Adelaide is often unfairly forgotten when Australia boasts of its culinary hotspots, but we’ve got a food scene that rivals Sydney, Brisbane, and more. That’s equally true for our Chinese restaurants; amidst the maze of laneways and bustling streets, Adelaide boasts some of the most tantalizing Chinese cuisine this side of Shanghai. Whether you’re craving spicy Sichuan dishes that will set your tastebuds ablaze, or delicate Cantonese dim sum that will transport you to the streets of Hong Kong, our city has something to satisfy every craving. These brilliant Chinese restaurants celebrate China’s culinary traditions.
1. Ying Chow Chinese Restaurant
Ying Chow lies behind an unassuming faΓ§ade, but an exceptional dining experience awaits you here. Plant-powered folks will love that delectable vegan dishes take centre stage; dive into the BBC, a symphony of beans that will send your taste buds on a thrilling adventure. We’ve heard great things about their perfectly seasoned and crisped tofu and their eye-catching tea-smoked duck, and the restaurant scores high marks for its attentive staff. If you’re an adventurous diner seeking a new culinary haven, it might just be the spot for you…
π114 Gouger St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
2. Star House Chinese Restaurant
Highlighting a rich menu at Star House Chinese Restaurant in Adelaide are the curry fish balls, boasting a tempting crispiness on the outside and a tender, flavourful interior. Snag a spot in the outdoor dining space, load up your table until it’s groaning with the weight of mouthwatering dishes, and you’ve got the recipe for a memorable dinner. A gastronomic journey awaits!
π1/31-39 Gouger St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
3. House Of Chow
Having opened in 1983, House Of Chow boasts all the touches of the classic Chinese restaurant, right down to the fish tank and the friendly greeting from the staff, who artfully guide you through their tantalizing menu. The proof is in the eating though, and this spot doesn’t disappoint; indulge in the mouthwatering steamed oysters and mixed greens, bursting with the flavours of the season, or go for something bold with the Sichuan pork stir-fry. Really, it’s a shining star in Adelaide’s culinary landscape.
π82 Hutt St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
4. Wah Hing Restaurant
Cantonese cuisine is the order of business at Wah Hing, so if you’ve been denied a trip to Hong Kong, this will be a tasty substitute. Their innovative dishes blend traditional cooking techniques with a contemporary twist, and any place that’s been rumoured to cook the best Peking duck in town is always going to be a strong candidate for dinner. Fresh ingredients, captivating aromas, and friendly staff make this Chinese restaurant well worth your time.
π85 Gouger St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
5. Concubine
If you’re looking for a Chinese food crawl, you can do a lot worse than starting at Ying Chow or Star House, carrying on down the street, and heading to Concubine. A true Adelaide favourite, every bite is a sensory delight, with the Angas beef curry showcasing tender meat bathed in a perfectly balanced blend of spices. Meanwhile, the red curry duck, infused with the subtle sweetness of lychees and pineapple, adds a delightful twist to traditional flavours. Yes please!
π132 Gouger St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
6. Ding Hao
Located on the vibrant Wright Street, Ding Hao is a culinary treat that will leave you craving more. You can’t go wrong with a visit at any time, but we’d suggest making a beeline for the delightful yum cha options, and making room for crispy fish with sweet corn sauce, the stir-fried green beans, and the delightful oyster omelette. Prepare to embark on a tantalizing journey, as all their dishes burst with distinct and pronounced flavours, transporting your palate across the globe.
π36 Wright St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
7. Ming’s Palace
Our final stop on perhaps Adelaide’s foodiest street – Gouger Street – brings us to Ming’s Palace. From the instant you step foot inside, the captivating aromas wafting from the kitchen will transport you to the bustling streets of China. The Peking duck steals the show, boasting succulent meat and a perfectly crisp exterior that will leave you wanting more, but each individual dish is meticulously crafted with care and attention to detail.
π157-159 Gouger St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
8. Lotus Chinese Restaurant
Arguably the top Chinese restaurant in North Adelaide, Lotus Chinese Restaurant is a delightful cocktail of outstanding food, friendly service, and notably generous portions at a reasonable price point. The honey chicken might just be the standout here, but the whole menu offers an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking authentic and mouth-watering Chinese cuisine.
π83 Melbourne St, North Adelaide SA 5006, Australia
9. Chef Dong
When visiting Chef Dong, I’d suggest booking the 18-seater grand table for the full experience – that lazy Susan is going to come in handy when you’re battling over the final spring roll. Sinfully good steamed buns and dumplings mean that yum cha is a popular experience here, but the whole menu bursts with colour and flavour, and the generous portions ensure you’ll leave satisfied and content. The culinary prowess of their talented chefs is plain to see in each bite, so round up a handful of your mates and book yourself in for a feast at Chef Dong.
π3/103 Payneham Rd, St Peters SA 5069, Australia
10. Pagoda Chinese Restaurant
Even if you’re not heading to the centre of Adelaide, you won’t be short of Chinese restaurants to visit. Pagoda Chinese Restaurant is a Frewville favourite that’s stood the test of time, with the hot and sour soup held up by diners as a revelation, tender shreds of meat mingling harmoniously with a tangy, soul-warming broth. Within these bright yellow walls, you’ll find a delectable tapestry of taste that’ll send you merrily off to culinary bliss.
π189 Glen Osmond Rd, Frewville SA 5063, Australia
So the next time you find yourself hungry in Adelaide, don’t miss the chance to embark on a culinary adventure through the city’s vibrant Chinese food scene. With a diverse array of flavours and a touch of Australia’s own unique flair, these restaurants are sure to leave you craving more. So grab your chopsticks and get ready to experience the best that Adelaide’s Chinese restaurants have to offer!