Ultra-affordable Cantonese-style takeaway with fast, friendly service and standout fried rice and noodles; cash-only and basic setting.
Preliminary Grade: This restaurant has only 94 reviews, which is below our 100-review minimum for reliable grading. This grade should be considered preliminary until more reviews are available. Oriental Taste earns its grade through reliable food quality and exceptional speed, delivering dependable comfort-food execution at remarkable value.
Tucked on a Clerkenwell side street, Oriental Taste feels like a no-frills neighborhood staple. Orders move quickly, portions land hot, and staff come across as hard-working and kind. One diner summed it up: "Fast, cheap, delicious." If you want polish, look elsewhere; if you want dependable comfort, you are in the right spot. The kitchen sticks to classic UK-Chinese comfort with confident wok cooking and big flavor for small money. Fried rice and noodles get that telltale wok breath, while kung po, curry, and black bean sauces are reliable pairings. It is straightforward cooking, not fancy—perfect for quick lunches and casual takeaways. For families, it is easy to order kid-friendly plates like chicken fried rice, chow mein, and sweet and sour. Seating is limited and basic, so takeaway may be simpler with children. Prices are gentle, but remember it is cash only—plan a stop at the ATM.
Area vibe: Clerkenwell side street near offices and residences; practical, local footfall with budget lunch demand.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked during workdays; quieter and low-risk evenings.
What's nearby: Close to Farringdon/Clerkenwell offices, neighborhood flats, and casual eateries; not a tourist strip.