Seemor
DalchiniB+Worth Trying
147 Arthur Rd, London SW19 8AB
· Asian fusion restaurant, Bar & grill, Chicken restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (723 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Dynamic Indo-Chinese spot with creative fusion dishes, warm service, and a popular Indian afternoon tea; solid value on-site, with some inconsistency on delivery and occasional service delays.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Dalchini delivers solid neighborhood dining through flavorful Indo-Chinese cooking and genuinely attentive service, with a distinctive afternoon tea program that builds loyal regulars. Consistency shows some variation—primarily affecting delivery orders rather than the core dine-in experience—preventing a higher grade, while the intimate, stylish setting appeals to locals without commanding destination status.
Restaurant Summary
Dalchini feels like a neighborhood spot that punches above its weight: a small room with warm, stylish decor, servers who make you feel at ease, and plates that arrive looking tidy and vibrant. One diner summed it up simply: food full of flavor and a team that makes you feel looked after. The downstairs speakeasy brings a moody, intimate vibe if you want a pre- or post-dinner drink. The cooking leans modern Indo-Chinese with confident fusion: Manchurian, Hakka, Kung Pao, plus Thai touches like Tom Yum and green curry. Expect bold flavors and crisp textures rather than delicate minimalism. It suits diners who enjoy spicy, savory-sweet contrast and sharing a table of small plates and noodles. A signature draw is their Indo-Chinese afternoon tea, which regulars praise for variety and generosity. Families are well served thanks to approachable dishes like lemon chicken, fried rice, and noodles. Reviews mention gluten-free and dairy-free accommodations and halal chicken. There is no dedicated kids menu in the data, but the menu’s familiar items make it easy for picky eaters; just note occasional spice-level drift and that the room is cozy for strollers.
At a Glance
- Flavor-forward Indo-Chinese dishes with consistent crowd-pleasers
- Welcoming service and cozy decor
- Unique Indo-Chinese afternoon tea with generous variety
- Delivery quality and communication can be unreliable
- Occasional waits and QR-only menus frustrate some guests
What Sets It Apart
- Indo-Chinese afternoon tea
- Downstairs speakeasy bar
- Wide fusion menu spanning Indian, Chinese, Thai
What People Love
- Punchy Manchurian and Hakka flavors
- Generous, filling afternoon tea tiers
- Friendly, caring staff attention
- Stylish, intimate space with a speakeasy vibe nearby
Points of Concern
- Delivery complaints include long waits and cancellations; dine-in is more reliable
- Service can slow during busy periods; one-off 30-minute delay for pre-ordered tea reported
- Some find starters smaller than expected; a few note sweet ketchup-like sauces in delivery
- Review patterns show signs of variability in spice-level customization; request clarity with staff
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£34-45 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair a bold starter (Hakka Fried Chicken) with a lighter soup (Manchow) before a main (Szechuan Tofu/Paneer) to balance richness
- If sensitive to heat, opt for Lemon Chicken or Buddha's Delight and request mild
Perfect For
- Sharing spicy small plates and noodles with friends
- An intimate date with a cocktail downstairs
- A relaxed afternoon tea with a twist
- Family dinners with approachable fusion dishes
Location Insights
Area: Leafy southwest London neighborhood near Wimbledon Park; residential with local high street energy and casual dining.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit suburban setting with steady evening foot traffic.
Nearby: Close to Wimbledon Park and transport links; mix of cafes, pubs, and shops catering to locals and visitors.
WimbledonWimbledon offers a relaxed dining scene with a variety of casual and family-friendly restaurants, alongside some upscale options. The area is known for its village-like feel, good transport links, and a community-oriented atmosphere, attracting locals and visitors alike, especially during the tennis season.
South WimbledonSouth Wimbledon is a quieter, more residential pocket of Wimbledon with convenient access to transport and local amenities. Dining options here tend to be casual and neighborhood-focused, catering to everyday dining needs rather than high-end gastronomy.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–14:30, 18:00–22:30
Tuesday12:00–14:30, 18:00–22:30
Wednesday12:00–14:30, 18:00–22:30
Thursday12:00–14:30, 18:00–22:30
Friday12:00–14:30, 18:00–23:00
Saturday12:00–14:30, 18:00–23:00
Sunday12:00–14:30, 18:00–22:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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