A Guide to Manchester’s Chinatown

The Best Restaurants in Chinatown, Manchester

Sandwiched between Mosley Street and Portland Street, just left of the city’s famous Northern Quarter, Manchester’s Chinatown is a melting pot of different cultures. You’ll find Chinese, Japanese, Nepalese, Vietnamese and Thai restaurants here, so foodies are spoilt for choice. Plus, there are so many cheap places to eat in the area, making it a great destination for those on a budget.

Here are just a few of our favourite eateries in Chinatown – all of which are less than a 10-minute walk away from easyHotel Manchester City Centre!

Red Chilli

Located on Portland Street, this much-loved basement restaurant is the place to go if you like Chinese food with a kick. Specialising in Beijing & Sichuan cuisine (it was the first spot in the city to serve Sichuan food), Red Chilli is a Manchester institution. The menu is vast and varied, with dishes ranging from mild and fragrant to downright fiery. From dim sum to spicy stir-fried classics, it’s the sort of place that really does cater to any taste. Whether you pop in for lunch or go all out before going out out, you won’t be disappointed.

Address: 70-72 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 4GU

Pho Cue

This laid-back Vietnamese eatery opened in 2020, bringing the owner’s family recipes and culture to the northwest. Locals and tourists alike rave about Pho Cue, and with good reason. Expect traditional fare with a twist: alongside classics like warming Pho soup and Vietnamese rolls, you’ll find modern takes on time-tested favourites, including a homemade Katsu curry that’s to die for.

Address: 52a Faulkner Street, Manchester, M1 4FH

Teppanyaki Chinatown

Teppanyaki Chinatown has been celebrating the Japanese teppanyaki style of cooking – whereby chefs grill food on an iron plate in front of diners – since 1987. Often, the chefs will indulge in theatrics as they cook: you might find them throwing and catching an egg or two, for instance. But even though there’s entertainment on the menu, the food speaks for itself. Alongside a wide selection of traditional teppanyaki dishes, you’ll find sushi and other light bites, making it a great option for lunch or dinner.

Address: Connaught Building, 58-60 George Street, Manchester, M1 4HF

The Little Yang Sing

Serving up traditional Cantonese cuisine in a relaxed setting, The Little Yang Sing on George Street feels like an oasis. Inside it’s cavernous, yet somehow it still manages to be cosy and intimate. So, if you’re looking for some respite from the hustle and bustle, this is the place to go. The menu here is extensive, too, with great vegetarian and vegan options to boot!

Address: 17 George Street, Manchester, M1 4HE

Happy Seasons Restaurant

Informal and traditional, the Happy Seasons Restaurant is a family-run eatery in the heart of Chinatown. The food is here consistently good, which is why it’s become so popular since opening way back in 1982. Its roasted meats are the stuff of legend, and you’ll often find people queuing around the block at peak times. If you’re looking for authentic Chinese fare that won’t break the bank, it’s worth waiting for. Trust us on this one.

Address: 59 Faulkner Street, Manchester, M1 4FF

Phetpailin

If Thai food is your thing, head to Phetpailin. Since it opened in 2006, it’s become the place to try Anglo-Thai dishes in Manchester’s Chinatown. With a fusion menu that brings fragrant Thai flavours to the fore, you can’t really go wrong. This is another great spot for vegetarians and vegans, although those who eat seafood and meat are also in for a treat. What’s more, this place is BYOB with no extra corkage charge – even better!

Address: 46 George Street, Manchester, M1 4HF

Shops in Manchester’s Chinatown

Chinatown is home to an unbeatable selection of shops, too. There are countless Asian supermarkets here, as well as a few hidden gems that are well worth a visit. Below are some of the must-see shops you’ll come across.

T.La Art & Craft Gallery

This unique Chinese emporium sells a huge – and we mean huge – array of traditional arts, crafts and gifts. You’ll find everything from lanterns to tea sets here, making it the perfect place to pick up a souvenir from your travels. There’s so much to see, in fact, that you could easily spend hours perusing the fully stocked shelves. If you want to work up an appetite before sitting down for dinner, we suggest stopping off here first.

Address: 16 Nicholas Street, Manchester, M1 4EJ

Hang Won Hong

Hang Won Hong is a sprawling Chinese supermarket located just a stone’s throw from the famous Arch of Chinatown. Selling a range of fresh and frozen Asian ingredients, it’s the perfect place to stock up on snacks, sauces and seasoning, so you can make your favourite Chinatown dishes at home!

Address: 58-60 George Street, Manchester, M1 4HF

Wong Wong Bakery

Wong Wong Bakery is a small, independent Chinese bakery on Princess Street. This much-loved shop and café makes the most delicious cakes and pastries, as well as sweet and savoury Chinese buns. You’ll also find traditional treats like mooncakes and bubble tea, which you can eat in or take away. If you’re in need of a sweet fix during your visit to Chinatown, this is the place to go.

Address: 32 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 4LB

Other Cultural Highlights in Chinatown

Being so centrally located, there are plenty of other things to do in and around Chinatown. Make a day of it and head to these cool cultural hotspots while you’re there. 

Manchester Art Gallery

The Manchester Art Gallery is mere minutes away from Chinatown and, being one of the city’s most popular attractions, it’s well worth a visit while you’re in the area.

Situated on Mosley Street, this sprawling gallery houses artworks spanning 6 centuries, with classic and contemporary exhibitions on show. With a collection comprising over 25,000 objects – including painting, sculpture and photography – you could easily spend a whole afternoon here. Entrance to the gallery is free, and it’s open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am to 5pm (although last entry is at 4.30pm).

Address: Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3JL

Karaoke Bars in Manchester’s Chinatown

Given that karaoke is a hugely popular pastime in China, it’s perhaps no surprise that Manchester’s Chinatown is awash with karaoke bars.

K2 Karaoke on George Street is a late-night hotspot for those who want to sing their hearts out in the privacy of their own booth. You can book booths for couples or small groups, as well as large rooms catering to parties of up to 40. They also have a huge selection of drinks (including cocktails and VIP drinks packages) and a pretty sizeable food menu for a bar, too.

Address: 52-56 George Street, Manchester, M1 4HF

If you’re happy to get up and sing in front of a crowd, head to the Orchid Karaoke Bar on Portland Street. This open mic karaoke bar opens until 4am every night, so you can keep singing until the early hours – or watch someone else give it a go if you’d prefer! With a well-stocked bar, neon décor and great deals on drinks (Happy Hour is on Thursdays), it’s got everything you need for a great night out.

Address: 54 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 4QU

Manchester is a beloved UK city, and it’s the perfect place to visit for a weekend. If you’re looking for great food and top cultural hangouts, you really can’t beat Chinatown. Book a stay at our Manchester hotel to enjoy the very best that this city has to offer – right on your doorstep!