With a two-week celebration for the Year of the Pig, a ‘Wild Lights’ experience honouring the Central Kingdom and an unofficial Chinatown on Parnell Street, the first Viking settlement affords an exquisite fusion with the Orient.
For many years, in Dublin, Chinese feast rhymed with curry eats. The growing ethnic Chinese community led to the opening (and the closing) of countless venues. Xi’an noodles, Hong Kong dim sums, Chengdu spices and Beijing Duck revealed the richness of an unexplored world.
Today, the metropolis awards the foodies with a delicate blend of Asian recipes made with Irish components. It bursts with delectable spots where fine dining stands alongside street bites. When some establishments are over their 30s and keep their vintage classic-style, others are trendy and bring a modern eye.
From Guangdong to Shaanxi, this list of ’12 Best Chinese Restaurants in Dublin’ will send you on a culinary trip through various provinces of China.
Top 12 Chinese Eateries in Dublin
#1 “China Sichuan”
What is it? Opened for two generations, this fine dining Sichuan/ Cantonese restaurant will grant you with an authentic Chinese experience in both an elegant and intimate décor.
Find yourself greeted by the devoted staff and expect impeccable and discreet service. The menu, on its side, offers vegetarian options such as ‘Ma Po Tofu’ (chilli braised curd pieces with Sichuan pepper) alongside meat-lover dishes as the ‘Sichuan Camphor Tea Smoked Duck.’
Why people love it: Many customers would describe the establishment as the “best Chinese restaurant in Dublin” and that its location is worth the trip. They love both the exquisite food and the pleasant team.
Price: Expensive to Super Expensive
Address: The Forum, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Ballymoss Rd, Sandyford, Dublin 18
Note:
- No takeaways
- closed every Monday
- From Tuesday to Thursday from 12:00 PM to 2:30 and reopens at 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Saturday closed for lunch, Sunday non-stop service from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- pre-booking highly advised
#2 “Sichuan Chilli King”
What is it?‘ Sichuan Chilli King’ is a casual place where the focus is on pleasing your taste buds. A legitimate trip into the essence of Hunanese cookeries.
Start with the unmissable wonton soup and carry on with ‘Sizzling Mixed Seafood’ or ‘Golden Mushroom with Lamb Pot.’ Top up your South-western Chinese flavours with the renowned Sichuan pepper. The spice will burst your palate with an exquisite aroma of citrus piquancy.
Why people love it: The generous portions do not downgrade the quality of the recipes.
Price: Average
Address: 100A Parnell St, Rotunda, Dublin 1
Note:
- Opens from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM all week
- The restaurant has a Chinese menu that appears to have more dishes on. Don’t forget to ask for it! “Will you dare ordering at random?
- Delivery is possible.
#3 “Lee’s Charming Noodles”
What is it? You can’t miss the blue building with the red lantern hanging at the front. ‘Lee’s Charming Noodles’ is ideal for a night with friends or ‘en tête-à-tête’. From the legendary Chow Mein to the ‘Roast Duck Noodle Soup’, this eatery works hard (and it pays) for being the Chinese noodles specialist.
Why people love it: The healthy side, the freshness of the produce, the generous portions, the homemade noodles as well as the friendly staff are amongst the top 5 reasons for the clientele to return.
Price: Average
Address: 105 Parnell St, Rotunda, Dublin 1
Note: Opens from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM all week
#4 “Hang Dai”
To top up their bespoke sound system, the restaurant is proud to serve authentic recipes that any Chinese granny would approve. Vegetarians will find no reason to envy the meat-eaters as the menu presents a dozen of options made with both fresh and locally grown ingredients.
The décor, on its side, will make you feel that you’re dining in a Chinese party subway. The first floor, where the Gold Bar sets, presents a radically different atmosphere as it mixes oriental patterns with modern materials.
Why people love it: People love the caring and cheerful staff, the unique setting, the open-kitchen and the ethereal flavour of the apple-wood fired oven. Furthermore, the eatery was listed in McKenna’s and the Irish Times’ ‘100 Best Restaurants in Ireland in 2019’.
Price: Pricey to Expensive
Address: 20 Camden Street Lower, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2
Note:
- No Lunch hours
- The restaurant is up from Sunday to Wednesday 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM, Thursday until 11:00 PM, Friday and Saturday until 11:30 PM
- The bar opens Monday to Sunday from 5:30 PM to 3:00 AM
#5 “Ka Shing”
What is it? A classic Chinese-style atmosphere with round tables and golden chairs, enlightened with multiple chandeliers. As in China, hot water will be served to accompany your food, which will look as good as it tastes (and it looks terrific!).
Homemade by a Hong Kong Michelin star chef, the dim sums (dumplings) are to die for. The Cantonese menu also comes up with flat noodles, ‘Roast and Mango Duck’ and various traditional soups.
Why people love it: The diversity in the menu satisfies any craving (meat, fish, veggies, etc.). The Dim Sums are considered the “best in Dublin” by most visitors. The typical Chow Mein, on its side, is not to be missed
Price: Pricey
Address: 12A Wicklow St, Dublin 2
Note:
- Open Monday to Sunday from 12:OO PM to 10:00 PM
- The restaurant charges a 10% service fee
#6 “M&L”
What is it? A genuine Sichuanese experience into a sleek decorum, topped up with artworks and golden touches, awaits you. From braised and stir-fried meat to hot pot and woks, embrace the chef’s recommendations and traditional dishes.
The establishment, featured as McKenna’s ‘100 Best Restaurants in Ireland’ for three years in a row, will revive your palate and leave your tongue in ecstasy. In 2019, it entered the world food section of the ‘Irish Times’s Top100’ list.
