Packed full of not only some of Manchester’s best Chinese businesses, but also Vietnamese, Korean, Thai and Japanese, too, Chinatown is an absolute mecca for pan-Asian food lovers – and certainly the best place to start if you’re looking for an authentic dish. Here’s our guide to some of the best places to visit next time you head to Chinatown in Manchester.
1. Just for fun: K2
If you’re looking for a fun night out in Chinatown, K2 is your go-to. A popular past-time in China due to its fun, family-friendly social element, K2 allows guests to sing karaoke to their heart’s content, with 30 karaoke booths across two floors for groups of up to 40 to enjoy. Boasting a futuristic design, the venue is a karaoke bar-come-nightclub and is perfect for bringing in the early hours with drinks and plenty of singing.
đź“ŤK2, 52-56 George St, M1 4HF.
2. For a sweet tooth fix: Wong Wong Bakery
Specialising in traditional Chinese buns, pastries and decorative cakes, Wong Wong Bakery is the perfect place to stop off for a treat, Lunar New Year or not. At this bakery you can expect both sweet and savoury buns, alongside matcha flavoured cakes, cream rolls, moon cakes and more, alongside freshly baked Chinese bread, chicken cookies and crispy pork buns – perfect for lunch.
đź“ŤWong Wong Bakery, 32 Princess St, M1 4LB.
3. For incredible Vietnamese food: Pho Cue
If anyone knows good Vietnamese grub, it’s Pho Cue. Bringing recipes and family culture passed down from the owner’s grandfather, Pho Cue serves up authentic, warming dishes representative of its home country – garnering rave reviews upon its opening back in 2020. We’re talking traditional dishes such as spring rolls, pho, banh mi and BBQ meats, alongside more creative and modern favourites such as Vietnamese tacos, a Viet-take on the Katsu curry and even salt and pepper street food boxes.
đź“ŤPho Cue, 52a Faulkner St, M1 4FH.
4. For a coffee alternative: TSUJIRI Matcha House
The perfect spot to swap your daily Starbucks (other coffee shops available, too) for, TSUJIRI specialises in all things matcha – from yummy desserts such as matcha ice cream and mochi parfait to matcha cappuccinos and bubble tea. It’s a healthy antioxidant-packed swap out for your usual coffee-laden poison, and one you might even kick the habit for.
đź“ŤTSUJIRI, Ground Floor, Upper, 50 Faulkner St, M1 4FH.
5. For classic Thai food: Phetpailin
One of the numerous fantastic Thai restaurants within the Manchester Chinatown boundaries, Phetpailin is a favourite not only for its absolutely massive traditional menu, but for its lengthy veggie options, too. Think classic dishes such as pad Thai, Thai green curry, Tamarind duck and more, all within a casual, Thailand-themed setting just a comfortable stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of Piccadilly.
đź“ŤPhetpailin, 46 George St, M1 4HF.
6. For tasty Chinese grub: Manchester Chinese Restaurant
A humble restaurant pairing Manchester’s bee emblem and industrial red brick walls with cosy booth-style seating, Manchester Chinese Restaurant is among one of the city’s favourites, thanks to its hefty portions and delicious menu of Anglo-Chinese classics. Whether it’s proper roasted meats you fancy or a classic Szechuan dish, there’s plenty to choose from – and trust us when we say, you’ll definitely be leaving full.
đź“ŤManchester Chinese Restaurant, 48A George St, M1 4HF.
7. For an Asian light bite: Yuzu
Specialising in Japanese tapas, Yuzu makes for the perfect lunch stop-off – thanks to its fresh menu of tasty small plates. Sticking to authentic Japanese flavours and dishes, guests can fill up on plate after plate ’til their heart’s content, from salmon-filled sushi rolls to perfectly battered tempura. For those who fancy something a little more, Yuzu also serves a carefully curated menu of large plates, including teriyaki salmon and plenty of delicious stir-fried meats.
đź“ŤYuzu Japanese Tapas, 39 Faulkner St, M1 4EE.
8. For traditional roasted meats: Happy Seasons
Known for the ‘best roast meat in Manchester’, Chinatown restaurant Happy Seasons attracts queues around the block this time of year – thanks to its succulent and highly popular roasted meats, which include duck, pork and char siu. In addition to their delicious roast meats, guests can also dine in on their authentic Cantonese menu, which boasts an endless array of dishes including dim sum, Szechuan duck, soya chicken and so much more.
đź“ŤHappy Seasons, 59 Faulkner St, M1 4FF.