Seemor
Thames Take AwayB+Worth Trying
140 Tanner St, London SE1 2HG
· Chinese takeaway, Chinese restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (228 reviews)
Takeout
Cash-only, no-frills Chinese/Vietnamese-leaning takeaway delivering hot, wok-fired classics at ultra-low prices with occasional long waits and inconsistent hospitality.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Thames Take Away delivers solid neighborhood takeaway quality with strong food quality and exceptional value that keeps regulars returning over decades. Consistency shows some variation—occasional oily or oversweet dishes—while service ranges from warm to brusque, and peak-time waits can test patience. The no-frills format and cash-only operation suit budget-conscious families seeking reliable comfort food, but lack the refinement or convenience for broader appeal.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels no-frills and bustling, a tiny counter where orders fly and woks roar. Diners talk about food that arrives piping hot with that telltale wok aroma—"fresh, fast, and far better than the price suggests." Expect queues at peak times and cash only at the till. The cooking sticks to comfort classics rather than showy flourishes—think fried rice, chow mein, curry, and foo yung—executed with wok-driven flavor. The culinary approach leans traditional takeaway: familiar dishes done simply, big portions, and prices that feel like a throwback. Most praise centers on crispy sweet and sour, fragrant rice, and quick-stirred noodles, though a few found some dishes oily or on the sweet side. Families will find plenty that kids actually eat: egg fried rice, prawn crackers, chicken curry, and sweet and sour. It is takeaway-only, so plan to bring it home. Vegetarians are covered with veg noodles and rice, and several report vegan adaptations on request. Budget-friendly and straightforward, it suits easy family dinners more than adventurous eaters.
At a Glance
- Exceptional value with large portions and true wok aroma
- Strong local following and repeat customers over decades
- Cash only and no delivery or dine-in
- Waits can be long at peak; some reports of brusque phone service
- Occasional oily or oversweet dishes; rare foreign object complaints
What Sets It Apart
- ultra_low_prices_in_central_London
- true_wok_fired_flavor
- longstanding_local_following
What People Love
- That smoky wok aroma at a bargain price
- Crispy sweet and sour that travels well
- Egg fried rice that tastes freshly tossed
- Friendly counter interactions on many visits
- Portions generous enough for leftovers
Points of Concern
- Cash only and no delivery; bring cash and call ahead to reduce waiting
- At peak times, call-in orders may be prioritized which can extend walk-in waits
- Quality variance: a minority report oily noodles or oversweet sauces
- A few complaints about curt phone service and isolated hygiene issues
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (some generic 5-star blurbs), but overall metadata supports authenticity
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter Only
Average Cost£9-14 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Build a budget set: Chicken Curry (£4.00) + Egg Fried Rice small (£2.10) + Prawn Crackers (£1.60) for a filling under-£8 meal
- Vegetarian-friendly: Fried Noodles with Beansprouts (£3.40) + Mixed Vegetable Curry (£3.40), ask for less oil if preferred
Perfect For
- A quick, affordable takeout dinner near London Bridge
- Feeding a group cheaply with familiar Chinese classics
- Late-evening comfort food runs when you want hot stir-fry
- Locals seeking consistent value without frills
Location Insights
Area: Urban, mixed-use Bermondsey near Tower Bridge with locals, office workers, and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, busy during day and early evening with good foot traffic.
Nearby: Close to parks and residential blocks; not a tourist strip but tourists spill over from Tower Bridge area.
BermondseyA trendy and rapidly gentrifying area with a vibrant food scene, featuring converted warehouses, artisan markets, and contemporary dining establishments that blend industrial heritage with modern urban lifestyle.
Bermondsey StreetA stylish micro-neighborhood known for its boutique restaurants, art galleries, and innovative food and design spaces that represent London's contemporary urban culture.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday13:00–00:00
Tuesday13:00–00:00
Wednesday13:00–00:00
Thursday13:00–00:00
Friday13:00–00:00
Saturday13:00–00:00
Sunday
Available: Takeout
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