The best East Asian cuisine in Chester for Lunar New Year

Families across Cheshire will be celebrating Lunar New Year on Saturday (February 10). The festival, celebrated in countries such as China, South Korea, North Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore — and by diasporas across the world — welcomes the Year of the Dragon.

The festival begins on the first day of the first lunar month in the calendar, and lasts for fifteen days. On the first day, many celebrate by visiting senior members of their extended families, according to Royal Museums Greenwich.

Lion dance troupes will be seen across the world as they help usher in the new year and help to expel evil spirits. The period ends with the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day.

As families get together for the event, CheshireLive has rounded up the best restaurants and takeaways serving food from the regions from which the festival originates. The businesses have come highly recommended by Tripadvisor users.

The Shanghai Restaurant

The Shanghai in Hoole is Chester’s favourite Chinese restaurant, according to Tripadvisor users. With a huge 4.5-out-of-5 rating and 480 reviewers giving the family restaurant full marks, The Shanghai, on Hoole Road is well worth a visit.

Just ask 24’s Kiefer Sutherland and Hellboy star Ron Perlman, who both visited the restaurant in 2019.

Kiefer Sutherland in The Shanghai, Hoole

One reviewer said: “Celebrated my 85th birthday here on 13th December with a set banquet for two (again). Great food well presented by an efficient and friendly staff.

“They even boxed up the remains of our feast – we have small appetites – so we enjoyed another excellent meal at home the following day. This is my favourite Chinese restaurant, and we have visited it several times, always with pleasure.”

Takamee

Takamee on Foregate Street

A takeaway or sit-in noodle joint on Foregate Street, Takamee on Foregate Street serves Chinese, Singaporean and Korean-style dishes. 40 of its 70 Tripadvisor reviewers have given it full marks.

One reviewer said: “I always have chicken chow mein from here. It is the best chow mein I’ve had from the area, not sitting in liquid, no soggy veg, always hot and plenty of it. reasonably priced too.

“My partner always has the yung chow and he can’t fault it. Wish they still did the sweet & sour though, because that was also super tasty!”

Another said: “This is a very clean and smart place where you can elect takeaway or sit-in. I had a side portion of spring rolls which were really good and some pepper beef noodles which were also excellent.

“The service was excellent and the only thing I got wrong was to order too much – the smallest size container of noodles would have been more than enough for one!”

Slow Boat

The Slow Boat shares its canalside building with an Iceland supermarket

A Chester staple by the canal on Frodsham Street, the Slow Boat is a restaurant that serves Chinese, Thai and Malaysian dishes. 325 reviewers have given it full marks on Tripadvisor.

One called the Slow Boat a “five-star experience”, saying: “Fantastic; great food; clean; friendly staff. One of my best meals ever, highly recommended, I will certainly be returning.”

Another said: “The service was excellent, quick, and the food arrived well presented and hot. The food was amazing, really couldn’t fault it at all.

“The spare ribs were huge, and very tasty too. Others had salt and pepper prawns, chicken wings and different kinds of ribs. All delicious.

“The mains were equally as good. We shall certainly visit again.”

Panda Mami

Panda Mami, Newgate Street

Panda Mami on Newgate Street serves up Chinese, Thai and sushi dishes buffet-style. The restaurant, a stone’s throw from Grosvenor Park, has attracted 229 ‘excellent’ Tripadvisor reviews.

One reviewer said: “This is a great place! So much selection, the dishes were varied and delicious.

“We came here to celebrate our anniversary and we left with full tummies and a smile on our faces. Highly recommended by us!”

Another said: “This place is so good. My favourite chinese buffet ever, been 4 times and every time it has been unreal.”

Sleepy Panda

Sleepy Panda on Foregate Street

A Chinese restaurant that also serves Hong Kong and Singaporean dishes, Sleepy Panda on Foregate Street also does takeaway. 71 of the 112 Tripadvisor reviewers gave the restaurant full marks.

One reviewer said: “Had a lovely meal here tonight. Food was fantastic, service was excellent.

“What a very happy young man who served us; funny, polite and quick service. He made our visit very enjoyable, will be returning without a doubt.”

Hanoi Social

A new offering on Chester’s food scene, opening last year, Hanoi social serves Vietnamese, Singaporean and Chinese dishes. Located on the walls just off Northgate, Hanoi Social could be the perfect place to celebrate Tết.

One reviewer said: “Hanoi Social is a great place to go with friends to enjoy Vietnamese small plates. The restaurant is small and casual. Our server was fantastic and all the dishes we selected were really tasty.

“The menu is not extensive, but who cares when what you get is great. Dishes are served as and when they are cooked; which meant we ate them at there best.”

Another said: “Fantastic find tucked up on Chester’s historic walls. Amazing food, lots of little plates/ starters and main courses.

“Veggie and vegan versions of almost everything, too. Very tasty and good-sized portions as well as great value for money. We are going back to work our way through the menu!”

Lipss

Lipss Chinese Takeaway, Huntington

Regulars travel from miles around to pick-up takeaways from Lipss on Chester Road in Huntington, according to KT Lean, who runs the takeaway with husband Joe. The takeaway serves Chinese meals and has vegetarian options.

One reviewer called Lipss “The best Chinese take away I have even visited.” They said: “Always take a take away meal from here when we visit our daughter in Huntigton.

“Excellent food and excellent service. Always friendly and helpful. They always go the extra mile.”

Another said: “The food is super and reasonably priced. Good selection from curries to Chinese meals.”

Sun Do

Sun Do, Vicars Cross

A Vicars Cross takeaway serving Chinese meals and fish and chips, 33 of Sun Do’s 59 Tripadvisor reviewers give it full marks. The little takeaway is located on Vicars Cross Road.

One reviewer said: “Ordered a meal of spare ribs, sausages and chips didn’t realise it was cash only … the girl serving went into her own bag to pay for my meal and said call back tomorrow to pay just enjoy your food tonight.

“Amazing service and a kind and caring attitude. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Oh, and the food was amazing too.”

Another said: “Excellent! The food was great and the service was very fast.”

Ruby Fish and Chip Shop

Ruby in Hoole

The Ruby on Cedar Grove in Hoole serves Chinese and English meals. 19 of its 24 reviewers give it full marks.

One reviewer said: “We travel a lot and this is the best takeaway we have had for a long time. Would recommend.”

Another said: “Best place to get a take away – outstanding food every time. Run by a wonderful and friendly family.

“My favourite is the lemon chicken, and the chicken is always excellent quality and absolutely delicious.”

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