Cantonese Roast Meat Specialists.
London’s celebrated Chinese Grab and Go eatery, Mama Li, has just opened its second branch. 49 London Wall, Moorgate, is the latest location, and the queues of expectant diners attest to its early popularity.
Mama Li is famed for its succulent Cantonese roast meat dishes. Its conveniently packaged signature rice and meat combos are perfect for the City office worker, as the dish can be enjoyed right from the box. Or take home and plate up for a delicious dinner.
The business was conceived by Catherine Hua, Mama Li’s daughter, during the worrying days of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Mama Li concept was born out of a desire to share her mother’s family recipes.
Mama Li started as a ‘dark kitchen’ in Shoreditch. The meals were a huge success with diners on online takeaway delivery platforms. This enabled Catherine to open the first branch of Mama Li at Tower Hill. There are plans for more branches.
The Moorgate branch offers a few seats but it’s predominantly a takeaway establishment. The menu is short and simple but it’s a package that works for the local community. Catherine explains, “Our recipes, especially our renowned roast meats, are authentic Mama Li creations, meticulously crafted with the finest ingredients and all prepared in-house using time-honoured roasting methods.”
We tried both the Soy Chicken and the Pork & Duck combos, along with vegetable bao buns and wonton in chilli oil. The meats were juicy and flavourful, and the buns were light and fluffy. The portions here are generous. The meals had that homemade quality which is appealing and rare! One has the choice of 4 different meats in various permutations. We had a one-meat and a two-meat combo but there were three-meat combos on offer too, along with extras such as additional vegetables, eggs, sauce and extra rice. It’s unlikely one would need extra rice, though.
Mama Li offers Cantonese comfort in a formula which evidently appeals to the locals …and me.