London Chinatown is always a bit of a tease - it promises so much yet delivers so little. See, before coming to London all those years ago, I paid my other city crush New York a visit, and the Chinatown there feels almost like a China-city. So when I came to London and was greeted by nothing more than a China-block, you can understand I was more than a little disappointed. But even when you're there, it's all a bit of a mirage. It certainly has the look and the feel of a Chinatown with all the hustle and bustle; hell it even smells like a Chinatown; but the taste is far from what a Chinatown should be at prices which are just poor for the quantity you get. However, in amongst all the pretenders, there are a few gems which redeem the area and today, I want to write about one of them; Daiwan Bee.

Located just off the main Gerrard Street strip on Rupert Street, Daiwan Bee is technically Taiwanese but in truth, serves the chinese classics that we've all come to expect and you certainly won't come disappointed.

On this visit, and dining in a table of three, we were able to try a few items on the menu settling on the salt and pepper squid and deep fried chicken to start followed by mains of pork dumplings, Taiwanese style pork mince dry noodles and the most affordable bowl of Dan Dan mein I've seen in the UK with an authentic taste.

Starters were incredible and actually made me wish I'd just ordered another portion for mains with both fried just right with a batter which was light and crunchy. The seasoning though was the real kicker as, in addition to salt and spice, there appeared to be a hint of sugar which might seem strangely but only strangely good! Really recommend these.

But the highlight of the night though came in a bowl of Dan Dan mein. Turning to Wikipedia, Dan Dan mein is a noodle dish originating from Chinese Sichuan cuisine consisting of a spicy sauce containing preserved vegetables, mustard stems, chilli oil, Sichuan pepper, minced pork, and scallions served over noodles. Sounds straightforward enough but believe me when I say it's not that easy to find a good one and when you do, it's not cheap. Here at Daiwan Bee, that all changes because for £5, you'll leave a satisfied diner. It was a beautiful bowl of comfort which I'm now hooked on.

If you're in Chinatown and in need of a casual and quick cheap eat, look no further than Daiwan Bee. You're welcome.

Also follow me on Twitter @annixontong and @wetrykai and on Instagram @annixontong.

My Taiwanese friend and I randomly passed here while we waited for a seat next door at The Palomar: the spicy beef noodle soup and homemade sausage (made in house) both very authentic. We enjoyed it so much we ditched our plans to eat next door and kept ordering. Seats are not so comfortable but it's quick and easy and the food is worth it. A nice hidden spot. Recommend it.