Food Experiences

The best Chinese food you should try in the UK

Take a Chef Updated: September 24, 2026
best chinese food

Key Takeaways

TL;DR: Ten Chinese dishes to try in the UK are Peking duck, dim sum, sweet and sour pork, kung pao chicken, hot pot, Szechuan beef, wonton soup, char siu, mapo tofu and egg fried rice, from London’s Chinatown to restaurants and takeaways across the country.

  • Peking duck and dim sum: Peking duck, with crispy skin and tender meat, comes with pancakes, hoisin sauce and sliced vegetables, and dim sum, bite-sized dumplings, buns and spring rolls, is especially popular in London and Birmingham.
  • Sweet, sour and spicy: Sweet and sour pork balances tangy sweetness with savoury flavour, kung pao chicken brings a bold, spicy sauce with crunchy peanuts, and Szechuan beef gets its heat from chillies and aromatic peppercorns.
  • Hot pot and soup: Hot pot, where guests cook meat, seafood and vegetables in simmering broth, suits gatherings and is spreading across the UK, while wonton soup, delicate dumplings filled with meat or shrimp in broth, is ideal on a cold day.
  • Char siu, mapo tofu and rice: Char siu is barbecue pork marinated in a sweet and savoury sauce and served with rice or in bao buns, mapo tofu from Sichuan combines tofu and minced meat in a rich, spicy sauce, and egg fried rice goes with almost any main.
  • Why it’s so popular: Fresh ingredients, diverse flavours and a communal dining style make Chinese food a favourite, and the UK’s large Chinese community makes authentic dishes easy to find. A private chef can also cook a Chinese menu at home.

Chinese food has become a beloved part of the UK’s culinary landscape, offering a range of bold flavours, comforting dishes, and unique dining experiences. From London’s Chinatown to the smaller gems scattered across the country, Chinese food has made its mark.

Whether you’re craving crispy Peking duck, sizzling Kung Pao chicken, or warm, comforting dim sum, the UK has a wide variety of Chinese dishes to offer.

But what if you could enjoy this delicious food without leaving your home?

Imagine having a private chef from Take a Chef come to your house and cook a customized Chinese meal just for you. With the freshest ingredients and traditional recipes, you can elevate your dining experience. Let’s explore the best Chinese dishes in the UK and how Take a Chef can bring them to your doorstep.

10 signature Chinese dishes you must try in the UK

Chinese cuisine is incredibly diverse, with each region offering distinct flavours and cooking methods. Here are 10 must-try Chinese dishes in the UK and the best part is, you can have a private chef from Take a Chef prepare them for you in the comfort of your own home.

Peking duck

Peking duck is an iconic Chinese dish known for its crispy skin and tender meat, often served with pancakes, hoisin sauce, and sliced vegetables. It’s a favourite among food lovers in the UK, especially in Chinese restaurants across London.

Want to enjoy it at home? A private chef can prepare this dish using fresh, authentic ingredients, bringing the full flavour of Beijing to your kitchen.

Dim sum

Dim sum, with its bite-sized dumplings, buns, and spring rolls, is a perfect way to sample a variety of delicious Chinese flavours. In the UK, dim sum is hugely popular, especially in cities like London and Birmingham.

Sweet and sour pork

Sweet and sour pork is a dish loved for its balance of tangy sweetness and savoury flavours. Served crispy and coated in a tangy sauce, it’s a staple in many Chinese restaurants across the UK.

Kung pao chicken

For spice lovers, Kung pao chicken is a must-try. With its bold, spicy sauce and crunchy peanuts, it’s an unforgettable dish. While many Chinese restaurants in the UK offer their own twist on this classic, you can enjoy it exactly how you like by hiring a private chef to cook it for you at home, ensuring the perfect level of spice and flavour.

Hot pot

Hot Pot is a fun and interactive dining experience where you cook your choice of meat, seafood, and vegetables in a simmering pot of broth. It’s a great choice for gatherings with family or friends. In the UK, hot pot restaurants are popping up everywhere!

Szechuan beef

Szechuan Beef is known for its heat, with spicy chillies and aromatic peppercorns giving it a distinct flavour. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a bit of spice in their meals.

Wonton soup

Wonton Soup is a light and comforting dish, perfect for warming up on a cold day. It’s made with delicate dumplings filled with meat or shrimp, served in a flavourful broth. Whether you’re craving it for a light meal or as an appetizer, hiring a private chef allows you to enjoy the most authentic Wonton Soup, prepared fresh and just the way you like it.

Char siu

Char Siu, or Chinese barbecue pork, is marinated in a sweet and savoury sauce, then roasted to perfection. It’s often served with rice or in bao buns. Enjoy this delicious dish at home, prepared by a private chef who will ensure it’s cooked to perfection, just like the best Chinese restaurants.

Ma po tofu

Ma po tofu, a popular dish from the Sichuan province, is a spicy, savoury dish made with tofu, ground meat, and a rich, flavourful sauce. It’s perfect for anyone looking to explore the bold flavours of Sichuan cuisine, and a vegetarian version, with mushrooms in place of the meat, is easy to make.

Egg fried rice

Egg fried rice is a classic side dish in Chinese cuisine, and it’s one that pairs perfectly with almost any main course. In the UK, it’s commonly found in Chinese takeaways and restaurants.

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Why is Chinese food so popular in the UK?

Chinese cuisine has made its mark on the British food scene for several reasons.

Firstly, the combination of fresh ingredients, diverse flavours, and communal dining style make it the perfect choice for anyone who loves bold, hearty meals.

Additionally, with the UK’s large Chinese community, authentic Chinese food is easy to find in restaurants.

private chef cooking chinese food

Would you rather stay in? Hire a private chef for a perfect Chinese meal at home

Why settle for a takeaway when you can have an unforgettable Chinese meal prepared by a private chef in the comfort of your own home?

With Take a Chef, you can enjoy authentic Chinese dishes like Peking Duck, Szechuan Beef, and Dim Sum, all cooked fresh just for you. Perfect for Chinese dinner parties, special occasions, or just a cosy night in!

Take a Chef connects you with the best private chefs in the UK who specialize in Chinese cuisine.

Ready to take your dining experience to the next level? Let Take a Chef bring the best of China to your home, creating a personalized meal that you and your guests will never forget!