The best Cantonese food in Glasgow

Specialising specifically in Cantonese cuisine, Amber Regent has been in business since 1988. It has a sophisticated ambience that’s ideal for a formal dinner, a date night or a business lunch. As a coastal city, Glasgow has a special affinity for the fruits of the ocean and Amber Regent capitalises on this by offering an array of seafood delicacies. Masterfully prepared using both classic techniques and contemporary innovations, these special Scottish ingredients receive the Cantonese treatment. For a fancy occasion, book for a banquet — this set meal allows you to work through multiple courses, including pudding and a cup of Chinese tea or coffee to finish.

Back in 1986 Ho Wong occupied a spot on York Street; these days it can be found on Waterloo Street, but remains under the ownership of the Chung family. Rick Stein described it as, “The finest Chinese restaurant in the UK”. The decor is modern and stylish, with botanically themed upholstery, a fashionable colour palette, modern artwork depicting destinations in China and gilt-finished hardware. Its cocktails have a similarly trendy feel, in vibrant colours, elegant glasses and finished with edible flowers (do give the lychee cosmo a go). Some of its staple Cantonese dishes include the chicken with green pepper in a black bean sauce, spare ribs, and crystal king prawns.

The fusion approach to the food here means you’ll be choosing from Thai and Malaysian as well as Cantonese food. Opt for something that little bit different like a dumpling filled with cordycep flower, edamame and tofu, a monkfish claypot, or the kung pao Chinese croissant with aubergine, bell pepper, red chilli, red onion, roasted macadamia nuts and punchy hot and sweet sauce. Designed for sharing, the small plate menu is perfect for a lunchtime catch up with pals, or paired with a selection of Chinese-inspired cocktails. Opium has the AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence.

You may think these restaurants have done well at sticking around, but Loon Fung takes the prize for longevity having opened up in 1971. Its name means dragon phoenix, a symbolism of heaven and earth, and a place where people and food — namely Cantonese food — take priority. If you’re in the mood for dim sum, this is the place to come with a whole menu dedicated just to these floury bundles of deliciousness, prepared fresh each day onsite. Lotus seeds, whelks, baby cuttlefish, chicken feet, yam and turnip mousse are just some of the quirky fillings you’ll find listed. And some are just made for pudding, like the lo sai sweet dumpling. Beyond these, the selection features classic Cantonese dishes, like roast crispy pork belly, honey roast pork (char sue) and roast duck.

Named the “Best Chinese Restaurant in Scotland”, Lychee Oriental is the brainchild of the award-winning chef Jimmy Lee. A newer arrival, it hit the scene in 2015 receiving rave reviews from the likes of the Scottish Sun and Glasgow Food Geek. Lychee Oriental caters especially well to gluten-free diners with an entire menu of options. Floral displays and neon signage give this restaurant a very modern air.

Want some Cantonese food, but your mates want something else? Take them to Chinaski’s where they can chow down on burgers and pizzas, but you can still get your Cantonese fix. This bar does a great line in bao buns, a food type well-loved in Cantonese households. Best of all, it caters to a vegan diet with a smoked tofu bun that’s packed with spring onion and pickled cabbage. Those preferring a meaty option can get some with crispy pork belly. And if you want a drink that’s infused with Chinese flavours, ask for the Flophouse – a beverage prepared using Kwai Feh, a liquor made using lychee.