Chinese food started to become popular here in the UK back in the 1960s when Chinese restaurants began to open in big cities like London and Manchester and according to Statista, Chinese is now the most popular type of takeaway in the UK.
If Chinese is your favourite food it’s only natural you’d want to taste the very best on offer so here are some of the UK cities with the best Chinese restaurants that are well worth a visit. And who knows, you might even find some inspiration and decide to try to cook the same dishes in your wok when you come back from your trip.
London
It will probably come as no surprise that London is one of the cities where if you have a craving for Chinese food, you’ll be well and truly spoiled for choice. The English capital offers a wide selection of top-tier Chinese restaurants such as Dim Sum & Duck in King’s Cross, which specialises in Cantonese food and is famous for its fresh dumplings. There’s also Imperial Treasure in Trafalgar Square, where you can watch the chef prepare the signature dish of Peking duck and C&R Cafe in London’s Chinatown, which specialises in Malaysian cuisine.
Manchester
Cosmopolitan Manchester with the second biggest Chinatown in the UK is another city that’s able to offer an authentic Chinese experience with fantastic street food options mixed with some of the most refined restaurants. You’ll find many delicious options in and around Chinatown, as well as further afield and you’ll have a choice of fine dining, street food or takeout. For example, Tattu offers a contemporary experience, with traditional flavours brought to you with modern methods all in a truly elegant dining space. Meanwhile, Salt & Pepper and Happy Season are famous street food restaurants that are extremely popular with locals. Be sure to get there before they sell out if you’re visiting the city.
Liverpool
Great for culture, music and shopping, Liverpool is another North West city with a lot to offer in terms of authentic Chinese cuisine. If you’re craving noodles, you have to visit the hidden gem, Big Bowl Noddle Bar on Berry Street. According to TripAdvisor, Chy holds the title of the best-rated Chinese restaurant with over 900 reviews and an average rating of 4.5. The Renshaw Street restaurant serves traditional and speciality Chinese dishes.
Brighton
As well as its sandy beaches and fantastic nightlife, Brighton is a hotspot for foodies and anyone seeking incredible Chinese food by the sea won’t be disappointed. Though it might not look like much from the outside, you won’t want to visit Brighton without stopping by HK Place. An absolute must-visit for Chinese food lovers, Cantonese classics like won ton noodles, beef brisket, curry fishballs and spicy skewers are just a few of the many choices available in this Brighton restaurant.