Belfast's first Chinese restaurant opened in 1960, allegedly run by a Special Forces soldier and his wife from Hong Kong, who he liberated from Japanese occupation during World War II. This sparked a love for the cuisine in Northern Ireland, and whether it's in venues dating back decades or more modern haunts, it's still one of the most popular choices of food today.
Looking for somewhere to get your fix of chow mein, crispy aromatic duck and egg-fried rice? There are plenty of exceptionally good Chinese restaurants in Belfast just waiting to be discovered, so take a look at our guide to find out where they are.
Best Chinese Belfast Restaurants
Southside Social & Lucky Duck Chinese
Southside Social & Lucky Duck Chinese is a truly unique venue, as the Chinese restaurant is hidden within an 80s-inspired bar in Queens Quarter. Southside Social is a late-night venue offering CBD-infused drinks and quirky cocktails, but hidden at the back is Lucky Duck.
Their delicious takeaway can be enjoyed either at the speckled tables of the bar or in the comfort of your own home. Choose between chicken, prawn, beef or vegetable for your main, with sauces ranging from honey chilli to curry, before adding on sides such as fried rice or chow mein.
This unique spot promises Chinese food and cocktails.
The Welcome Restaurant
Having been around in Belfast for four decades, The Welcome Restaurant knows a thing or two about great meals - specialising in classic Hong Kong cuisine. They've won multiple awards over the years, including Gold Seal Winner in the Good Food Awards 2023 and Best Oriental Establishment in The Northern Ireland Food Awards 2022.
The family-run Stranmillis Road destination is now managed by Charlie and Michael Wong, who took over from the original founder, their father, in 2016. Charlie has worked everywhere from USA to Hong Kong and Singapore, and is now using what he's learned to create the likes of chicken satay kebabs, steamed king prawns with fresh ginger or homemade sweet and sour sauce - using a recipe created in the 70s.
You can order to eat in or takeaway, but if you choose to dine on-site then expect friendly service in a laid-back space - fronting white marble-topped tables and high ceilings.
The Welcome Chinese Belfast has been in the family for decades.
House Of Zen
If you're after a sit-in Chinese restaurant in Belfast, you won't find one much more gorgeous than House of Zen. Not only has it got huge cherry blossom trees in the centre of the dining area, but it's also decorated with glowing fairy lights, hanging lanterns and sultry, dark furnishings.
They promise authentic dishes from all over China, holding dedicated evenings or weeks where they offer specials from different regions. As for their a la carte menu, you can expect everything from steamed pork dumplings to braised beef short ribs in curry sauce or wok-fried vegetables with pine nuts.
You'll also find a range of set menus starting from £23.50 for two courses, and their cocktail bar is providing you with the perfect tipple to go alongside your meal. They aim to combine the flavours of East Asia with the vibrant bars of Cathedral Quarter's cobbled streets, in a venue that's been around since 2012.
A contender for the best Chinese restaurant in Belfast city centre, House of Zen is truly stunning.
Mandarin City
Often regarded as the best Chinese restaurant Belfast has to offer, Mandarin City can be found on the busy Newtownards Road. It's been around for years, serving up cracking cocktails and authentic plates in stylish surrounds.
They offer a set menu for groups of eight or more, costing £30.50 per person for a sharing feast. As for the a la carte options, choose from a wide range of enticing eats like satay vegetable chow mein, crispy monkfish in oyster sauce or Szechuan-style roasted duck.
This one is a long-standing favourite.
Zen
A fusion restaurant that offers both Chinese and Japanese cuisines, Zen is a colourful, modern spot on Adelaide Street. The sleek interior features high ceilings adorned with hanging red decorations, alongside Asian-inspired artwork on the patterned walls.
As well as the main dining area, they offer private booths and even karaoke rooms. Wherever you're sat, you can enjoy sumptuous dishes like honey peppered shredded chicken, Szechuan-style chilli beef fillet and lightly battered sizzling aubergine.
They also offer a high tea menu from 5 to 6.30pm Monday to Saturday, costing £22.50 per person for two courses. Or for a set meal that's available anytime, nab three courses for £32.95, including crispy aromatic duck and stir-fried king prawns.
A meal here is bound to leave you feeling zen.
Joy Inn
One of the best Chinese restaurants in Belfast city centre, Joy Inn is a spacious venue filled with round tables - perfect for dining as a large group. It's been one of the most popular spots around for decades, thanks to an affordable menu and colourful, modern interiors.
There are endless options to eat here, ranging from king prawn chow mein to sweet and sour Hong Kong-style pork or Szechaun fried tofu, with a few European choices available too.
This expansive spot is ideal for group dining.
Lee Garden
A bright, colourful venue that specialises in dim sum, Lee Garden is a welcoming location on Botanic Avenue that spans across two floors. They offer both banquet-style dining for large groups and smaller tables by the window that overlook the busy street below.
Whether you're eating in or taking away, you'll find great value fare here. Think Chinese curries starting from only £10, as well as dim sum for £6 - think deep-fried prawn bean curd rolls or Shanghai-style pork dumplings.
Dig into dim sum at Lee Garden.
Same Happy
You'll find Same Happy in the Donegall Pass area, cooking up Hong Kong-style barbecue fare alongside other authentic plates from China and Thailand. The relaxed space features simple interiors with wooden furniture, while the bar is whipping up tasty cocktails to go with your meal.
Dig into the likes of Peking-style tossed noodles, roasted pork belly or spicy and sour soup, with many main dishes costing just £10 each.
This is also a great pick of Chinese Belfast restaurants for delivery.
Macau
A popular pick for both eating in and taking away, Macau is an Ormeau Road haunt that prides itself on traditional dishes and friendly service. You can dine either a la carte or from a set menu, offering a sharing feast for four or more people at £28.80 per head.
Expect all the classics, from chicken chow mein to stir-fried duck with beansprouts, as well as veggie options such as deep-fried aubergine with chilli and garlic salt. Plus, they run a BYOB policy, so you can bring along your own favourite drinks.
Enjoy traditional fare at Macau.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our guide to Italian restaurants in the city.
