Eating in Chinatown is always better with a group. Chinese food is designed for sharing - big dishes in the centre, everyone reaching in with chopsticks. The more people, the more dishes you can order, and the more of the menu you get to try.
But finding the right Chinatown restaurant for a group can be tricky. Many places are tiny, with barely enough room for two. Others don't handle large bookings well. And if anyone in your group has dietary requirements, the options narrow fast.
Why Chinese food is perfect for groups
Chinese dining culture is built around sharing. Unlike Western restaurants where everyone orders their own main, Chinese meals are communal:
- Order more dishes than people - a table of four should have 5-6 dishes
- Mix categories - a soup, a stir-fry, something crispy, something steamed, rice or noodles
- Everyone shares everything - lazy Susans and reaching across the table are encouraged
- The host orders for the group - traditionally, one person chooses for everyone (though asking for preferences is fine)
This means groups get the best experience. A couple might order 2-3 dishes (perfect for a date night in Chinatown). A group of eight can order 10-12 and try half the menu.
If you'd rather collect or have it delivered to a venue, see halal takeaway and halal delivery in Soho.
Planning a group meal at The Greedy Sheep
The Greedy Sheep on Little Newport Street is ideal for group dining. Here's how to plan the perfect group meal:
For 4-6 people, we'd suggest: - 2x Lamb Noodle Soup (share or have one each) - 3x Rou Jia Mo (everyone needs to try these) - 1x Crispy Chilli Beef - 1x Cumin Lamb - 1x Mapo Tofu - 1x Pan-Fried Dumplings - 1x Steamed Bao Buns - Jasmine tea for the table
For 8+ people, add: - Kung Pao Chicken - Salt & Pepper Squid - Egg Fried Rice - Extra rou jia mo (trust us, they'll go fast)
The halal advantage for groups
One of the biggest challenges with group dining is accommodating dietary requirements. At The Greedy Sheep, that problem disappears. Everything on the menu is 100% halal. No one in your group needs to check ingredients, ask questions, or feel left out.
This makes us a popular choice for: - Work team dinners - no dietary awkwardness - Family celebrations - everyone can eat everything - Birthday groups - the communal format is naturally celebratory - Post-theatre meals - we're one minute from Leicester Square, open until 10pm
For larger bookings or a fully private space, our events and private dining page covers what's possible. For everything else, see our insider guide to where to eat in Chinatown for nearby pre-dinner stops.
Tips for group dining in Chinatown
1. Go early or late - 12-1pm and 6-7pm are quietest. The 7-9pm rush can mean waits. 2. Order for the table, not individually - this is how Chinese food is meant to be eaten 3. Don't skip the tea - jasmine tea is the traditional Chinese dining drink, and it's perfect for cleansing the palate between dishes 4. Bring cash and card - most Chinatown restaurants take both, but it's good to have options 5. Call ahead for groups of 8+ - or contact us by email to confirm
Find us
The Greedy Sheep, 8 Little Newport Street, Chinatown, London WC2H 7JJ. Open 12pm-10pm daily. Walk-ins welcome - for groups of 8+, give us a call on 020 8037 8128 to check availability.
Come hungry. Leave greedy.
