United Kingdom

London

Malaysian

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.

C&R Cafe

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