Rising from the footprint of the beloved Oriental City complex, this massive food hall brings the density and noise of a hawker market to a stretch of Edgware Road in Colindale. It is a loud, cavernous space operated by the Royal China Group, designed to hold around 450 diners at communal tables that fill up fast. The energy here is driven by the buzzer system: you stake out a spot in the central seating area, wander the perimeter to order from nearly 30 independent kiosks, and then wait for the vibration that signals your tray is ready.
The options lean heavily on regional Chinese specialties, though the roster spans the continent. You will see queues forming for Cantonese roast duck at Four Seasons – a reliable indicator of quality – alongside orders for Taiwanese bubble tea at Chatime, Korean bibimbap, and yakitori. While the Golden Dragon restaurant downstairs offers a traditional sit-down experience with linen tablecloths and dim sum service, the main draw remains the upstairs hall.
Weekend afternoons are particularly chaotic, with families crowding the aisles and tables becoming scarce property. The portions are notoriously large, often requiring takeaway containers for what you can’t finish. While the hall feels distinct from the surrounding residential blocks, it serves as a genuine community hub, complete with free parking for three hours in the adjacent supermarket lot to accommodate the crowds.