If you’re in the UK and craving Chinese food you’re in luck! There are plenty of Chinese restaurants to choose from. But with so many options it can be hard to know which one to pick. To help you out we’ve compiled a list of the best Chinese restaurants in the UK.
The UK is home to some of the best Chinese restaurants in the world. Many of these restaurants are located in London but there are also excellent Chinese restaurants in other parts of the country including Manchester Birmingham and Edinburgh.
The food served in these restaurants is typically Cantonese or Sichuanese but there are also many other regional cuisines represented. Some of the most popular dishes served in Chinese restaurants in the UK include sweet and sour chicken beef with black bean sauce and stir-fried vegetables.
When Did Chinese Restaurants First Appear in the UK?
The first recorded Chinese restaurant in the UK opened in London in 1851. By the early 20th century there were Chinese restaurants in most major cities. Today Chinese food is one of the most popular types of cuisine in the UK.
Is Chinois food popular in the UK?
Both at home and at ethnic restaurants, British food influenced by the world’s most populous country is a favorite. Over 78% of Britons have eaten Chinese cuisine in the last three months, according to studies, with 12% consuming it at least once each week.
When did Chinois restaurants become popular in the UK?
The migration of Hong Kong Chinese increased Britain’s Chinois population throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Many of these immigrants got into the restaurant sector, opening takeaways around the UK, with a large portion of their earnings traveling back to Hong Kong to assist family members.
Why is Chinois food so nice?
High-powered gas burners in Chinese restaurants make it much simpler for restaurant chefs to get the smokey wok hei taste that we all adore in Chinese cuisine, according to The Takeout.
Where to eat the greatest Chinese and Asian cuisine
There’s more to Chinois cuisine in London than luminous-orange sweet ‘n’ sour chicken and egg-fried rice.
This handpicked list has wonderful options for keeping things traditional in Chinatown (still full of amazing discoveries), nipping down to a cherished local, or giving your tastebuds something more new to explore.
The Chinois culinary scene in London is quite diverse. Cantonese dim lunch, spicy Xinjiang hotpots, sophisticated teahouse classics, aromatic Sichuan meals, and traditional Beijing duck are available at eateries ranging from high-end to super-casual.
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good Chinese restaurants near me
There is no shortage of Chinese restaurants in the UK but finding one that serves authentic and delicious food can be a challenge. To help you out we’ve compiled a list of the best Chinese restaurants in the UK based on reviews and ratings from customers.
The top spot goes to The Chinese Buffet in Birmingham which offers an all-you-can-eat buffet for a reasonable price. Other popular choices include The Red Lantern in London which serves up Sichuanese cuisine and The Yauatcha in Manchester which offers Cantonese dim sum.
Yauatcha
When it comes to dim sum in Soho, this venerable institution offers everything from umami-packed foie gras taro croquettes to lobster dumplings topped with tobiko caviar. There are exotic teas, larger dishes, high-end sakes, and patisserie sweets on the menu at this Michelin-starred restaurant.
Xi’an Impression
Street cuisine from her hometown of Xi’an, China, is served up at Wei Guirong’s simple eatery near the Emirates Stadium (home of the Terracotta Army). Hardcore fans come for her stout Xi’an pork burger, but she is known for her flavorful spice concoctions and supple hand-pulled noodles.
Silk Road
This Camberwell cutie is a pioneer of regional Chinois food in London, focusing on Xinjiang delicacies from the province’s northwest boundary.
Even though the flavors may be hot, they are well-balanced by the profusion of spices, a remnant of the Silk Road, which was used to transfer riches between the East and West.
The Sichuan
In spite of its old-school appearance, this hot Sichuan restaurant’s cuisine is full of depth and complexity. In addition to the chef’s fish special, don’t forget about the spicy noodles or pig dumplings bobbing in red chili sauce. Sharing is encouraged, but only with those who aren’t afraid of a challenge.
Shikumen
Dim sum is the star of the show at this Chinese restaurant in Shepherd’s Bush’s Dorsett Hotel, with dishes like xiao long bao and scallop siu mai topped with tobiko earning high accolades. The dining room reflects the hotel’s stylish comfort.
Royal China Club
Royal China’s most exclusive branch offers an aura of peaceful five-star grandeur, down to the tinkling of a piano that can be heard in the background.
Cantonese cuisine is prepared to perfection in the kitchen, utilizing only the best ingredients at all times, and the staff is polished enough to treat everyone like a guest of honor.
Phoenix Palace
Known for its great dim sum on weekends, Phoenix Palace’s rich Oriental decor is a favorite among foreign executives.
However, the relaxed atmosphere also appeals to local families, who swarm around circular tables for the restaurant’s famous dim sum (reservations are a must unless you fancy queueing). Dinner is a lot of fun during Chinese New Year because of the festivities around it.
Best chinese takeaway near me in the UK
If you’re looking for the best Chinese takeaway in the UK there are a few things to consider. Location is always important as you want to be sure you’re getting fresh food that hasn’t been sitting around for too long.
The quality of the ingredients is also crucial – you want to be sure you’re getting good value for your money. Finally, it’s worth checking out online reviews to see what other customers have said about their experience with different Chinese takeaways.
With all that in mind here are a few of the best Chinese takeaways in the UK:
- Peking Express in London.
- Chinatown Express in Birmingham.
- Wong Kei in Manchester.
- Lucky Dragon in Glasgow.
- New China Express in Cardiff.
Do you have a favorite Chinese restaurant in the UK? Let us know in the comments below. And if you’re looking for more great places to eat be sure to check out our other food-related articles.