Why people love it: People love the authenticity of the food and the excellent value for money. Garlic Chilli green beans are addictive, and the dim sums come up with an enslaving chilli oil sauce.
Price: Average to Pricey
Address: 13/14 Cathedral St, North City, Dublin 1
Note:
- Open from Monday to Saturday 11:30 PM to 10:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM to 9:50 PM
- Credit cards are not accepted
- Pre-booking highly advised
- BYO at €6 corkage fee
#7 “Mak at D6”
What is it? Mak at D6 is a legitimate Chinese eatery. It offers delicious Hong Kong-style dim sums and a familial environment. Created by two brothers, simplicity and delight is the motto of the place.
The decoration is a fine blend of traditions and modernity, where bamboo steamers adorn the walls. Dark wood takes possession of the main elements, contrasted by the colourful Buddhas and yellow couches. The candlelight, which adds an intimate touch, balances with the wrought iron lights.
Why people love it: People love the excellence of the service and the friendliness of the staff. The atmosphere and the gluten-free options also add value to the spot.
Price: Priceyto Expensive
Address: Cullenswood Rd, Dublin 6
Note: The eatery opens from 5:30 PM to 10:30/ 11:00 PM all week, from 2:00 PM on both Saturday and Sunday
#8 “Duck”
What is it? Once you step in the ‘Duck’, selected as one of the ‘Best of Dublin in 2019’, you’ll be transported all the way to Hong Kong streets. You’ll find yourself surrounded by nuances of red, vintage advertisings posters and birdcages suspended above your head.
The deli’s pride lies in both their Hong Kong’s barbecue technique and the eatery’s embellishment. The meat hangs vertically inside their “bullet oven” and comes out crispy, shiny and juicy. Vegetarians will not be outdone as few options are available such as the stir-fried noodles or the vegetable fried rice.
Why people love it: You will find here what most people would qualify as the best duck in Dublin
Price: Average
Address: 15 Fade St, Dublin 2
Note: Open Sunday to Wednesday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, otherwise close at 10:00 PM
#9 “Good World Restaurant”
What is it?‘ Good World’ is the oldest Chinese restaurant in Dublin. It is a classic Oriental-Asian eatery styled with round tables, and giant lucky knots hanging around. The Chef makes all its dishes with local produce and Irish meat.
When visiting, locals travel back to their younger age and enjoy the greatness of the homemade dim sums. Mostly frequented by Chinese locals (always a sign of high quality) and tourists in quest of eternity, this piece of History has not changed since the 80s. Always served with complimentary green tea, your meals surely won’t be a disappointment.
If you ever crave for Asian delights even after having a few pints, Good World opens its doors daily until midnight.
Why people love it: The consistency in the quality of the menu and the timelessness of the place.
Price: Average to Pricey
Address: 18 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2
Note: The restaurant can be bustling; patience is required
#10 “Kites Chinese Restaurant”
What is it? Opened for over 25 years, the age of the venue itself is a sign of quality. ‘Kites’ is famous for introducing Sechuanese cuisine to the capital city. At that time, most of the Chinese establishments were mainly offering curry variations.
The business boomed, and it became the place to go when in search of change and authenticity. Since then, the clientele and the embellishment have changed, but the quality, crowd, and hospitality remained. Today it is an upscale business, an ideal spot, any time of the day, for those working or discovering the surrounding landmarks.
Why people love it: People finds it exceptional and love the location, the welcoming staff and the freshness of the food. Plus, if you really fancy Chinese cuisine and your friends are more tempted by Thai or Asian fusion cuisine, this place will please all palates.
Price: Super Expensive / Expensive
Address: 17 Ballsbridge Terrace, Dublin 4
Note:
- Monday to Friday 12:30 to 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Weekends from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM
- Pre-booking highly advised
#11 “Ming Court”
What is it? Ming Court prides itself for offering the best Dim Sum in the capital city, a full Chinese menu with the freshest seafood and the greatest local meat.
Run by the Choi Family, the previous owners and managers of the ‘Good World Restaurant,’ you definitely are in the right place! Vegetarians will have a dozen options from ‘Mixed Vegetable Dumplings’ to ‘Stir-Fried Veggies with Deep Fried Bean curd.’ Those who are not up for a Cantonese dinner will choose from Thai or European dishes.
Why people love it: People love the balance in the aromas. The duck is a favourite, and the dim sums are described as a limitless must-eat.
Price: Pricey
Address: Unit 453, Blanchardstown Centre, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
Note:
- Sunday to Thursday 12:30 PM to 12:00 AM, Friday & Saturday 12:00 PM to 12:30 AM
- For lazy nights, they offer both delivery and takeaway service
#12 “Xian Street Food”
What is it? If you are looking for a fine mix of simplicity and authenticity, low prices and delicate aromas, you’ve just found heaven on earth.
Their (MSG-free) Shaanxi menu offers a festival of fresh flavours. From ‘Gongbao Chicken with Peanut in Spicy Sauce’ to ‘Xi’an Famous Biang Biang Noodles,’ it is all about street food and local ingredients.
The staff also cooks a selection of wok dishes, pan-fried dumplings as well as few other Asian specialities. The price of success is that it gets packed fast. Make sure to show up early to experience the best of this tiny paradise.
Why people love it: The choice between dining a single generous dish or multiple bites is appreciated. Noodles and the ‘Spice Bag’ are amongst the highest recommendations.
Price: Average/ Bargain
Address: 28 Anne St S, Dublin 2
Note:
- Sunday to Thursday open from 12:00 PM to 12:AM, otherwise closes at 2:00 AM
- Deliveroo possible
- Chicken and beef are Halal.
