Manchester boasts one of the most vibrant Chinese culinary scenes in the United Kingdom, with a heritage stretching back over 170 years. The city’s first Chinese restaurant opened on Moseley Street in 1948, and since then, the dining landscape has flourished into a tapestry of regional cuisines and contemporary interpretations.
Whether you’re craving delicate dim sum, fiery Sichuan specialities, or perfectly glazed roast meats, Manchester delivers exceptional options.
From the bustling streets of Chinatown to hidden gems across Greater Manchester, this guide explores where to find the best Chinese food Manchester has to offer.
Table of Contents
Exploring Manchester Chinatown, the heart of Chinese dining
Manchester is home to the United Kingdom’s second-largest Chinatown, centred around Faulkner Street and marked by the Imperial Chinese Archway. This vibrant quarter pulses with energy, particularly during Lunar New Year celebrations when thousands gather beneath red lanterns.
The concentration of authentic restaurants makes it the perfect starting point for any Chinese food adventure. You’ll discover family run establishments serving the community for decades, alongside ventures pushing culinary boundaries.
Happy Seasons, legendary roast meats
This bustling Faulkner Street institution has been serving Manchester since 1982. The family run business earned legendary status through masterfully prepared roast meats displayed gleaming in the window. Perfectly glazed duck, char siu pork, and succulent roast belly arrive on ornate plates alongside steaming rice.
The restaurant’s longevity speaks volumes about consistency and quality. Regular diners appreciate the speedy service during busy lunch periods, whilst newcomers marvel at flavours that transport you straight to Hong Kong.
Little Yang Sing, dim sum excellence
Nestled on George Street, Little Yang Sing represents the sole survivor of the famous Yang Sing dynasty in Chinatown. Following a recent refurbishment, this elegant restaurant continues to serve what many consider Manchester’s finest dim sum. The handcrafted har gau arrive translucent and plump, whilst char siu bao deliver cloud like softness with intensely flavoured fillings.
Beyond dim sum, the Cantonese menu offers sophisticated dishes, rewarding adventurous diners. The restaurant maintains strong connections to traditional techniques whilst presenting dishes with contemporary flair.
Bring local flavors to your kitchen
From market-fresh ingredients to traditional recipes, a private chef turns your home into a true local experience.
Hunan Restaurant, authentic regional flavours
Hidden above Woo Sang Supermarket, Hunan Restaurant claims distinction as the only establishment serving authentic Hunan cuisine in the entire northwest. This first floor gem offers dishes from China’s Xiang River province, where bold spices and intense flavours define the cooking style.
The spicy crayfish has become a signature dish, alongside sizzling platters arriving at your table still crackling with heat. For those seeking genuine regional Chinese cooking beyond Cantonese standards, Hunan delivers an eye-opening experience.
Beyond Chinatown, Manchester’s finest Chinese restaurants
Whilst Chinatown remains the spiritual home of Chinese dining in Manchester, exceptional restaurants have emerged across the city. These establishments blend tradition with innovation, creating experiences that complement Chinatown’s offerings.
Tattu, contemporary Chinese cuisine in Spinningfields
The spectacular Tattu restaurant transforms Chinese dining into a theatrical experience.
Located in Manchester’s prestigious Spinningfields district, the interior stuns with its centrepiece cherry blossom tree and sophisticated decor. The menu embraces traditional Asian flavours whilst delivering contemporary interpretations.
Dim sum here receives reinvention: wagyu dumplings with kimchi, black cod parcels with squid ink, and chicken truffle shumai demonstrate the kitchen’s creative approach. The signature Cherry Blossom desert has become Instagram famous for good reason.
Blue Eyed Panda, Ancoats favourite
This Ancoats establishment has earned excellent Cantonese and Sichuan cooking. Starting as a takeaway, Blue Eyed Panda expanded to include dine in service, reflecting overwhelming demand.
The menu spans from crispy chilli beef and salt and pepper chicken to adventurous regional specialities. Daily changing specials reward regular visitors, whilst the comprehensive dim sum selection satisfies those craving lighter bites.
Sweet Mandarin, three generations of flavour
Sweet Mandarin represents a century long culinary legacy, passed through three generations, from grandmother to mother to three sisters. Located in the Northern Quarter, this acclaimed restaurant has earned recognition for accommodating dietary requirements with strict separation protocols.
Bringing authentic Chinese cuisine to your home
Manchester’s restaurants offer wonderful experiences, yet special occasions sometimes call for something more intimate. Imagine enjoying restaurant quality Chinese cuisine in your very own dining room, with a private chef preparing dishes tailored to your preferences. No queuing, no crowded tables.
This is precisely what Take a Chef delivers. We connect you with private chefs who create bespoke menus, source premium ingredients, and transform your kitchen into a fine dining destination. Whether celebrating a milestone birthday, hosting an anniversary dinner, or treating yourself to something extraordinary, a private chef experience elevates any occasion.
With prices starting from £55 per person for groups of 13+ people, the experience proves remarkably accessible. You specify dietary requirements, favourite dishes, and desired atmosphere, then relax whilst your chef handles everything.
Choosing the right experience for your occasion
Selecting where to enjoy Chinese food depends largely on the occasion. Chinatown restaurants excel for casual meals, quick lunches, and authentic every day dining. The atmosphere buzzes with energy, service tends towards efficient rather than elaborate, and value for money remains exceptional.
For celebrations requiring polished surroundings, venues like Tattu deliver sophisticated ambiance alongside creative cuisine. The beautiful interiors, attentive service, and cocktail menu create memorable evenings.
Yet when the occasion truly matters, when you want complete control over menu, timing, and atmosphere, nothing compares to private chef dining. Your home becomes the venue, your preferences shape every course, and the experience belongs entirely to you and your guests.
For those seeking the ultimate personalised experience, consider booking a private chef through Take a Chef.
Whatever path you choose, Manchester guarantees exceptional Chinese dining. The only question remaining is where your culinary journey begins.
