Canteen - Tell me that doesn't look like - Chinese Near Me - London, XGL

This is the worst Chinese restaurant I have ever been to throughout the world . their "干炒牛河" has no beef or "河粉"， mainly bean sprouts . Their "三拼盘" has terrible quality meats choice , and instead of roast duck meat , only two pieces of duck skin , the rice is hard to chew , and I would say any Chinese can cook better than them so it is hard to believe they can run business as a restaurant! Most importantly they did not care at all as you can tell by the way they cook their foods ! It is an insult to Chinese food ! In such a tourist packed place , it is hard to believe someone can open restaurant like this quality , it is totally an insult to Chinese food .they leave bad impressions to everyone ! In addition , the waitress came over with food on her mouth when speaking . I saw her doing this to at least another customer so it is not only us . I understand it might be lunch time but how can you do this ? Worst of the worst place ! I would give -5 if I have the choice ! So please don't come ! read more

Cheap Eats London .. yes I'll definitely categorize this place that way. It's definitely Asian students haunt on a budget. I ordered a quarter duck for £6. Gotta say, the duck has more meat and the portion was more generous than Four Seasons in Chinatown. So thumbs up to that! My partner ordered a 'Wa Tan Hor'... it came with 4 fresh prawns that's rather large in size. Overall taste wasn't too bad either. Service was fast, food came quickly and Hot, the server didn't exactly flash the biggest smile nor showed up hospitality. But hey... Cheap and nasty... who's complaining? At least you don't get the server throwing the bill at your table while you're still eating... that crap.. only those Chinatown Chinese restaurants famously do! And oh, they were people queuing to eat by the time we were finishing... pretty impressive! read more

Oriental Canteen - Today's special... - Chinese Near Me - London, XGL

Located in the main restaurant row near the museums. Terrible food! Terrible service! Terrible ambience! I would give minus 5 stars if I could. My bad for going in. read more

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Good service and good food. I ordered the schezuapn twice cooked pork with fried noodles. It was slightly spicy and delicious - a little bit of fat needed to be trimmed. Someone else ordered the sweet and sour chicken and they said it was good. The spring roll appetizers came with soy sauce to dip in and were really flavorful. read more

Stupid cheap for a World-Class city, reasonably quick, and quite excellent. One of the better cheap meals we've had in London, and it was like 13 quid for the two of us. Yeah, so there's barstool seating, 9 tables at most, and plastic cups and bowls for your meals. That's *clap* why *clap* it's *clap* cheap *clap*. We had some great little spareribs, some fried rice, and a soup noodle dish. All made for a nice filling meal. They were even willing to finagle the menu a bit so we could get everything we wanted, i.e. serving the ribs with a small side of fried rice so we could get everything we wanted. So, nice people, good food, not a ton of money. Three cheers. read more

I have to confess to having a great attack of indecision as I walked past Oriental Canteen. I must have walked past this place at least 5 times trying to decide whether to chance going in - the owners probably thought I was going to rob them! In favour of the restaurant, AA Gill, the Times critic had named this place in this Best Eats of 2003 list. Against the restaurant, there was a tired photo montage of the different dishes available and the nice pictures on the walls inside were of dishes not on the menu. In the end, my quest for Malaysian food led me in as there were quite a few Malaysian dishes on the menu. I ordered the laksa, which is a curry broth containing noodles and a selection of seafood and meat. What arrived wasn't laksa but the broth seemed to be inspired more by Indian flavours rather than true south east Asian spicing. It was also alarmingly fluorescent yellow, perhaps indicating the use of a lot of tumeric. Sadly, standards seem to have dropped since 2003 or perhaps with the proliferation of Malaysian restaurants in the last few years, Oriental Canteen is no longer good enough read more

This has got to be one of the worst Chinese places I've ever been -- there were people in my party visiting from Hong Kong and they were appalled. First off, the portions (we ordered main dishes from the backside of the menu) are ridiculously tiny, and are served on plastic plates that bring Parks and Rec flashbacks of April and Andy eating turkey chili from frisbees. Yes, it was that bad. The bowls and cups we were given were also of the same cheap, colorful plastic. The food we ordered was not good. That kung pao chicken was the sorriest excuse for a kung pao chicken that I've ever seen. You could probably get better at Panda Express. The fried rice was bad as well. The only thing that was mildly alright was the eggplant dish. The service was absolute rubbish and the restaurant itself lacks severely in cleanliness. All in all I was extremely dissatisfied with this restaurant and do not recommend anyone to come here lest they experience the same disappointment. read more

