10 best places to get Chinese food in Liverpool

In my last post I had a little whine and a bit of a passive aggressive moan about how Liverpool had been left of the list of cities offering the illusive Greggs Valentine’s Day Dinner. This morning, I had a big old reality check when I saw the tweets and Insta stories come pouring in about the Terracotta Warriors Exhibition in the Liverpool World Museum which opened this month. I guess we can get over the pastry-based debacle when we’re playing host to the frickin’ Terracotta Army for the next 8+ months. It has all been expertly orchestrated to tie in with the many Chinese New Year events in Liverpool over the next few weeks and the highly anticipated China Dream celebration season.

If I’m honest, despite its famous Chinese arch and its pending multi-million pound development of Liverpool China Town, I wouldn’t say Chinese cuisine was the city’s most enviable aptitude. However, there is definitely a handful of hidden gems that my own edible experiences and a little bit of research have highlighted. With the Liverpool Chinese New Year 2018 festivities in motion as I type, I thought I better get my skates on and compile them all in a blog post for you in case you’re on the hunt for somewhere to refuel thematically over the coming weeks.

So without further ado, here are the best Chinese restaurants in Liverpool (currently).

For if you’re feeling fancy…

Matou – This Pan Asian eatery might have featured on my blog many a time before but it’s definitely somewhere I don’t visit enough. Definitely airing more on the pricey side but 100% categorically worth it, Matou offers a whole host of Asian cuisine and some of the best (if not the best) Chinese food in town. Once you’ve filled up on fine dining, you can sip from a comprehensive selection of gins, wines and cocktails that have been specially selected to compliment the authentic flavours. All with awesome views over the River Mersey and iconic Pier Head. Book a table at Matou Liverpool.

Blind Tiger – Perhaps one of my favourite hangouts about town right now, Blind Tiger might best be described as Chinese done cool. What I mean by that is that the stunning speakeasy venue (which often hosts popular burlesque nights) is the perfect marriage of modernism and tradition with its delicious Asian menu and unique repertoire of crafted cocktails, beers, wines and sake. When I say this food is delicious please, please don’t take that lightly – expect classic dishes but with a punch of flavour you won’t be forgetting in a hurry. Oh and there’s a bespoke vegan menu available here too. Book a table at Blind Tiger.

Read my full review of Blind Tiger for more details.

Chamber 36 – Not a restaurant I’ve been to yet but one that’s definitely on my to-do list for the year, Chamber 36 is relatively new to the scene but has had enjoyed quite the impressive reception. Promising a fusion of aromatic flavours in its dim sum & grill eatery, this is another unity of traditional authenticity and millennial modernity. When I do get round to going, I have a hunch I’ll be ordering the Siu Mei Rice or the Pan-Fried Salmon in Terriyaki. Book at table at Chamber 36.

Chy Liverpool – As one of Liverpool’s leading gourmet Chinese restaurants, Chy Liverpool serves up what they pride themselves on as being high-end dining which does not need to be expensive. Unfortunately I can’t personally vouch for the quality of the food but its reputation within the city says it all I think. You can find a number of Chy restaurants in Liverpool (Lark Lane, Renshaw Street) all of which deliver top quality, traditional dishes. View Chy Liverpool menu online.

Mr Chows – Okay so this one might count as cheating if you’re feeling particularly pernickety but I couldn’t write a round up of the best Chinese eateries in the North West area without mentioning Mr Chows. Located in beautiful Parkgate, in a gorgeous period building, this restaurant is actually based on the Wirral but if you’re looking for Cantonese and Beijing dishes with a flair of finesse, this one is worth the 30 minute car ride (or 45 minute bus journey) from Liverpool City Centre.

I recommend the Chicken & Cheese Spring Rolls, the Kim Do Ribs and the classic duck pancakes with Hoi Sin sauce but I’m sure you’ll be spoilt for choice with the extensive menu – banquets ‘n’ all. View Mr Chows menu online.

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If you’re after something more simple and less pricey…

Tai Pan – With retro oriental decor and a menu full of the usual suspects, Tai Pan is the go-to when you want something that is really going to scratch that basic Chinese food itch. A little off the beaten track but only a 10-15 taxi journey away from the very centre of town and ideal if you partied too hard the night before.

Yuet Ben – Again, nothing cutting edge or gastronomically revolutionary but if you’re in the market for some tasty Chinese fare, Yuet Ben is a hidden gem in the hustle and bustle of it all. Expect classic recipes from northern China which have been cooked for more than 50 years by the chefs of Yuet Ben. View menu online.

Big Bowl Noodle Bar – If you’re looking to grab something quick, simple and honest while you’re out and about seeing what the Liverpool Chinese New Year events schedule has to offer, Big Bowl is a popular contender – and just a few yards away from the famous Chinese Arch too.

Other Pan Asian/Asian fusion restaurants worth a quick mention while I’ve got you: