There’s plenty of choice with Chinese restaurants in Manchester, from belly-filling favourites to street food stars.
Manchester’s Chinese food scene is one of the best in the UK. From Chinatown heroes to super-sleek dining rooms, there’s something for everyone. Roast meats hanging from the window, steaming baskets of dim sum and bold Sichuan dishes that pack a punch, it’s all here, and then some. Here’s our pick of the city’s best – and what to order when you get there.
Happy Seasons
Credit: Happy Seasons
With a no-frills decor and queues out the door, Happy Seasons is Manchester’s roast meat institution. The duck and pork hanging in the window sets the tone – big flavours, speedy service and authenticity by the bucketload. Locals flock to it for char siu, duck on rice and crunchy greens. It’s China Town comfort food at its very finest.
Where: 59 Faulkner Street, Manchester, M1 4FF.
What to order: Three roast meats, egg fried rice and a side of morning glory.
Find out more: instagram.com/happyseasons_mcr
Home
You’ll find Home perched on the edge of Manchester’s Gay Village, and like its neighbours, it’s buzzing and neon-lit.The menu leans towards the contemporary, with standout veggie options lining up alongside classic dishes. We love it for a late-night bite – order a plate of dim sum and something from the creative cocktail menu and settle in for the night.
Where: 16 Chorlton Street, Manchester, M1 3HW
What to order: Pork and prawn siu mai and mapo tofu.
Find out more: instagram.com/homechinesemanchester
Hunan
Tucked upstairs in Chinatown, Hunan feels like a well-kept secret. It’s one of the few places that serve authentic Hunan dishes – think bold, spicy flavours and plenty of pickled veg. With a cosy and unpretentious vibe, it’s one for the foodies. Stray outside of your comfort zone and you’ll soon see why the locals rave about it. But be careful, things might get hot.
Where: 1st Floor, 19-21 George Street, Manchester, M1 4HE.
What to order: Chairman Mao’s red-braised pork and sliced potatoes with Hunan bacon.
Find out more: instagram.com/hunanrestaurantmanchester
Chef Diao
Credit: Chef Diao
With a simple, unassuming exterior, Chef Diao punches way above its looks. Headed up by a chef whose 30-year career has taken him all around the world, it’s a place where it pays to experiment. Expect fresher-than-fresh dumplings, hand-pulled noodles and ultra-friendly service. You’ll be planning your next trip before you’ve finished your mains.
Where: 92-94 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LJ.
What to order: Har kao followed by spicy hot poached beef.
Find out more: instagram.com/chefdiao
Wing’s
A firm favourite with footballers, Wing’s is the place to go for luxury Chinese dining in Manchester. Step inside and you’ll find white tablecloths, attentive service and a serious wine list. But we’re here for the food, which is Cantonese classics elevated to the highest degree. For us, it’s all about the steak – the sizzling Cantonese fillet will be your new favourite dish.
Where: Wing’s, 1 Lincoln Square, Manchester, M2 5LN.
What to order: Fillet steak rolls in black pepper sauce, sizzling fillet steak Cantonese style, soft noodles with beansprouts, seaweed.
Find out more: instagram.com/wingslincolnsquare
Peace Garden
Nestled between the Manchester universities, Peace Garden is a relatively new addition to the city’s Chinese food scene, but it’s quickly made a name for itself. A huge menu takes you from nourishing soups to home-style classics, with a real focus on authenticity. The Peking duck is a must – order it whole for the ultimate build-your-own pancake feast.
Where: 57 Booth Street West, Manchester, M15 6PQ.
What to order: Whole Peking duck, char siu bao, Sichuan spicy chicken.
Find out more: instagram.com/peacegardenmcr
Red Chilli
Credit: Aimee Stevens
With a focus on fiery Northern Chinese cooking, Red Chilli stays true to its name. You’ll find bold Sichuan and Beijing flavours across its expansive menu, which takes on a sweltering journey from steaming hot pots to mouth-numbing dishes packed with chilli oil. It’s vibrant, popular and adored by spice-lovers across Manchester – ourselves included.
Where: 70-72 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 4GU and 403 Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WG.
What to order: Lettuce wraps, gong bao chicken, braised pork belly in brown sauce and fried sweetcorn with salty duck egg yolk.
Find out more: redchillirestaurant.co.uk
Ocean Treasure
Credit: Ocean Treasure
Middleton might not be the first place you’d expect a seafood-focused Chinese restaurant, but Ocean Treasure is here to defy expectations. It’s perfect for big occasions, with banqueting menus and dishes designed to impress. Feeling adventurous? Order from the Beijing Sichuan Guangdong menu, packed with authentic dishes like deep-fried oysters and monkfish with belly pork.
Where: Greengate Industrial Estate, Greenside Way, Middleton, Manchester, M24 1SW.
What to order: Deep-fried spicy soft shell crab, Ocean Treasure seafood special clay pot, Singapore fried rice.
Find out more: oceantreasure.co.uk
