The best places for Chinese in Manchester 

Run by a trio of sisters, Sweet Mandarin is the go-to spot for authentic Chinese food in the Northern Quarter. Combining a pleasantly modern atmosphere with traditional food, the menu centres on intimate stories and recipes passed down in the family for generations, such as Mabel’s chicken casserole. In an impressive claim to fame, Sweet Mandarin beat 10,000 other establishments to be named the nation’s best ‘Local Chinese’ restaurant on The F Word, securing the seal of approval from Gordon Ramsay himself. If you can’t get enough of their crispy duck pancakes, they even host cookery classes so you can bring that oriental magic home to your own kitchen.

What once started as a popular takeaway on Great Ancoats Street, Blue Eyed Panda has evolved into a fully-fledged eatery. A recent newcomer to the industrial neighbourhood, we promise that the Szechuan staples, such as the ‘spicy hot poached beef in chilli oil’ will blow you away – literally. There’s no scrimping on the spice here. The relatively small menu still boasts all the classics – from chow mein to black beans – and they arrive in large, comforting portions. There’s also a selection of Cantonese-style roast meats and stir-fries, as well as a vegan steak, a rare find in any Chinese restaurant.

It’s impossible to miss Happy Seasons as you wander down Faulkner Street, with its neon signs and Peking ducks strung up in the window – vegetarians, look away now. Known for its lightning-fast service, there’s no leisurely sipping your drink here. As one of the busiest, yet smallest, restaurants in Chinatown, its no-frills approach means they can focus on satisfying the masses with their famous dishes of Hong-Kong style roast duck and barbecue char siu pork. Nobody is left hungry at Happy Seasons, with a dedicated menu for vegetarians too.

Chinese cuisine is arguably more associated with tattered takeout menus and all-you-can eat buffets, than it is with glamour and elegance. The decadent decor and imposing cherry blossom tree of Spinningfields’ Tattu is a far cry from the homely atmosphere of the other eateries on this list. While it might not be for those on a budget, it’s a sensory experience, combined with a high-end menu. The menu itself is more ‘Asian Fusion’ than authentic Chinese, showcasing a range of contemporary dishes with a clear Japanese influence. Familiar dim sum are embellished with lavish ingredients – the prawn toast has added lobster and there’s foie gras hiding amongst the beef gyozas. However, it’s the fish that are the real stars of this show, with main plates including tender black cod, crispy monkfish, and white miso salmon. Come for the stylish setting, stay for some divine dishes.

Chinese hot pot is essentially taking bite-sized fresh ingredients and cooking this for yourself in a tasty bowl of broth in front of you. Traditionally eaten with a dipping sauce and from a communal broth shared with friends and family, One+ offers individual broths with food delivered from a ‘sushi style’ conveyor belt, so whatever catches your eyes, pop this into your tasty broth and eat when ready. With well over 50 dishes to choose from, this caters for all diners including vegan, vegetarians, pescatarians and anyone who is gluten intolerant.

Enjoy your Chinese BBQ meal with the opportunity to grill a selection of meats and vegetables in your very own recessed mounted charcoal pit. This place also offers an extensive Chinese seafood a la carte menu too, for all those who love their fish and shellfish with Chinese flavours.