Manchester always comes alive each winter for the Lunar New Year celebrations, which are right around the corner again, and Chinese restaurants across the city are gearing up for a busy one.
With the upcoming celebrations firmly on the brain, we thought now as good a time as any to point you in the direction of some of Manchester’s best Chinese eateries so, if you are planning on popping in, you’re not left with hungry bellies.
Of course, Chinatown is probably the first place you think to head – and for good reason, but there are also some cracking spots further afield we’ve included here too for posterity.
From dim sum to roast meats, hot pots to hand-stretched noodles, here’s where to eat when you’re craving Chinese food in Manchester.
Whole roast ducks hanging in the window at Happy Seasons, the most famous spot for roasted meats in Manchester/ Image: Happy Seasons
Where to eat in Chinatown
More than 60 years since the first Anglo-Chinese restaurant opened in Chinatown, chefs here are still putting a modern British twist on traditional recipes and cooking methods – but the scene has changed a fair bit since the 1940s.
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Once dominated by Cantonese cooking, today the area’s offering is more varied with dishes from provinces like Beijing, Shanghai, Hunan and Szechuan growing in popularity.
Happy Seasons
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
Happy Seasons is renowned locally for its roast meats, which range from fatty cuts of pork belly to rich, lacquered whole ducks. Go early, though, as these start selling out from as early as 12pm.- they’re that popular.
For seriously good dim sum, a staple at any good Chinese restaurant, try Mei Dim – a nondescript-looking basement canteen with massive laminated, pictorial menus.
Ignore the grumpy naysayers online, the fact that the customer base here is 99% Chinese speaks volumes as to the true quality of the food.
A relatively new addition to the famous Faulkner street, hot broth steams at the centre of your table – ready for you to cook whatever you like in it. Options for veggies and vegans are numerous, as are traditional choices like tripe, ox tongue, mutton and prawn mash with bamboo fungus.
Spicy crayfish, one of the top three dishes at Hunan restaurant above Woo Sang Supermarket, / Image; Hunan Restaurant
Hidden on the first floor above Chinatown’s Woo Sang supermarket. Hunan restaurant is the only one of its kind to serve traditional Hunan cuisine from the mainland – not just in Manchester, either but in the whole of the north west, according to its owner.
Chinese restaurants further afield
Glamorous restaurant, Ancoats
A selection of dishes from Glamorous restaurant. / Image: @amberosehe via Instagram
Found above the gargantuan Wing Yip, this no-frills dim sum spot is all about the food – not the service, nor the decor. Very much nose to tail, the menu is extensive – spanning roast meats, seafood, sizzling dishes, a bakery and more – including all those delicacies hardcore foodists like to order, from chicken feet to intestines and tripe.
Chef Diao, Northern Quarter
Relatively new to the Northern Quarter, Chef Diao opened on Oldham street inside the former Penang space in October last year. Its online presence is almost nonexistent, but we have it on good authority that the dim sum here is not to be messed with.
One Plus, Charles Street
Image: One PLus
Another great place for hot pot in the city, One Plus is loved by all who visit. You can cook your own dinner from a conveyor belt (not as chaotic as it sounds), or opt to dine from either the Chinese BBQ or rice and hand-stretched noodle and rice menu.
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Live Seafood, Beswick
Image: Live Seafood
Described by Guardian critic Jay Rayner as both “utterly, delightfully nuts” and “a parade of the best and freshest Chinese dishes’, Live Seafood specialise in seafood that is, well, alive. A former Victorian boozer, today it’s filled with tanks of live fish> Customers handpick their meal, straight from the water. Not for the faint of heart.
Salt and Pepper, Northern Quarter
Having relocated to a new home across the road from its original Arndale market, Salt and Pepper offers a modern take on Chinese favourites. As the name suggests, everything gets the patented salt and pepper treatment here served either stuffed into wraps or atop rice, salad and/or chips.
Blue Eyed Panda, Ancoats
Blue Eyed Panda Chinese restaurant in Ancoats, ManchesterBlue Eyed Panda Chinese restaurant in Ancoats, Manchester
Highly rated by diners in Ancoats and further afield, Blue Eyed Panda is run by the same pair that once operated popular takeaway Chop Chop.. Favourites here include crispy chilli beef and salt and pepper chicken, but you’ll find everything from roast meats and dim sum to Szchezuan dishes on the menu.
Hea Toast and Dessert, Prestwich
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
If you’re a fan of milk tea and thick, white sandwich bread slathered in condensed milk, peanut butter and lashings of golden syrup, Hea Toast & Dessert is the place for you.
Opened by owner Jack Lau in June, here you’ll find butter-drenched toast, Hong Kong’s famously silky milk teas (inspired by our very own British cuppa) and Yeun Yeung – an iced drink that’s typically made from two-parts milk tea and one-part black coffee.
If you love a bottomless brunch, this could be for you. WowYauChow is the home of “the first Chinese bottomless brunch in Manchester”. Prices start at £23 for an ‘endless lunch’, for which you’ll get 90 minutes of endless bao buns, ‘salt n pepper’, cocktails, wines, and beers – including gin fizz, blushing dragon and prosecco.
