Oxford Circus · London · Since 2012

Authentic Uyghur cuisine in the heart of London

Hand-pulled noodles, Uyghur pilaf and lamb kebabs, cooked fresh every day two minutes from Oxford Circus station. A taste of the Silk Road, made with love since 2012.

  • Tuesday – Sunday, 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm · Closed Mondays
  • 12 Great Castle Street, W1W 8LR
  • 1,150+ Google reviews
Freshly hand-pulled noodles being stretched in the Karamay kitchen
2012Founded

Welcome to Karamay

Embark on a culinary odyssey

Experience the true essence of Central Asian cuisine. Since 2012 we have been serving our speciality — hand-pulled pasta, a culinary masterpiece that blends traditional and modern flavours.

Our menu celebrates the rich Uyghur heritage, taking you on a flavourful journey that is beyond ordinary dining. Come and explore the unique taste of Karamay and indulge in an unforgettable meal in the heart of London.

Browse our menu

Explore our authentic Central Asian dishes

Find your next favourite — from samsa and skewers to hand-pulled noodles and slow-braised lamb.

Full menu

Signature dishes

The dishes our guests come back for

Big plate chicken on hand-pulled linguine, braised lamb shank pilaf, grilled lamb skewers — the heart of the Karamay menu.

See the full menu

Heritage

A legacy of authentic flavours

At Karamay we cherish authenticity, heritage and tradition. Each dish we serve is a story of love and passion, deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Central Asian culture.

Our hand-crafted recipes, passed down through generations, are a testament to the enduring legacy of Uyghur culinary art. We invite you to taste the genuine flavours of our heritage, lovingly prepared with the finest ingredients and a devotion to authenticity you can feel in every bite.

Big plate chicken with hand-pulled noodles at Karamay

Made by hand

Pulled by hand, every single day

Laghman — Uyghur hand-pulled noodles — is our speciality. Dough is rested, rolled, oiled and stretched by hand into long, springy strands, then cooked to order and finished in the wok with beef, lamb, chicken or seasonal vegetables.

Stretching hand-pulled noodle doughFlour dusting the noodle doughBeef and black fungus on hand-pulled noodles
A spread of Uyghur dishes laid out for a group celebration

Private dining & celebrations

Celebrate with us

Birthdays, family gatherings and special events in a setting of culinary splendour. Customised menus and personal service throughout your evening.

  • Customised menus for your table
  • Personal service throughout the event
  • Special greetings from our team on birthdays

What our guests say

Loved by Londoners and travellers alike

1,150+ Google reviews for our Oxford Circus restaurant. Here are a few, in their own words.

  • First time trying Uyghur food and it was amazing! Very hearty sharing platters with fresh herbs and vegetables with tender meats. All mixed into a delicious broth/sauce that gets soaked up by the freshly pulled noodles or handmade naan. Read full review

  • We had the big chicken plate and 2 lamb skewers-it was spicy, sweet, nutritious and belly warming! … The decor is stunning, it was a peaceful environment and the service was great. Read full review

  • Super lovely restaurant with amazing food! … Location is super convenient, 2 mins from Oxford circus but on a quiet road. … very authentic and tasty. Read full review

  • I’m a big fan of xinjiang cuisines and this is it! … The noodles are freshly pulled, so chewy and delicious … I have to come back when visiting London again. Read full review

  • The lamb skewers and the vermicelli salad with tones of garlic was our favourite pick of the menu. The others were also delicious. Want to try more other dishes next time. Read full review

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Hours, location, dietary needs and bookings. Anything else? Contact us.

What is Uyghur cuisine?

Uyghur food comes from the Silk Road region of Central Asia. It is built around hand-pulled wheat noodles (laghman), rice pilaf (polo) cooked with carrot and lamb, charcoal-grilled kebabs, baked samsa pastries and big plate chicken, with cumin, chilli and Szechuan pepper doing the seasoning. At Karamay we pull our noodles fresh every day.

Browse the menu
Where is Karamay Uyghur Cuisine?

We are at 12 Great Castle Street, London W1W 8LR, 2 minutes' walk from Oxford Circus station (Central, Victoria and Bakerloo lines). It is our only restaurant.

Directions and map
What are your opening hours?

Tuesday – Sunday, 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm · Closed Mondays. Public-holiday hours are posted on Google and our social channels.

Is Karamay halal?

Yes — our menu is halal-friendly. If you have any questions about a particular dish or ingredient, our team will be happy to help.

Do you have vegan and gluten-free dishes?

Yes. We have a dedicated vegan section — stir-fried veg spaghetti and penne, tofu and chives spaghetti, garlicky linguine, salt and pepper tofu, garlicky green beans and pak choy — and several gluten-free dishes including our Uyghur pilafs, volcano rice noodles and the wok-fried chicken and prawn dishes. Filter the menu by vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free.

See vegan dishes
Can I book a table?

Yes, you can book online in a few taps — we recommend booking for evenings and weekends. Walk-ins are welcome, subject to availability.

Book a table
Do you do delivery or takeaway?

Yes. Order directly from our website for collection or delivery, or find us on Uber Eats. Ordering direct helps us most, and our takeaway packaging is recyclable and biodegradable.

Order online
Can you host birthdays and group celebrations?

We love a celebration. Tell us the date, group size and any dietary needs and we will put together a menu for your table.

Enquire about private dining

Instagram

Follow @karamay_london

  • Volcano rice noodles
  • A table of Uyghur dishes
  • Hand-pulling noodles
  • Spicy prawn with chips
  • Crispy lamb chops
  • Tenderloin and fungus spaghetti

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