Must-see restaurants in China

  • Niūniū Dàpánjī

    Henan

    A Xinjiang speciality, dàpánjī (大盘鸡, big-plate chicken) is a spicy chicken, potato and pepper stew; halfway through the meal, handmade noodles and greens…

  • BlackSalt Tavern

    Hong Kong

    Black Salt is the friendly neighbourhood restaurant we'd all like to have around the corner. In 2018 it moved into a bigger space in Shek Tong Tsui and…

  • Xiàn Lǎo Mǎn

    Beijing

    No wonder this locals' favourite is always packed – for boiled or fried jiǎozi (dumplings) that are as delicious as they are light on the wallet, you can…

  • Kam's Roast Goose

    Wan Chai & Northeast Hong Kong Island

    Expect to queue for half an hour or more to worship at the oily altar of perfectly roasted goose. A spin-off from Central's famed Yung Kee Restaurant,…

  • Co. Cheese Melt Bar

    Shanghai

    This small but established joint is dedicated entirely to the humble grilled-cheese sandwich. Choose from 25 different types of melts, from turkey to Thai…

  • Home Plate BBQ

    Beijing

    Flying the flag for southern American barbecue in a decidedly duck-centric city, this Texan-owned restaurant-bar is all about slow-cooked meats, burgers…

  • No 1 Waitanyuan

    The Bund & People's Square

    Nowhere's more fitting for a spot of high tea than the former British Consulate. Enjoy cucumber sandwiches, scones and English breakfast tea overlooking…

  • Chifa Dumpling House

    Hong Kong

    Since the mid-19th century there has been a Chinese diaspora in Peru, cooking home cuisine using Peruvian ingredients. This interpretation of Chinese food…

  • Polux by Paul Pairet

    French Concession

    This casual bistro comes courtesy of local favourite Paul Pairet. The decor and dining is everything you'd expect from a fabulous French dining experience…

  • Chu Kee

    Aberdeen & South Hong Kong Island

    One of six cheery dai pai dong (food stalls) in the Ap Lei Chau Market Cooked Food Centre, Chu Kee offers solid seafood and stir-fries. If you buy seafood…

  • Mak's Noodle

    Hong Kong

    Mak's founder emigrated to Hong Kong from China in WWII and established this now-legendary noodle stop, first as a dai pai dong (food stall) and then a…

  • Atelier de Joël Robuchon

    The Bund & People's Square

    French chef Joël Robuchon has earned two Michelin stars for his Bund 18 restaurant. Much the same as in his other luxury restaurants, this is definitely…

  • T’ang Court

    Kowloon

    Deep carpets, fine silks and burgundy drapes equal a rarefied ambience at this highly praised, high-rolling Cantonese eatery with three Michelin stars…

  • Seyzhong Nongze Bösey Restaurant

    Lhasa

    Super-convenient if you’re visiting the next-door Ramoche Temple, this pleasant upstairs Amdo Tibetan restaurant offers great views over the street below…

  • Zhongshan South Road Food Street

    Hangzhou

    Hangzhou is spoilt for choice when it comes to foodie streets, and this stretch of Zhongshan Nanlu (starting at the Drum Tower) is an absolute delight…

  • Yongfoo Elite Residence

    French Concession

    Although this 1930s residence was once members only, it’s since opened to the general public as a restaurant – great news, because the decor is absolutely…

  • Sober Company

    French Concession

    A smart place with European-style bistro decor that takes on three personas. Sober Cafe serves Japan-inspired small plates and brunch until 4pm and…

  • Jean Georges

    The Bund & People's Square

    Pitched somewhere between Gotham City and new Shanghai, Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s dimly lit, copper-appliquéd temple to gastronomy was adorned with a…

  • Furongji

    Beijing

    Feast on modern dim sum at this stylish hutong joint run by the Orchid boutique hotel next door. Everything on the tick-box menu is deliciously creative;…

