Best Chinatown Manchester Restaurants to Try in 2025

Emerged in the 1970s and developed very fast to become the second-largest Chinatown in the UK and the third-largest in the whole of Europe. Over the years, it has become a cultural hub for Asian cuisines and Chinese style living in northern England. The town was once recognized as ‘ground zero’ due to some intelligence operations.

Visit Chinatown, and you will be unable to make a choice due to the number of restaurants in the area. From traditional Cantonese dishes to modern Japanese desserts, the area is home to a wide variety of restaurants that cater to all tastes.

Chinatown is a neglected town in the heart of Manchester. It is a hidden gem packed with some irresistible flavors, and we have embarked on a flavorful journey to uncover the must visit spots. Get ready as we dive into the best Chinatown Manchester restaurants.

1. Phetpailin

Phetpailin has been in Chinatown on George Street since 2006. It is a cozy and intimate restaurant that offers a blend of Thai and Chinese cuisines right in the heart of Chinatown. Their menu is quite vast and boasts a variety of Thai classics such as Pad Thai and Tom Yum soup.

Each dish is packed with fresh herbs and spices that make the flavor pop with vibrant aroma. The tasty curries like green curry with bamboo shoots and aubergine to king prawn kung pao are among the highlights.

Phetpailin is quite an affordable option with most of the menu items being under £15. You can also customize a two course set menu for £21.

Location: 46 George St, Manchester M1 4HF, UK.

2. Red Chilli

Located on the outskirts of Chinatown, it’s a short walk from the main strip on Portland Street but well worth the detour for anyone looking for the best Chinese restaurant in Manchester Chinatown. It was originally a Sichuan restaurant, famous for its Sichuan dishes. The menu expanded over time and included Canronese and Beijing style dishes like Ma Po Tofu, Spicy Fish Stew, and Dry-Fried Green Beans.

The bold use of chilli and Sichuan peppercorns ensures a mouth-numbing experience. Gong Bao Chicken with peanuts and chilli seasoned with Sichuan peppercorns are one of their best sellers.

There is a range of soups in the home-style section of the menu. Mushrooms and fungus with vegetables in hot clay, frog’s legs with goodmother chili bean sauce, and braised aubergine with minced pork are some of the best soup offerings there.

Location: 70-72 Portland St, Manchester, M1 4GU.

3. Pho Cue

Bringing a taste of Vietnam to Chinatown, a family-run restaurant that offers the same old taste that shows recipes passed down generation after generation. Their broth, which is slow cooked for hours, serves as the foundation for their rich, aromatic soups.

Pho Cue offers authentic Vietnamese dishes and they particularly specialize in pho. With pho being the true representative of the Vietnam cuisine, their extensive menu also features many flavor dishes like crispy spring rolls, sweet and spicy chicken wings, vegetable summer rolls, mixed prawn noodles, and banh mi sandwiches.

They bring a sense of freshness to their dishes by using only fresh ingredients and maintaining a focus on traditional recipes, many of which originate from Chef Cue’s grandfather.

Location: 52a Faulkner St, M1 4FH.

4. TSUJIRI Matcha House

Chinatown has recently been thrown with many new Japanese restaurants and TSUJIRI Matcha House among the best of them. Specializing in matcha-based desserts, the café brings a slice of Japan to Chinatown.

Their matcha soft-serve ice cream and matcha lattes are becoming extremely popular as they offer a blend of bitterness and sweetness. The minimalist design of the café reflects the refined nature of Japanese aesthetics, making it a calm oasis amidst the bustling streets.

It is one of the more unique offerings among the best restaurant Chinatown Manchester options, especially for dessert lovers looking to try something different.

Location: TSUJIRI, Ground floor, upper, 50 Faulkner St, M1 4FH.

5. Teppanyaki

Chinatown is not all about Chinese cuisine. Restaurants like Teppanyaki offer a theatrical dining experience with a vast Japanese menu. Star of the show here is Teppanyaki-style cooking on a Hibachi grill, where chefs prepare your food right in front of you.

Chefs here use an iron griddle to cook the food, with flames going high into the air as meat, fish, eggs, and rice are expertly steered in front of your eyes.

