Category:Le Budget (£) 
Even though I must have walked past Jen Cafe a million times and was always more than intrigued by the Chinese lady sitting in the window of this small Chinese eatery making dumplings,it needed the heartfelt recommendation of Eat Noodles Love Noodles (read his review of Jen Cafe here) to finally convince me to give it a try. Entering Jen Cafe on the corner of Chinatown,I felt like I had left London and ended up somewhere in China. Half of the waitresses don’t even speak English.
You wouldn’t exactly call Jen Cafe stylish with its metal floor and furniture that has seen its best times (which were not very good even then) probably 30 years ago. I had not even finished placing my order when the food was already in front of me. This was just as well as Jen Cafe doesn’t invite to linger. 
I just had to try the home-made Beijing Dumplings (5) and I did not regret this choice. The generous portion of steamed dumplings with meat-based filling was very tasty indeed. In fact they tasted far better than they looked…
Even though the dumplings would have been probably plenty for my lunch,my culinary curiosity made me order also the Pork and Pickled Cabbage with Noodles (5) from the board of specials. This soup was rather insipid and I got the confirmation that not even Chinese spices can turn cabbage into something interesting. 
Jen Cafe gets additional points for entertainment. Half way through my meal one of the waitresses wordlessly put loads of food I had not ordered on my table. Intrigued I watched as she brought shredded chicken,vegetables and burritos and finally takes the seat opposite me (I should mention that my table was small and the restaurant was not full). Still without a word she started rolling herself a burrito and heartily eating it completely ignoring my presence. I decided to quickly leave,somehow I didn’t feel very welcome…
Jen Cafe is not the best place I have ever eaten at but it’s fun,cheap and definitely worth a visit to enjoy home-made dumplings. I would recommend though not to choose the table the closest to the counter,she is not going to share her burritos with you!
- Food: 5/10
- Service: 5/10
- Ambiance: 3/10
- Value for money: 6/10
- Chances of returning:5%
- Verdict:Try it out for a quick lunch and a very Chinese experience.
It is a proper in-and-out dumpling and tea joint,no? Like you,I enjoy the experience there,even if the food does not always hit the spot. Sure beats the hell out of a McD for fast food though.
@ The Grubworm –I absolutely agree,it’s a fun place and the way to go fast food-wise! I have to try the tea there,didn’t have a chance last time and got into bubble tea now.
HAHA…Sorry,couldn’t help it. I can totally picture the staff eating right opposite you! That staff was real cheeky though.
Jen Cafe is one of my favorite pit-stop,literally for topping up the tank and no more than that. Where else can you pick up a hot meal for a fiver? Well,1997 perhaps…
@ London Chow:I felt like in a hidden camera TV show actually
. but you are right –it’s so cheap and worth what you pay for it!