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Eat only the rice meals and not the noodles. Service was appalling. Shame this was one of the firsts Chinese restaurants we've been to since arriving London. It was not like this 5-6 years ago... For starters- Roti canai was good. read more

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The Oriental Canteen does precisely what it says on the tin: its serves basic Chinese and other popular Asian dishes in a very pared-down but clean setting. Seating is shared with other customers and service is to the point: there is normally a waitress waiting to take your order before you sit down. Now in most restaurants I would find that a supremely annoying trait. But it's just a part of the no-nonsense vibe in the Canteen. Sit down, shut up, stuff your face, then be on your way. The food itself ticks all the boxes for those in search of a cheap and filling meal for around a fiver. There is tofu and ginger stir fry, special fried rice, lots of noodle dishes, even Peking duck, and many dozens more. Other pluses are they serve Tsingtao beer, which is excellent with any Chinese food, and that the plain sticky rice served with most meals is delicious even on its own. read more

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The food was so delicious. I tried the spring rolls, I ordered the beef stew with noodle soup myself and tried the duck that my friend got, all of which were fantastic. We also tried the jasmine tea which I would recommend. The food was very filling and well priced. The place is small but it makes for a good intimate atmosphere. I wouldn't recommend for a group larger than four; it really is best for one to three people. The people working there were kind and helpful. Quick service as well read more

Oriental Canteen - Beef stew with noodle soup - Chinese Near Me - London, XGL

Food took forever, as did ordering, as did getting the check. Super small portions. Meat was dry. Would stay away

Hmmm what to say about the OC. I have to confess I didn't eat here and I probably wouldn't have gone in if my friend wasn't starving and needed a quick bit. First thing I noticed is that they only serve mains. I had already eaten but probably could have snacked on a side or starter but that wasn't an option so I had a Tiger beer which was only £2.00 so that wasn't bad, especially for South Ken. My friend went for the Singapore fried noodles, which looked a little thin on content and was a very small portion. One thing I really hate is if you're going to do something, do it right and if not don't charge a fiver for a tiny almost dish. I have to say that the staff and service were both fantastic and just because of how they were, makes me want to go back again, but honestly I don't think I will be going back, and if it wasn't for them I probably would have only awarded two stars. However do not that I personally didn't try the food and my friend had no complaints and he has eaten there more than once. read more

The mere mention of the term "canteen" should let you know that this is not a destination restaurant. Indeed, due to its rather cozy and compact size, spending much more than half an hour in here with food is realistically frowned upon! There is not much in the way of ambiance, unless you count the fact that about 20 seats are packed into a space not much bigger than the size of your average bedroom! But it does what it says it does on the tin, and with good quality, cheap, fast Chinese food, it gets 4*. read more

As cheap and easy as bedding an ex-Big Brother contestant - but then isn't that what you want from a Canteen? Dishes for £5, no waiting around, just stick your bum at the nearest free space and get ordering. As challenging as hanging outside Tiger Tiger until you spot a failed reality TV contestant. It's instant gratification that feels good on the spot but later leaves you somewhat unsatiated. On the plus it's quick, cheap and fun and there is an interesting selection of Chinese canteen classics like fatty pork on rice and roast duck combined with Malaysian staples like sambar fish, roti and nasi lemak. It's better than spending your fiver at Boots or Pret, innit? But on the downside, you can see in clear view that so much of the food is not fresh but heat-lamp and microwave-cooked. It's the fake blond and fake tan of the culinary world. Cheap and easy. read more

This small split level restaurant only has a handful of tables, but it's great for squeezing into for lunch. Brave the shiny roast ducks hanging in the window near the door and you'll find a friendly spot to enjoy a quick lunch. All the dishes are advertised on the menu propped up in the window with their corresponding photos (why do they always o this!) but don't let the faded, yellowy pictures put you off as the food is good. I've tried their crispy duck pancakes as it does look very appetizing hanging there and you can smell it as you walk by, which is obviously their ploy. Their green tea is also very good, fresh from tealeaves and not a bag. There are mostly a couple of friends or often lone workers sat munching away so it's a very laid back go-in-eat-and-leave style place. The only problem I have with it is that you can feel like you're virtually on a plinth on the pavement if you sit in near the window. Being subject to gawping passers by as you try not to send your artfully balanced chopsticks flying (fork is a dirty word here) is a bit nerve wracking, so we only go if there is a table free on the other row, which is still very visible, but slightly less street level. It's much nicer than the one at the other rend of the street so it's definitely worth a try if you feel like Chinese for lunch. read more