The restaurant serves up fresh seafood, tender meats, and a range of vegetables, all grilled to perfection. The chefs’ skills add an entertaining element to the meal, making it as much about the experience as the food. Their lively atmosphere and interactive dining makes it stand out among the best Chinatown Manchester restaurants.

Another specialty of the restaurant is that you can customize specific meals if you are allergic to some of their food ingredients. So if you have specific dietary needs let them know in advance. 

Location: 58, 60 George St, Manchester M1 4HF, UK.

6. Hunan Restaurant

Another addition to the list of the best Chinese restaurants in Manchester Chinatown. Hunan restaurant brings the flavors of the Hunan province to Manchester. They are serving there since 2010 on George Street and known for fiery and pungent dishes.

The restaurant offers a menu filled with dishes like Spicy Hunan Fish, King prawn fried rice, Chinese leaf dumplings, and mixed vegetable fried chow mein. They are quite affordable as well, you can have a two course lunch for just £15 per person.

It is an excellent choice for diners looking for a break from the Cantonese fare typically associated with Chinatown Manchester restaurants. The heavy use of fresh chilies and fermented ingredients adds a rich and bold flavor that you may not find in many other restaurants in Chinatown.

Location: 19-21 George St., 1st floor, Manchester M1 4HE UK.   

7. Yuzu

Yuzu is a refined gem among Chinatown Manchester restaurants, offering an authentic taste of Japanese cuisine in a serene setting. They specialize in Japanese tapas. The menu features traditional Japanese favorites such as sashimi, tempura, and udon, all made using the freshest ingredients.

While most of the restaurants in the area focus on Cantonese or Sichuan flavors, Yuzu brings something different to the table, making it one of the best restaurants in Chinatown Manchester. The quiet and intimate atmosphere makes it an ideal spot in the bustle of Chinatown.

Sourcing high-quality fish for their sashimi and salmon-filled sushi, Yuzu is a top pick for those seeking authentic Japanese cuisine in Chinatown.

Location: Yuzu Japanese Tapas, 39 Faulkner St, M1 4EE.

8. Happy Lemon

After trying authentic cuisine, it’s time to indulge into a refreshing drink. Happy Lemon specializes in bubble tea and offers a range of flavors from classic mil teak to more adventurous options like salted cheese tea.

They also do desserts, including bubble waffles, but the Taiwanese bubble tea chain has brought its unique offerings to Chinatown. Soon after its debut, it became a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Location: Happy Lemon, 84 Portland St, Manchester M1 4GX.

9. Mei Dim

A classic dim sum spot, Mei Dim is a nondescript basement venue offering a wide selection of small plates, from steamed dumplings to crispy spring rolls. The restaurant’s extensive dim sum menu makes it one of the best places for a leisurely meal with friends and family.

Their shrimp dumplings and pork buns are particularly famous that draw diners from across the city. Mei Dim, with its causal atmosphere and high-quality food, makes it one of the best Chinese in Manchester Chinatown for traditional dim sum experience.

Location: 45-47 Faulkner Street, Manchester M1 4EE.

10. Manchester Chinese Restaurant

One of the oldest establishments in Chinatown and they offer exactly what they claim, which makes them the best Chinese restaurant in Manchester Chinatown. The restaurant has built a reputation for its Cantonese dishes.

They are famous for roasted meats, especially the roast duck, Szechuan spices, and Beijing dumplings. The restaurant is a staple for those looking for traditional flavors. The consistency and authenticity of the food have built a loyal fan base for the restaurant and kept customers coming back for years.

Location: Manchester Chinese Restaurant, 48A George St, M1 4HF.

Conclusion

Chinatown Manchester is a hub of culinary diversity. It offers a range of flavors from across Asia, especially from China, Japan, and Vietnam. Visit this underrated space and explore the diverse Asia food cuisine. Whether you are in the mood for spicy Sichuan dishes from authentic Chinese cuisine or craving for sweet bubble tea, there are many best Chinese restaurants in Chinatown.

Plan your next visit to experience Chinatown Manchester restaurants and their unique ambiance. From the intimate atmosphere at Yuzu to the fiery menu at Red Chilli, the area caters to every palate.

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