interior of Dragon Castle Chinese restaurant in Elephant & Castle
A month ago, Jon and I went to see the highly-entertaining (popular, even) Pop Life exhibit at the Tate Modern, and afterwards, we somehow reasoned that because Elephant & Castle was so “close by,” we should try out Dragon Castle for dinner, which TimeOut loved.
So we hopped on the Northern Line at London Bridge and emerged two stops later at Elephant & Castle station, which sounds so wondrous on the map, but in fact is rather gritty. Navigating the hulking roundabout just outside the station makes Old Street roundabout look like a picturesque jaunt through the countryside.
In any event, stepping inside Dragon Castle restaurant, we found ourselves in a large old-school Chinese banquet hall — the type with the double happiness symbol in the back, where enormous wedding banquets can take place. The place was busy and noisy (not least because of several birthday parties taking place there. Be warned that the restaurant insists on periodically blasting a recorded version of “Happy Birthday” for such groups).
Cantonese roast duck (£11.80 for 1/2 portion)
Having just eaten at the Michelin-starred Kai earlier that week, I was especially astounded by how inexpensive all of Dragon Castle’s menu items were. Jon and I can never resist roast duck, and Dragon Castle’s was a mixed bag. The duck we ordered had a great texture but could’ve used more flavoring. A little more soy sauce and sugar would’ve been perfect.
salted fish, braised chicken and Japanese tofu clay pot (£9.50)
Jon and I also have a weakness for clay pot dishes, which I suppose means we have a lot in common with elderly Chinese people. The “Japanese tofu” in the clay pot we ordered was so luscious and silky that it was more like a custard than any tofu I’ve had before. The salted fish and chicken were tender and enriched the sauce. As the weather grows colder and rainier, this is the dish I’m going to crave.
gai lan in garlic sauce (£8.50)
I loved the way the veg choices are presented at Dragon Castle. You picked a green and then picked how you wanted it prepared. We played it straight by ordering gai lan with a classic garlic sauce. An enormous portion and beautifully done. Cooked so it wasn’t raw but still retained crunch.
Our servers were all super nice and attentive. Tap water was refilled regularly without our noticing, which is a feat most restaurants in London can’t seem to accomplish. For the price and quality of the food, Dragon Castle was worth braving the grimness of Elephant & Castle (and the occasional blast of Happy Birthday). Now, if only they’d add General Tso’s chicken to the menu . . . .
Dragon Castle, 100 Walworth Street, SE17 1JL; 020 7277 3388; closest tube station: Elephant & Castle
I’m such a crap foodie as Dragon Castle has been on my ‘to try’ list forever. I haven’t even got the excuse of it being in the E&C as I live south of the river. From your meal, it looks like the kind of place that I’d like with its good value authentic Cantonese food.
General Tso’s Chicken – my inner food snob tells me I should be appalled by this dish but I must confess I want to try it! You must make it your mission to track it down in London.
I echo Mr Noodles – I have been meaning to try here as well for a long time. £11 for the duck sounds a lot more reasonable than the prices at Kai.
Funny I’ve just read this – I had a blow-out dim sum binge at Dragon Castle today.
I’ve never seen General Tso’s Chicken on any menus in London, nor do I remember it being made in Hong Kong. I’ve made it though, and it was gorgeous – I blogged the recipe if you’re interested.
Mr. Noodles and Gourmet Chick: You’ve got it exactly right – good quality cooking at reasonable prices. And even the decor, while not luxe, is making an effort and clean. A step up from a lot of “good value” Chinese places.
Lizzie: I just read about your dim sum binge on Cheese and Biscuits. Sounds like it was a great meal, and by coincidence, I am heading back to DC this weekend for dim sum with a large group. So now I’m excited and expecting great things. : )
General Tso’s was quite easily found and popular in Taiwan, as I recall from my last trip there in 2002. So I do think it’s funny that a “made in America” product has found its way back East. I would bet that you can also find it in HK today, but as I haven’t been back to HK since 1996, I’m obviously just guessing. Anyway, I will def check out your recipe!
we have passed by this place so many times in the past months on the 171 bus and i always thought it a bit random to find such a huge chinese place outside of leicester square. but now that i see this good review and realize that they do dimsum, we will make the trek there one sunday lunch soon.
Glad to hear of such a raving review of Dragon Castle!! I have come here a fair few times and it has never disappointed me. I think I have gone so many times the waiters and waitresses know who I am now!