Our story

A journey of taste and heritage

Our journey, beginning in 2012, is a testament to the enduring legacy of Uyghur cuisine and the passion that drives us to share these authentic flavours with London.

Read our story
  • 2012Founded
  • Oxford CircusOur home in London
  • Hand-pulledNoodles made fresh daily
  • HalalHalal-friendly menu
The Karamay Uyghur Cuisine storefront on Great Castle Street, Oxford Circus

The heart of Karamay

Named after the 'black gold'

Karamay takes its name from the 'black gold' — petroleum — a symbol of wealth in a region with deep culinary traditions. Karamay Uyghur Cuisine embodies a rich tapestry of authenticity, heritage and a unique cultural experience.

Since its inception in October 2012, Karamay has been both a restaurant and a culinary gateway, bringing the authentic flavours of the Silk Road to the UK — and today to the heart of London, at Oxford Circus. Ours is a story of passion, dedication and the relentless pursuit of culinary excellence.

Karamay stands as a testament to the Uyghur people's enduring legacy, rich history and vibrant culture, seamlessly woven into every dish we serve.

The soul of London

Where Central Asia meets the West End

Karamay Uyghur Cuisine is where the traditional flavours of Central Asia meet the dynamic culinary scene of the UK. Our menu, a celebration of Uyghur culture, is the result of the collective passion of our dedicated team. Each dish is a bridge connecting the rich history of our past to the vibrant present of London.

In our restaurant, guests are invited on a journey that goes beyond dining — an experience of cultural discovery. As Karamay continues to evolve, our commitment to authenticity and excellence remains steadfast. We invite you to join us and experience the unique confluence of flavours that Karamay brings to London.

Explore the menuRead the full story
Inside Karamay Uyghur Cuisine at Oxford Circus — the framed Uyghur portrait beside the slatted wall

What we stand for

Authenticity, heritage, tradition

Authenticity

Recipes as they are cooked along the Silk Road — hand-pulled noodles, slow-cooked pilaf and grilled kebabs, made from scratch in our kitchen.

Heritage

Each dish is a story of love and passion, deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Central Asian culture and the Uyghur people's enduring legacy.

Tradition

Hand-crafted recipes passed down through generations, prepared with the finest ingredients and a devotion to authenticity you can taste in every bite.

Come and visit

Our restaurant at Oxford Circus

Experience authentic Central Asian flavours at Karamay Uyghur Cuisine, where a warm welcome and a rich culinary heritage await you — two minutes from Oxford Circus station.

The Karamay sign at the Oxford Circus restaurant

Karamay Uyghur Cuisine

  • 12 Great Castle Street, London W1W 8LR
    Get directions
  • 2 minutes' walk from Oxford Circus station (Central, Victoria and Bakerloo lines)
  • 020 4538 9800
  • Monday: ClosedTuesday – Sunday: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
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Feast your eyes

The story of heritage, one dish at a time

Experience our culture's richness in every captivating image, where each dish tells its own delicious story.

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  • Dishes on the table at Karamay Uyghur Cuisine
  • Volcano rice noodles
  • Spicy prawn with chips
  • Tenderloin and fungus spaghetti
  • Kebab and pastry