Most would probably just pass by this tiny little eatery in a very busy little plaza loaded with other food choices, but they would miss a decent hole in the wall. This is as close as you can get to Asian street food; it's fast, it's cheap and reasonably good and authentic. The family run place is friendly enough, despite the limited English. Easy to get some simple Asian dishes here without the pretense. We had some noodle dishes, but would like to come back to try their roast duck and char siu. read more

This place is cheap but unfortunately they don't seem to cook chicken fully. Both chicken dishes and the appetizer were served with uncooked chicken. The meat was soft and in some cases even slightly pink. Avoid this place read more

If you happen to be around South Kensington and need somewhere to grab a bite that is fast and cheap, there aren't many choices around. A group of us were there recently for the Pan-Asian Film Festival and with only a 30 minute break to the next film, we walked around hurriedly looking for a place. A short walk later, we spied Oriental Canteen which I've been once when I first arrived in London. In we went as there was a table large enough to fit us all. The dishes averages around £5 and the place comprises mainly of students. The food was decent enough, tasty and quick. Sometimes you just want a quick bite and I found mine. read more

Probably the cheapest value Chinese eat within a mile from South Ken station. The dining conditions are rather cramped, but for a fiver you can get a big plate of rice and roast meat, or a bowl of noodles. Pretty good tasting and authentic Chinese and Malaysian food are served. Do not expect to be able to stay long and chat however; during busy periods the staff will try their best to shoo you away! read more

This very basic restaurant is a bit of a godsend in chi-chi South Kensington. Food is straightforward Chinese, mostly based around the meat and rice or noodles formula for around £5. Seating is at communal tables and don't expect to linger after you've eaten. The bill will arrive promptly and pointedly and you will be asked to leave if there's a queue. Still, there is no pretence that you'll get anything different and the food is very decent. At least if you're starving you know you'll get fed very quickly. read more

Oriental Canteen - Chinese Near Me - London, XGL

It's a tiny place but the fact that there were so many Asian people eating there lead us in because I was hoping for some authentic cuisine. Luckily it was and it was really delicious. The menu really reminded me of the food varieties in Malaysia and Singapore. We ordered lemon chicken and duck with rice. Both were delicious. It's no place for long chats, you go there, eat and leave. But it's so much better than various "Chinese" food chains around. read more

It's a tiny, corner-slice-of-a-building place. It's cramped, and has simple, laminated board for tables, old wooden stools whose chips and scrapes are not down to artificial antiquing. Even my teapot was a well-worn old tin thing, but it was filled with proper loose tea and was only 50p. My duck chow mein was a good-sized plate of noodles, sprouts and roast meat for only £5. It was tasty and not too glutinous; I couldn't pretend it was fancy or elaborate or took hours to prepare. The service feels like they just want to feed you and get out. But today all I wanted was a quick fuel-up at a table for one and some tea to wash it down. Oriental Canteen gave me exactly that with nothing else besides. Don't go for a romantic dinner or expect any frills and this is just fine, for very little money. They don't appear to have a toilet. read more

Great value, nice and cheap (and there aren't many of those places around S. Kensington!) Food is tasty and from a range of East Asian countries, Chinese, Malaysian, Singaporean. Much better than the Wokbox-type Chinese fast food place round the corner. read more

The OC is a good little restaurant and takeaway, providing Chinese, Malaysian and other asian food, popular with students and located very close to South Kensington Station. The food is good quality and you get seated and served very quickly, provided of course that there are seats free, as being so popular it's usually pretty full! If it is, there's always the option for takeaway, they'll provide you with cutlery and you can wander around the corner and sit either on the steps of the V&A or there's a few little bits of greenery with benches around Thurloe St. The food is simple but tasty, and very cheap - you won't pay more than a fiver for a filling plate of food. The meat+rice dishes are always a good option, and if you run out of rice on your plate, they'll usually top you up for free. The OC is always full of Chinese people eating, and to my mind, if there's Chinese folk eating in a Chinese restaurant, it must be pretty authentic and tasty, and therefore worth a try. read more

Excellent roast duck, also loved #51 shredded beef(crispy) which has an orange/scallion sauce.

