London’s Covent Garden is set to welcome a new culinary addition this spring with the arrival of Kung Fu Mama, a vibrant Taiwanese noodle bar bringing a modern twist to classic street food flavors. The brainchild of Ottolenghi co-founder Noam Bar-Chang and Kung Fu Mama Retail founder Chris Hsu, the eatery will officially open its doors on April 8 on Long Acre.
Dedicated to celebrating Taiwan’s rich culinary heritage, Kung Fu Mama will serve up dishes crafted using the brand’s signature sun-dried noodles — a product already popular in UK retailers like Selfridges, Whole Foods, and Sainsbury’s.
Designed as a fast-paced spot with nine indoor and four outdoor seats, Kung Fu Mama will also cater to takeaway and local delivery orders. The entire menu prioritises health-conscious eating without compromising on flavour, using oven-baked ingredients, extra-virgin olive oil instead of seed oils, and keeping salt, sugar, and fat levels in check.
Signature noodle dishes will include:
- Chicken thighs with ginger and sesame
- Beef in spiced Sichuan pepper sauce
- Mapo tofu with spicy minced pork
- Portobello mushrooms in three-cup sauce
The menu will also feature bao sandwiches presented burger-style, including soft shell crab and a vegan patty with sauerkraut and basil sauce.
Visually, the space is designed to stand out, with a “humorous font” by Scott Wittman, a mural telling the story of co-founder Chris Hsu and his Taiwanese roots, and graphic food depictions replacing traditional TV menus.
Speaking on the launch, Hsu said:
“Kung Fu Mama Retail is the first and only brand to bring sun-dried noodles to the UK. Now feels like the perfect time to show London’s adventurous foodies just how versatile they can be, inspired by the bold flavors of Taiwanese street food.”
Kung Fu Mama promises to be a bold, health-focused, and flavour-packed addition to London’s dining scene, offering an approachable gateway to one of Asia’s most dynamic food cultures.
