Chinese food in the UK dates back more than a century, and it's certainly one of the most popular choices in Cardiff to this day. This Asian cuisine is loved for its sweet and sour chicken, salt and pepper tofu, chow mein and much more, and there are plenty of great places in the city to find it.
Whether you're looking for an affordable takeaway, a date night idea or somewhere for a group meal, we've got you covered. From cosy cafes to high-end haunts, here are the very best Chinese restaurants Cardiff has to offer.
Best Cardiff Chinese Restaurants
Happy Gathering
Looking for a Chinese restaurant in Canton, Cardiff? Then head to Happy Gathering, a popular spot that's been around for over 30 years. They offer a specialist dim sum selection alongside a range of affordable set menus - think two courses for £17.50.
There's a countless number of options to choose from, featuring crispy noodles with king prawns, steamed duck in orange sauce and pan-fried turnip cakes - to name just a few.
The Crispy Duck
A pan-Asian restaurant that specialises in Chinese and Japanese cuisine, The Crispy Duck can be found on Whitchurch Road Heath. They've won a huge number of awards over the last decade, including second place in the Top 25 Restaurants in Wales 2024 (according to WalesOnline) and second in the 25 Best Chinese Restaurants and Takeaways in Wales for 2020.
Expect simple, laid-back interiors here, featuring white leather seating and deep purple walls. As for the menu, indulge in the likes of aromatic crispy duck, salt and pepper spare ribs and mushroom fried rice topped with shredded egg.
The Crispy Duck is a great choice of Chinese in Whitchurch, Cardiff.
Riverside Cantonese Restaurant
A Cardiff institution that's been around for decades, Riverside Cantonese Restaurant is located on Leckwith Road. They employ talented chefs who've been trained in Hong Kong, who are constantly keeping up with the latest trends from home while still maintaining tradition.
They serve set menus from as little as £20 per head, as well as an a la carte option. Think honey spare ribs, red snapper fillets with sweet chilli or sweet and sour aubergine, with many dishes coming in at less than £10.
The Ivy Asia
Located within St Davids Shopping Centre, The Ivy Asia is a vibrant venue that brings fusion flavours to the heart of the city. It's perfect for a swish lunch stop as part of your shopping trip, or head there in the evening for a dreamy date night destination. It's decorated with gorgeous antiques and artwork, with two large cherry trees that stand out against the green onyx floor.
They offer a wide variety of Asian plates, and there are plenty of Chinese favourites to munch on. Whether you're opting for the dragon set lunch menu for £19.95 per person, or dining a la carte, you can enjoy everything from wok-fried lobster to aromatic half duck or chickpea curry with pak choi.
The stunning interiors make this one of the best Chinese restaurants in Cardiff city centre.
Summer Palace Restaurant
Established in 1988, Summer Palace Restaurant is one of the longest running Chinese eateries in the city. It's run by the Chim family, who are originally from Hong Kong, and you'll find them in the Llandaff region - ideal for eating in or taking away.
They're committed to providing the finest cuisine from the Canton, Peking and Szechuan provinces. Their set menus start from £20.95 per person, or you can dine a la carte, offering the likes of fried wantons with minced prawn, sizzling sliced fillet steak or stir-fried bamboo shoots with water chestnuts.
Zi's Cafe
A strong contender for the best Chinese restaurant in Cardiff city centre, you'll find Zi's Cafe on Woodville Road. It fronts simple white interiors with hanging paper lanterns and red artwork on the walls, with a cracking menu both to eat in and takeaway.
They've got one of the largest selections of dishes around, ranging from steamed dim sum to deep-fried salt and pepper aubergine, double-cooked pork or squid in a black bean sauce.
Zi's cafe offers some of the best Chinese takeaway in Cardiff.
Chans Noodle Bar
Looking for a Chinese restaurant in Cardiff Bay? Then be sure to check out Chans Noodle Bar, an affordable and friendly destination. The interiors are casual and simple, with wooden tables and a yellow colour scheme.
As the name suggests they specialise in noodles, including bean sprout chow mein or roast duck noodle boxes. That's not all though, as you can also get your hands on salt and pepper squid, broccoli in garlic oyster sauce and much more.
Hotpot Spot
The only restaurant in Wales that specialises in Chinese hotpot cuisine, you're guaranteed something unique at Hotpot Spot. Found within The Globe Centre, the friendly venue aims to bring authentic Asian flavours to Cardiff, with a tantalising and budget-friendly menu on offer.
Pick your own broth to begin with, ranging from braised lamb neck to creamy coconut. From there, you select your meats, noodles and vegetables to cook at the table, with sauces for dipping. This is a fully customisable and fun experience, with vegan and halal options avaiable.
Create your own meal at Hotpot Spot.
In Cafe Cardiff
Since its opening in 2018, In Cafe Cardiff has become a top choice for brunch and lunch. The owners are from Hong Kong and are specialists in the country's cuisine, serving up a unique fusion of Eastern and Western cooking.
With both a classic and vegan menu available, enjoy dishes like sweet and sour chicken, duck with ginger and spring onion or mixed vegetable curry.
Good World
Flaunting a deep red colour scheme and large round tables that are perfect for group meals, you can't go wrong with a trip to Good World. A top choice of Chinese restaurant near Cardiff City Stadium, these guys serve deliicous dim sum and larger plates in a relaxing environment.
Tuck into the likes of stir-fried crab with crushed chilli, minced pork with tofu and glass noodles with cabbage. Or, for as little as £21 per person, opt for a multi-course set menu instead.
Good World, great food.
For even more amazing eats, check out our guide to the city's best Thai restaurants.
