Best Dishes at Poon's
Pork Wontons with Chilli Oil
Small PlatesThese wontons became cult hits during lockdown when Amy started home deliveries. The pillowy dumplings are stuffed with juicy pork, one side silky and the other lightly fried for a bit of crisp texture. Served in a vibrant chilli oil that's been developed over years.
Magic Soup
SoupsOne of Cantonese home cooking's most fundamental dishes — a signature slow-cooked soup that's been described as 'magic' for its restorative, nourishing quality. The broth is built over hours and tastes like concentrated flavour without heaviness.
Steamed Fish with Ginger and Chilli
MainsA perfect example of Cantonese cooking — the fish is steamed whole until the flesh is delicate and flaky, then finished with fresh ginger slices, a touch of soy sauce, and a whisper of red chilli. No cream, no complicated sauce. Just technique and ingredient quality.
Zha Jiang Aubergine
VegetablesA vegetarian dish that's moreish in the best way. Aubergine is fried until soft and absorbent, then tossed with zha jiang (spiced bean paste), creating a deeply savoury, umami-forward dish. Simple ingredients, complex flavour.
Claypot Rice with Wind-Dried Meats
MainsThe signature claypot rice cooks until the edges are dark and crisp, the grain still tender inside. Topped with wind-dried meats (sausages with pleasingly uneven distribution of fat) that were perfected by Amy's grandfather. Each spoonful should mix crispy rice with the savoury, fatty meat.
About Poon's
Poon's at Somerset House is Amy Poon's first solo restaurant, reviving the family legacy started by her parents Bill and Cecilia at the original Soho location in 1970. The menu celebrates authentic Cantonese home cooking with particular focus on soup and slow-cooked dishes. Located in Somerset House's New Wing with elegant, high-ceilinged dining and views overlooking the courtyard.
Top 5 dishes at Poon's:
- Pork Wontons with Chilli Oil – 92% recommended(Signature)
- Magic Soup – 90% recommended(Signature)
- Steamed Fish with Ginger and Chilli – 85% recommended(Signature)
- Zha Jiang Aubergine
- Claypot Rice with Wind-Dried Meats
Details
- Cuisine:
- Cantonese
- Price Range:
- £££
- Phone:
- +44 20 7759 1888
- Website:
- Visit Website
- Services:
- Dine-in, Reservations
- Menu:
- View Menu
Hours
- Friday:
- 12:00 PM - 10:30 PM(Open Now)
- Sunday:
- 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Monday:
- 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Tuesday:
- 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Wednesday:
- 12:00 PM - 10:30 PM
- Thursday:
- 12:00 PM - 10:30 PM
- Saturday:
- 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
This is Amy Poon's personal vision of Cantonese home cooking. Order the '3 dishes, one soup' set menu — it's thoughtfully balanced and designed to showcase the kitchen's range.
The entrance is on Lancaster Place, at the north end of Waterloo Bridge. The elegant dining room has high ceilings and overlooks the Somerset House courtyard — it's a beautiful setting.
Lunch service is Tuesday-Saturday, 12:00-16:00. The plat du midi (plate of the day) and set menu are both excellent value compared to dinner pricing.
From 21:00 onwards, the menu shifts to Siu Yeh (late-night) options including stand-up noodles and pot luck rice — a more casual, energetic dining experience.
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