Kung Fu Mama: Authentic Taiwanese Flavors in Covent Garden

Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, Kung Fu Mama brings the vibrant energy and flavors of Taiwan's night markets to London in a contemporary, health-conscious format. This collaboration between Chris Hsu (founder of Kung Fu Mama Retail) and Noam Bar (Ottolenghi's co-founder) focuses on delivering authentic Taiwanese cuisine that's light, bright, and super-healthy.

Signature Dishes

The menu centers around their signature sun-dried noodles, available in several mouthwatering variations:

• Chicken thighs with ginger & sesame (£9.75) - tender chicken in a fragrant sauce
• 12hrs beef with Szechuan pepper (£11.25) - slow-cooked beef with a gentle spicy kick
• Mapo tofu with minced pork (£9.25) - a classic Taiwanese comfort dish
• Portobello mushroom with Romano pepper (£8.85) - a flavorful vegetarian option

Beyond noodles, Kung Fu Mama offers delicious baos (including oven-fried chicken, crispy pork, and vegetarian options), fresh sides like cucumber salad and wood-ear mushroom salad, and sweet treats such as mango shaved ice cream.

Atmosphere and Experience

The space is primarily designed for grab-and-go, with just nine seats inside and four outside, making it perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner. The restaurant emphasizes health-conscious preparation methods, with ingredients oven-baked rather than fried, and careful attention paid to salt, sugar, and fat levels.

Location and Accessibility

Conveniently located on Long Acre in Covent Garden, Kung Fu Mama is easily accessible from both Covent Garden and Leicester Square stations, making it an ideal spot to refuel during a day of shopping or sightseeing in central London.

Whether you're a Taiwanese food enthusiast or simply looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal in central London, Kung Fu Mama offers an authentic taste of Taiwan's vibrant street food culture in a modern, accessible format.