  • Fodder Factory

    Beijing

    With China's overworked millennials pining for simpler times, it's no wonder nostalgia has become big business. Fodder Factory tugs at the heartstrings…

  • Together

    Shanghai

    Foodies will adore this French-Asian minimalist place with an open kitchen and nice red-brick courtyard. It serves uber-creative cold and hot sharing…

  • Bistro 2555

    Shanghai

    Housed in a sleek industrial space, adjacent to a former aeroplane-hangar-turned-gallery, this is easily the best place to grab a bite in the area. It has…

  • Pho Real

    French Concession

    This pint-sized spot does a truly awesome bowl of pho (beef or chicken noodle soup flavoured with mint, star anise and cilantro), plus spring rolls and…

  • Marco’s Dream Cafe

    Xinjiang

    This Malaysian-run place serves a very welcome range of Western and Asian dishes, including delicious curried chicken and steaks, while the friendly…

  • Ho Lee Fook

    Hong Kong

    As irreverent as its name suggests, this buzzy underground spot does a winkingly modern take on retro Chinatown cuisine. Fat prawn toasts are served with…

  • Restaurante Fernando

    Macau

    Possibly Coloane's most famous restaurant, sprawling Fernando's contains two separate dining rooms and a large courtyard bar. Devoted customers and…

  • Tim’s Kitchen

    Macau

    At Tim's, top ingredients are meticulously prepared using methods that highlight their original flavours, resulting in dishes that look simple but taste…

  • Robuchon au Dôme

    Macau

    Encased in a glass dome, this three Michelin-star restaurant by the late celebrity chef Joël Robuchon has everything associated with the name: tasteful…

  • One Dim Sum

    Kowloon

    This cheery little place is known for all-day, bang-for-the-buck dim sum. Tick your selections on the menu card; the quality is more than a match for Tim…

  • Bird

    French Concession

    A cute and intimate spot that seats about 20 people on high tables facing a small bar or window. Foodies will enjoy the daring and intriguing veggie-heavy…

  • Hungry Buddha

    Yunnan

    The most sophisticated eatery in town and one of the most notable in all Yunnan, with a mouth-watering all-vegetarian Italian menu utilising locally…

  • Okra

    Hong Kong

    This relaxed izakaya (informal Japanese pub) in Sai Ying Pun is as much about sake sampling as it is the food, but the enthusiastic staff nail both. The…

  • Huanghe Road Food Street

    The Bund & People's Square

    With a prime central location near People’s Park, Huanghe Rd covers all the bases from cheap lunches to late-night post-theatre snacks. You’ll find large…

  • Yee Tung Heen

    Wan Chai & Northeast Hong Kong Island

    This elegant and underhyped restaurant is an expert at haute Cantonese cuisine. Managed by the Mandarin Oriental, it delivers MO-quality food and service…

  • Ā Bù Lǔ Zī

    Jiuzhaigou National Park

    The fanciest Tibetan restaurant in Jiuzhaigou, this excellent establishment is run by the same family behind Zhuo Ma’s Homestay (Zhuo Ma’s brother, Ke Zhu…

  • Magic Room

    Hebei

    The witch's forest lair theme is fun, but it's the food that's truly charmed – a mix of Western comforts (steak, chips, salads, pasta and top-notch…

  • Lost Bakery

    French Concession

    This hip bakery is a top spot to get your pastry fix and to sit down with a coffee in equal measure. Large wooden tables fill the space, while potted…

  • Ho To Tai Noodle Shop

    Yuen Long

    This 60-year-old Yuen Long institution is one of the world’s cheapest Michelin restaurants. It is best known for the fresh Cantonese egg noodles and…

  • Shāguō Lǐ

    Tianjin

    Despite having walls adorned with photos of television celebrities who've eaten here, this place remains refreshingly unpretentious, and locals still come…

  • Arbor

    Hong Kong

    Founded by Finnish chef Eric Räty, Arbor won its first Michelin star in 2019 with its creative combination of fresh, seasonal ingredients and traditional…

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