Yum Cha, Kampus
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
Specialising in dim sum, roast meats and flavourful big plates, Yum Cha first opened in Liverpool in July 2020 and made its way over to Manchester last year. As its name suggests, dim sum is a big thing here – all made by hand by a specialist chef who trained in Hong Kong.
Unlike many of its competitors, Yum Cha sells its bite-size dim sum (which loosely translates to “touching the heart”) all day and all night – and has built up quite a following as a result.
Elsewhere, large plates (and trust us, they really are large) can be bought for around a tenner. Fiery dishes like Singapore vermicelli and king prawn or char siu firecracker sit alongside the likes of sweet and sour chicken,, dan dan noodles and grilled chicken satay.
Housing an Asian-inspired bakery and cafe, a Vietnamese restaurant, a Chinese supermarket, and a huge food hall serving East Asian street food, this multi-storey ‘super-venue’ beneath Symphony Park on Oxford Road introduced Manchester to something entirely new in 2022.
Inspired by dining destinations like Bang Bang Oriental in London, and 1800 in Miami, at its heart is Downtown Oriental, a vast market hall with a fast-paced open kitchen where diners feast on everything from Chinese roasts to dim sum, baos to noodles, and fried rice to seafood.
Get your cameras ready, because the whole interior at Tattu screams “Instagram me”. Its huge pink sakura trees undeniably help draw a crowd, but the food’s not to be sniffed at either. Fans rave about its Singapore noodles, lobster, short ribs and prawn toast.
Sex Pistols and Frank Carter to toast important Manc music anniversary with massive outdoor gig
Danny Jones
Frank Carter and Sex Pistols are continuing their fruitful partnership and are celebrating the anniversary of a very important Manchester music venue with a massive outdoor gig right here in the city centre.
Yes, you lucky sods are getting more Frank Carter as the perfect new lead singer for the Sex Pistols, live and in the flesh.
The frenetic frontman, best-known for his self-titled outfit and the Rattlensakes, as well as his time with Gallows and Pure Love, initially joined the legendary punk rock band on the road for a special handful of live shows; ultimately, the reviews were so glowing that they announced an entire UK tour.
It seems fitting, therefore, that as we approach half a century of punk – a movement that the Sex Pistols themselves kicked off right here in Manchester – that the landmark shows celebrating that milestone should be held where it was arguably first born.
Even to this day, it’s still talked about as an ‘I was there’ gig that not only spawned so many artists from this city, but that helped shape both the British scene and global music industry as a whole for decades to come.
Therefore, the veterans couldn’t let the seminal date simply pass without recognising it in some way, and after the success of their previous shows alongside Carter, they’ve decided to do it all over again.
While the first run – which included a Manchester date at Academy One back in September 2024 – saw the band and 41-year-old vocalist play their debut and only album in full, this upcoming outdoor gig is more importantly pegged as a celebration of the movement as a whole.
You can see the kind of energy they generated inside a sweaty mid-capacity room; just imagine how incredible this is going to be live at Castlefield Bowl:
Yes, Frank Carter and the Sex Pistols will be playing the city’s increasingly iconic amphitheatre next festival season, following the likes of New Order, Noel Gallagher, The Courteeners, Blossoms and just a handful of other local names.
Joining the lineup for the annual Sounds of the City music festival, spread across several nights every summer, they follow the likes of Johnny Marr, The Ks and The Charlatans among the latest raft of regional acts on the roster.
The event itself never disappoints, and it’s great to see so many Greater Manchester natives and other nearby artists getting spotlighted at a venue that is becoming increasingly iconic in its own right.
It might never birth a moment in musical history quite like Free Trade Hall, but it’s definitely helped put a few more local talents on the map.
As for Frank and the Pistols, we don’t want to sound like someone else’s broken record, but you really did have to be there…
Other outdoor dates announced include The Piece Hall in Halifax, Cardiff Castle and the Scarborough Open Air Theatre.
Perhaps one of the coolest parts about this next batch of live shows is that they’ll also be joined not only by fellow long-serving contemporaries, The Undertones, but by ‘The Bard of Salford’ himself, John Cooper Clarke, too.
‘The Godfather of Punk Poetry’ and spoken word hero has already hosted two popular evenings in Manchester this year alone, and is set to prove a real fan favourite once again.
General admission tickets are set to go live at 10am this Friday, 28 November, and you can bank on them being snapped up just as fast as you could say ‘Anarchy in the UK’; get ready to grab yours HERE.
They’re not the only rock legends coming to town soon, either.
10 reasons to visit Manchester’s most beautiful boutique hotel this Christmas
Daisy Jackson
King Street Townhouse, one of Manchester’s most celebrated hotels, turns 10 years old this year.
And to celebrate, the team at this award-winning hotel have planned a bumper season of events and reasons to visit over the winter season.
From festive feasts to spa days to sparkling city views, there’s absolutely masses going on as the hotel celebrates a decade of magic.
