London - Diwali & Dim Sum

Our second day in London was a full one. Katy and I started the morning at Camden Lock Market before making our way along the canals, through Regent's Park, and down to the Marylebone neighborhood for a dim sum lunch. Post food we took the Baker Street Tube station down to Trafalgar Square for the city's annual Diwali celebration.

It was packed! We mostly wandered the edges, taking in the music and colors. Booths around the perimeter sold all sorts of appetizing Indian foods. Katy and I abstained, as we had eaten a late lunch. It started to rain a little near the end. But only a light drizzle, barely umbrella worthy.

Maybe the best part of Diwali was the kids. There were so many adorable children and they all loved the festive atmosphere (and probably the sugary treats.)

We actually arrived at Trafalgar Square in the late afternoon and spent an hour or so at the celebration before detour for a visit to Big Ben. I took some shots of the clock in the rain and then we took a break on the bank of the Thames and just sat for a bit. It had been a long, full day with plenty of walking. 

But flashing back to Dim Sum. We ate at Phoenix Palace, off a tip from London food blogger, Eat Noodles Love Noodles. It's a pretty large and buzzing spot a block or so from Baker Street. We ordered a table full of dumplings, noodles, and buns. 

First up, a trio of savory and ultra crisp pork and sweet potato croquettes. Next, three neon green wasabi prawn dumplings. I loved the shrimp, Katy preferred the pork. Of course we had to have an order of bbq pork buns. Fluffy outside, moist inside, exactly what you want out of cha siu bao.

Another favorite - the dish of slippery, saucy rice noodles pictured below. The gelatinous texture of the tofu wrapped noodles took a few bites to get used to, but before long we were hooked. The pool of peanut and soy sauce certainly helped.

And for a last something sweet, a few dense, squishy custard buns. Yum.