Starting from the 29th of January, 2025 will be the Year of the Snake. People all over the world will join in the celebrations and bring in the Lunar New Year. Manchester is home to the UK’s second-largest Chinatown district, so it’s a perfect place to celebrate. The city has a plethora of incredible Cantonese, Sichuan, Hong Kong, and Hunanese cuisine to enjoy with options for all palettes. Here are some of the region’s favourites:  

1. Lucky Cat 

Part of Gordon Ramsay’s portfolio, Lucky Cat is an Asian-inspired small plates establishment nestled in King Street, Manchester. Serving Robata grilled dishes, sushi and sashimi, all designed to share and be devoured alongside an unforgettable selection of cocktails and fine wines. To bring in the lunar new year in style with family or friends, Lucky Cat offer the ultimate private dining experience in their Vault – which seats up to 12 guests and is accompanied by a private bar. With impressive glimmering feature walls and golden cats adorning the walls, this space would be perfect for guests that want the ultimate exclusive experience.  

More information here. 

2. Tattu, Spinningfields 

Boasting some of the most spectacular dining experiences in Manchester, tattu offers a modern spin on Chinese cuisine, and a drinks list that offers tasty cocktails, plus wine, sake and beers. Situated in Spinningfields, guests are greeted by a beautiful interior wall of roses alongside a gigantic pink cherry blossom tree. This Chinese New Year, tattu will be transformed with Chinese lanterns, and the restaurant will serve a menu of traditional new year's dishes. 

More information here

3. Blue Eyed Panda, Ancoats 

Starting life as a takeaway, Blue Panda has become a Mancunion staple for Cantonese classics – so much so, it now has a dine-in restaurant in Ancoats. There's a no-nonsense menu of Cantonese classics and Szechuan staples. Some of our favourites include their salt and pepper chicken, crispy chilli beef, alongside soup dumplings and other dim sum, and don’t forget their selection of daily-changing specials.  

More information here. 

4. Live Seafood, Beswick 

Some of the most exciting places to eat in Manchester, Live Seafood has been described as ‘delightfully bonkers’. This Beswick restaurant allows you to pick your seafood, alive and swimming, from a tank before your meal. From king crab to farm eels - if you love seafood, this needs to be on your list to try. If you’re looking for something less adventurous, they serve a great selection of sashimi, Szechuan and Cantonese dishes too.  

More information here. 

5. Mei Dim, Chinatown 

If you’re looking for authentic and delicious dim sum this Chinese New Year, Mei Dim is one of the city’s favourites. Usually packed-out during lunch hours, Mei Dim have a great selection of dim sum and Cantonese dishes to try. Affordable and delicious food with endless combinations of dishes to try, Mei Dim will get booked up fast this Lunar New Year, so get ahead of the curve and book into one of Chinatown’s favourites.  

6. Hong Kong Choi, Salford 

In Salford, you’ll find some of the very best of Hong Kong’s cuisine in the whole city, courtesy of family-run Hong Kong Choi. Serving a large choice of fusion dishes and Hong Kong classics, there’s always new additions being made to the menu and keep you returning for more. It's a bright spot with floor-to-ceiling windows capturing the light and a soundtrack of 80s and 90s HK pop to enjoy your food and company too. Perfect for those late nights with friends to bring in the Year of the Dragon. 

More information here. 

7. Glamourous Chinese Restaurant, Ancoats 

Situated on the 2nd and 3rd floor of Asian supermarket Wing Yip, Glamourous Chinese Restaurant is one of those hidden gems hiding in plain sight. Offering a tailored menu of dim sum and traditional Cantonese dishes like chicken feet and dumplings. With a name like Glamorous, there’s nothing modest or shy about this restaurant – with windows cascading and flashing lights of many colours. 

More information here. 

8. Yang Sing, City Centre 

First opening its door in Manchester in 1977, Yang Sing on Princess Road has become staple go-to for visitors and locals alike. Having reopened in 2023 after a short closure over the pandemic, Yang Sing is still top of the list when it comes to Chinese dining in the city. With award-winning banquets, there’s no better place to indulge over the festive period. There are well over a dozen courses, ranging from authentic traditional food to unique concoctions you won’t find anywhere else.  

More information here. 

Chinese New Year in Manchester