Looking to fill up in style during the Lunar New Year? Manchester is glittered with fantastic Chinese restaurants, from the high-end authentic kitchens, to those putting a modern twist on classic dishes. Whatever your flavour, we’ve rounded up the best Chinese restaurants in Manchester that you need to try.
1. Blue Eyed Panda, Ancoats
Blue Eyed Panda is an Ancoats fave thanks to their huge menu of authentic Chinese grub. Even after being subject to multiple break-ins over lockdown, the restaurant displays true Northern grit – and is well worthy of your custom as the storm rages on. Think Szechuan dishes, classic sweet and sour chicken, and even vegan steak. Blue Eyed Panda, 3 Jersey St, Ancoats, M4 6JA.
2. Tattu, City Centre
One of Manchester’s most divine restaurants, Tattu creates beautiful Chinese-inspired dishes, enjoyed in their ever-decadent Spinningfields venue underneath their indoor cherry blossom. Bringing an experience like no other to the city, the restaurant is one of few high-end (and seriously Instagrammable) that focuses on Chinese cuisine, making it very special indeed. Tattu, 3 Hardman Square, Gartside St, M3 3EB.
3. Sweet Mandarin, Northern Quarter
One of the city’s most loved Chinese restaurants, Sweet Mandarin is a bit of a family affair – run by three sisters who create traditional Chinese cuisine – you guessed it – family-style. The food is so delicious, even Gordon Ramsay is a fan, and the menu promises traditional favourites such as aromatic crispy duck, satay chicken and sichaun beef. Sweet Mandarin, 19 Copperas St, M4 1HS.
4. WowYauChow, Altrincham
Chinese grub with a twist – WowYauChow is a great spot in Altrincham, focusing on British-Chinese food with a modern street food spin. The tasty menu is accompanied by cocktails and craft beers, with loaded fries, bao buns, dumplings and beef brisket curry stealing the show. The restaurant has also launched a fantastic bottomless brunch offering, that’s sure to tickle the tastebuds of any Asian cuisine lover. WowYauChow, 59 Stamford New Rd, Altrincham, WA14 1DS.
5. Little Yang Sing, China Town
Yang Sing’s little sister, the restaurant is located in Manchester’s beloved China Town, with Yang Sing being known as one of the best Chinese restaurants in Manchester- opening up way back in the 80s. Specialising in traditional Cantonese cooking, Little Yang Sing serves up Dim Sum, soups, sharing platters and more, with dishes such as Peking style pork belly ribs and Cantonese chicken. Little Yang Sing, 17 George St, M1 4HE.
6. Jai Vegan, City Centre
Whether you’re trying something new or were already following a vegan diet, Jai Vegan is a great spot to enjoy Chinese food without the traditional pork, chicken, beef and duck options. Using vegetarian chicken as the base of many dishes, Jai recreates traditional favourites including salt and pepper, Sichuan, dumplings and lo mein – except each dish is specially created with vegans in mind. Jai Vegan, 70-72 Portland St, M1 4GU.
7. Happy Seasons, China Town
Another China Town fave, Happy Seasons is a great spot for an authentic Chinese takeaway. From seafood and classic dishes to soups and Dim Sum, the extensive menu has a little something for everyone (including those new to Chinese food). Not only that, but the restaurant has a specific vegetarian menu, too, and a number of set menus to enjoy with your friends. Happy Seasons, 59 Faulkner St, M1 4FF.
8. One Plus, Oxford Road
Offering a different dining experience to many Chinese restaurants in Manchester, One Plus boasts three floors of flavoursome food. In the basement you’ll find their rice and noodle bar serving noodles made on site on a daily basis and a rice menu split into four different menus which rotate on a weekly basis. On the ground floor, guests can get involved in the cooking with One Plus’ Chinese hotpot, featuring individual broths with food delivered from a ‘sushi style’ conveyor belt so whatever catches your eyes, pop this into your tasty broth and eat when ready. And lastly on the first floor is One Plus’ Chinese BBQ and seafood restaurant where diners can cook up a feast on their own personal coal pits on the table. One Plus, 42 Charles St, M1 7DB.
9. Salt & Pepper, Northern Quarter
After a fairly long stint in the Arndale Market and a summer pop-up at Black Dog Ballroom, Chinese street food spot Salt & Pepper now has a fully-fledged restaurant. Serving traditional Chinese takeaway dishes with a modern twist like sweet sticky soy drizzled on grilled steak and salt and pepper wings, it’s great for both sitting inside as well as grabbing a bite to go. The team has a family recipe hot curry sauce that’s been in the family since their grandad first opened a Chinese takeaway back in the 60s on top of their nine sauces. Salt & Pepper, 60-62 High St, M4 1EA.
10. Hello Oriental, Oxford Road
Providing an Asian-infused experience like no other in the North West, guests can indulge in some of the finest Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean dishes when visiting Hello Oriental, including roast meats, colourful bao buns, loaded fries and pho – alongside Instagrammable soft serve ice creams served in teddy bear-shaped cones. The food hall is also home to various bars, serving up delicious Asian-inspired cocktails, boozy bubble tea, and even jugs of Chinese beer. Hello Oriental, Unit 3B, South Pavilion, 2 Symphony Park, M1 7FS.
11. Yum Cha, Kampus
Following success in Liverpool, Yum Cha serves authentic Chinese small plates, roasted meats and tea, adding a new, Instagrammable experience to Manchester’s Asian food scene. Opening up at Kampus last year, guests can to tuck into steamed, pan-fried and deep-fried small plates served in bamboo steamers, alongside Chinese roasted meats and flavour-packed large plates from curries and noodles. The Yum Cha menu boasts dishes such as bao buns, noodle soup, crispy belly pork, roast duck and curries such as the classic sweet and sour and Katsu curry. Yum Cha, Kampus, 44 Aytoun St, M1 3GL.