Despite the arrival of the first Chinese restaurant in the 1940s, Ping Hong on Mosley Street, Chinatown wasn’t really recognised as the cultural hub it is today until the 1970s. By this time, a wealth of Chinese businesses had opened up beyond its restaurants, including medicine shops, supermarkets and banks. However, many believe it was its dining scene that sparked the rise and expansion of Chinatown, with multiple restaurants establishing themselves during the 50s and 60s.
Now, you can find a plethora of restaurants in Chinatown serving the cuisines of Hong Kong, Hunan, Sichuan and more. It's one of the best places to visit if you're hungry for traditional Chinese dishes, from roast duck to hot and sour soup, although you might need to hop in a queue if you want to try some of the most popular places to eat in Chinatown. You’ll also find a handful of Thai and Vietnamese restaurants nestled amongst its streets, which have made an appearance in more recent years.
Manchester is home to a truly diverse range of foods and cuisines. If you prefer Indian food, make sure to visit the restaurants along its Curry Mile for some of the best, or simply find all of Manchester’s best Indian restaurants right here.
We’ve also rounded-up all the best Italian restaurants in Manchester if pizza and pasta are more your thing.