Good quality food, low prices. Oriental Canteen is located close by to South Kensington Station, and is very well priced - which might explain why it always seems to be full! The restaurant serves a variety of meats and other delicious chinese foods. read more

If you happen to be around South Kensington and need somewhere to grab a bite that is fast and cheap, there aren't many choices around. A group of us were there recently for the Pan-Asian Film Festival and with only a 30 minute break to the next film, we walked around hurriedly looking for a place. A short walk later, we spied Oriental Canteen which I've been once when I first arrived in London. In we went as there was a table large enough to fit us all. The dishes averages around £5 and the place comprises mainly of students. The food was decent enough, tasty and quick. Sometimes you just want a quick bite and I found mine. read more

Ahh.... "The OC". Not exactly service with a smile, but for £3 for a steaming plate of delicious roti canai, I would expect to have to fetch it from the kitchen myself. The Singapore Laksa was not as strong as I had hoped, but for £5, I was warmed to the cockles and given a taste of home. You could even say that they were trying to emulate the ramshackle hawker canteens in Malaysia with their artful use of brightly coloured, deliberately mismatched plastic cutlery and crockery. Far superior to the deep-fried polystyrene they serve at Paper Tiger next door, and in an ideal spot for refuelling after a hard day at the museums. read more

The Duck Noodle Soup is the only dish I've ever had here, but I've eaten it many times - delicious, filling, simple and cheap. This is a no frills place in the best way, and it is just a short walk from multiple museums. read more

This place was actually awful. Aside from the dirty feeling, the food was worth nothing. Got the chicken and noodles and there was zero flavor whatsoever. The chicken was so devoid of flavor it tasted like it had been rinsed under a tap. I actually dont think they owned any spices. I was hoping I could use the chili oil to add some flavor. Any. But I opened the container and immediately caught a whiff of how stale the oil was. I asked for sweet and sour sauce and they only had soy sauce. Which expired two years ago. I put it on anyways and it tasted so slightly rancid. I bore through two more forkfuls before I had to leave. Even though it was cheap I wouldve rather spent a few euro more for real food. read more

This is by far the WORST Chinese food I've ever tasted. Ever. The food had no msg, which is the only good thing I can say about the Chinese food we ate. The sweet and sour pork was passably Chinese, maybe a sliver of Chinese tasting herbs or something (it was more like sweet and sour vegetables w a bit of pork dribbled in). I'm Asian, I should know. The ONLY yummy food here? The ROTI. Trust me. Very very flavorful and served nice and hot. STAY AWAY from this place. read more

Having read good reviews about this place, I was keen to try it out. But was hugely disappointed. Yes, it's cheap and cheerful and the fact it was full is evidence of its popularity. But in their haste to turn tables, mistakes happen and for my friend and I, it meant receiving prawn spring rolls where the prawns were uncooked, they were literally still slimy, grey and raw inside. Disgusting and not good considering my friend was heavily pregnant! This knocked our confidence for the rest of the meal. The Singapore noodles were ok, but quite a measly portion. Dirty tables and generally not great. Shame really. read more

maybe I should give 3.5 stars if possible. I stop here several times a month when I have to eat alone quick and/or take away. My favorites are mapo tofu, all soup noodles. read more

We were absolutely starving and made the mistake of eating here. Microwave food, rude service and place just didn't feel clean.

It's kind of an unusual place for the neighborhood which attracted me to it initially. I was hoping it would be one of those can't judge a book by it's cover kinda places but the feeling you get from looking at the decor is about the same feeling you get eating the food... which is a bit dirty. read more

We were at imperial college and were looking for cheap eats for an affordable snack. We had the house specials of lamb stew with soup noodles £5, beef stew with fried noodles, and pan fried dumplings for £7.5 the fresh orange juice and fanta were 0.5£ each. Not fancy but affordable. Lots of reviews have noted the tired decor and called it dirty. Adds to the charm of the place. It is unpretentious and a canteen after all? There were big chunks of cabbage in the stew. Something you might get at home so it is not fine dining but hearty simple oriental food to fill up. Worth a visit if you are hungry and on a budget. read more

A nice cheap family-run place in the heart of South Ken. Serving tasty Chinese and Malaysian treats. It's always packed, and while the setting is unglamorous and functional, the food is invariably nice and cheap. Definitely recommended plus gets additional kudos for doing it cheap and cheerful-stylee in Kensington! read more

We ate here twice while visiting the Science Museum and Natural History museum with our girls. Food was cheap and tasty, with good won-ton soup and daily specials. It was usually fast, though they do get busy and forgot my kid's water and one kid's meal for about 10 min the second day. Expect to share tables with other guests--it's small. Still, if you want tasty lunch for four at 20 pounds or less, this is tough to beat in this area. read more

Cheap chinese and malaysian food in this basic restaurant. The roti canai is great. Good for a quick, reasonably-priced meal.