Tucked away just off Albert Square, King Street Townhouse is home to some of the city’s finest bedrooms, its legendary infinity pool with views of the Manchester Town Hall, its cosy Tavern restaurant, its hidden cinema, and its serene spa.
Add to that festive afternoon teas, live music, festive film screenings, and loads of prize giveaways and you’ve got your new favourite winter hangout sorted.
So here are 10 reasons to visit King Street Townhouse hotel this winter as it celebrates its 10 year anniversary in Manchester.
One of Manchester’s top afternoon teas now has a festive twist – and you’ll be eating it in the cosy lounge filled with twinkling lights.
On each afternoon tea tower you’ll find tiers of handmade treats like a dainty tart in the shape of a wreath, a baby gingerbread man, and an eggnog and clementine macaron.
There are also loads of savoury bites, featuring finger sandwiches filled roast turkey, brie and mulled wine marmalade, and smoked salmon.
Sundays with Live Music
King Street Townhouse at Christmas
Every Sunday from 30 November, you can enjoy live music in the Tavern every week until 21 December.
Taking place in the cosy surrounds of the Tavern, beneath a gigantic sparkling Christmas tree, you can relax with a live violin while you tuck into your afternoon tea or the wider seasonal menu.
The live music takes place between 1pm and 5pm each week.
The Decad’ent Ritual
The spa at King Street Townhouse
To celebrate a decade of King Street Townhouse, its serene spa is offering a limited-edition experience designed to soothe, restore and leave you glowing.
Kick off with two hours in the thermal suite, before heading into a 60-minute Comfort & Glow treatment (a restorative back ritual with hot towels and ESPA’s signature Restorative Oil, followed by a nurturing massage, a gentle facial cleanse, exfoliation and hydrating mask, then a slow, therapeutic scalp massage).
Then you’re treated to a seasonal sweet treat, with the option to add on a glass of champagne or extra treatments, and £10 off ESPA products in the spa boutique.
The Tavern at King Street Townhouse is leaning into the festive spirit with a special seasonal menu, packed with comforting classics with a special touch.
Expect ox cheek and cheddar croquettes, golden crisp turkey schnitzel burgers with port relish and a pig in blanket, and perfectly melty camembert.
There’s also festive desserts like gingerbread sticky toffee pudding and spiced winter berry cheesecake.
It’s all available daily between 12pm and 5.30pm, with two courses for £24 or three for £28.
Signature 10-Year Cocktails
10 year anniversary cocktails
As well as seasonal drinks like mulled wine and festive cocktails, King Street Townhouse’s brilliant bar team have whipped up a special 10 year anniversary menu of drinks too.
That includes The Account Statement (rum, St Germain, lime, honey and champagne) to reflect 10 years of success, The Vault Key (pisco, gin, lime, agave and chocolate bitters), and The Ledger (whiskey, mulled spice, maple, walnut bitters).
The hidden cinema at King Street Townhouse will be getting in the Christmas spirit with a programme of festive film favourites.
This year’s bill includes timeless classics like It’s A Wonderful Life, Home Alone, and Die Hard, plus modern favourites like Elf, The Holiday, and Bad Santa.
All enjoyed in the hotel’s plush cinema seats, with popcorn and drinks available to be delivered to your seat.
Screenings are all on sale now and you can grab your tickets here.
Want to make the absolute most out of your visit to King Street Townhouse? You may as well turn it into a proper escape with one of the hotel’s amazing seasonal packages.
Whether you pick a package that includes a night in the beautiful hotel and makes use of the spa, or choose a package that’s geared around the brilliant food offering with dinner, bed, and breakfast, there’s a package for you.
Wellness is at the heart of the King Street Townhouse offering all year round, which makes this the perfect place to unwind during the festive season.
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Obviously, there’s the spa’s amazing thermal suite, with its Himalayan Salt Cave, eucalyptus steam room, rainfall shower and ice fountain, heated loungers, and sauna.
But there’s also that amazing infinity pool (only for hotel guests) with views of the Manchester Town Hall as its iconic clock tower reemerges from its restoration.
The hotel also has a state-of-the-art gym downstairs.
January Afternoon Tea: Best of 10 Years
Why should the fun stop when the year ends? King Street Townhouse will kick off the new year with a special afternoon tea that celebrates their best creations over the last decade.
The pastry team have always innovated and reimagined afternoon tea classics, and are now preparing to revisit some of their favourites.
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Expect a menu that’s both nostalgic and refreshing – where contrasts of colour, texture, and taste come together in perfect harmony.
10 Days of Magic
Every day between 14 December and 24 December, to celebrate 10 years together, King Street Townhouse will run a competition across their social media platforms, plus a grand prize draw.
Prizes in the daily competitions will include complimentary experiences to complimentary overnight stays.
Plus, one lucky hotel guest each day will be given a reward to say thank you for staying with King Street Townhouse as it celebrates its Decade of Magic.
See more and book your experience at King Street Townhouse this ChristmasHERE.
Georgina Pellant -
9th February 2024 
