Chinatown

Chinatowns are present in cities throughout the world, including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angles, Sydney, Dubai to name a few.

The London’s original Chinatown was in the East End of the city and was home to the Chinese workforce of the East India Company in the early 18th century. East India Company had a massive fleet of cargo ships and thousands of Chinese sailors were employed for the continuation of the trade route. Some of the sailors left there sea job and settled in the docks at Limehouse. By the end of the 19th century there were a few hundred Chinese running some small businesses and restaurants in Limehouse.

Post World War II, the English soldiers returned home with a taste of Chinese food after serving for many years in Far East, and Gerrard Street’s Chinese restaurants flourished with this new business opportunity and the Chinatown of today was born. The current Chinatown is located at the Gerrard Street in the Soho area. Chinatown flourished as more Chinese workers arrived from the British territory of Hong Kong in the 50’s.