The best Chinese food in Dublin is no longer confined to a few familiar names. Chefs across the city draw from tradition, regional techniques, and quality ingredients to offer comforting and exciting food.
We’ve eaten our way across the city, from late-night dumpling joints to family-run kitchens and sleek, modern dining rooms, all to find you the best Chinese food in the city.
The list is built on real meals, real people, and honest experiences. So trust us and keep reading to learn more about the best Chinese cuisine in Dublin!
10 Best Chinese in Dublin for mouthwatering Treats
M&L Szechuan Chinese
M&L Szechuan Chinese is one of those places that doesn’t shout for attention but quietly wins people over. Tucked just off O’Connell Street, it’s a gem if you’re hunting for the best Chinese food in Dublin city. With over 1,300 reviews and a solid 4.3 rating on Google, it’s clear people keep coming back for a reason.
The food? It’s packed with flavor and tastes super fresh. Not your average takeaway—this spot feels way more authentic. It’s small, cozy, and can get busy, but the warm vibe makes up for the wait. We only stood around 10 minutes before being seated. The staff are quick, kind, and the owner makes you feel at home right away.
We ordered a full dinner for two—including a bottle of wine—for €77. Total win for the area. Must-tries? The Curry Chicken and Garlic Sauce Chicken are amazing (just ask for well-cooked chicken—happened twice but fixed right away). Don’t skip the Dry Chilli Chicken or French Beans either. Bonus: they’ve got solid gluten-free options too.
If you’re into bold flavor and chill vibes, M&L is a great pick. It’s not fancy, but it’s hands down one of the most authentic Chinese restaurants in Dublin.
Recommended: Curry Chicken, Garlic Sauce Chicken, Dry Chili Chicken, French Beans, Sweetcorn Chicken Soup, Gluten-Free Options
Big Fan Bao
I found Big Fan Bao through the Michelin guide, and it turned out to be a fun surprise. It’s an Asian tapas-style spot on Aungier Street with a cool vibe and some seriously tasty food.
We got lucky walking in without a booking, but it’s smart to reserve ahead—it gets packed. The setting is chill, stylish, and full of energy. You order by ticking off a menu sheet, which feels kind of fun and different.
Food-wise? Total standout. The Wagyu Cheeseburger Jiaozi is the star of the show—juicy, packed with flavor, and honestly one of the best bites I’ve had all year. We also tried the She’s Spicy Chicken and Beyond Meat Dumplings, both super solid options (even if you’re not vegan).
The drinks menu is stacked—cocktails, wine, you name it. Staff are super helpful if you’re not sure what to try. And yeah, they’ve got free Wi-Fi if you’re snapping pics of every dish like I do.
If you’re wondering where to eat Chinese food in Dublin that’s a little different, this place should be high on your list. Great for groups, perfect for foodies.
Recommended: Wagyu Cheeseburger Jiaozi, She’s Spicy Chicken, Duck Wings, Meat Dumplings, House Cocktails
Xi’an Street Food
We were walking around town after work and craving something quick but solid. Someone mentioned Xi’an Street Food, especially their spice bag, and next thing we knew, we were queuing at their Anne Street South spot.
Let me tell you—this place delivers. That spice bag? Unreal. Crispy chicken, golden fries, bold spices—it’s a flavor bomb. We dipped it in curry sauce, and it totally hit the spot.
The Crispy Chilli Chicken and Hot & Sour Dumplings are also top picks. Sharp, spicy, and comforting. It’s a small joint and always buzzing, so grab-and-go is usually your best bet. The staff move fast and keep things flowing smoothly.
Everything’s halal, prices are fair, and portions are generous. There’s no fuss or fluff—just good food made right.
Recommended: Spice Bag, Crispy Chilli Chicken, Hot & Sour Dumplings, Curry Sauce
Chai-Yo
A friend recently went to Chai-Yo on Baggot Street and won’t stop raving about it. The vibe, the food, the music—it all sounded like a full-on experience, not just dinner. The place has a 4.6 rating on Google and 4.4 on TripAdvisor, and honestly, it deserves the love.
What makes Chai-Yo different is their Teppanyaki-style dining, where chefs cook your meal right in front of you—with live music in the background. My friend booked a group table for the tasting menu (€41) which included steak, chicken, prawns, duck, and seabass. The duck apparently stole the show!
They also tried the Wagyu Dumplings (€12) and Bao Buns (€9.50), both packed with flavor and beautifully done. If you’re hunting for the best dumplings and noodles in Dublin, Chai-Yo should be on your radar. With beers around €6.90 and chefs singing at the end of the night, it turns into more than just a meal—it’s a party.
Perfect for birthdays, group dinners, or just a fun night out. Just make sure to book ahead via chaiyodublin@yahoo.ie or call +353 1 676 7652.
Recommended: Duck Teppanyaki, Seafood, Wagyu Dumplings, Bao Buns, Teriyaki Salmon, Scallop Teppanyaki, Egg Fried Rice
Lin Kee
Lin Kee is one of those places that locals truly love. It’s not just about the food—it’s the feeling you get when you walk in. Staff greet you by name, remember your regular order, and make you feel at home.
One cold evening, I popped in and the lady behind the counter asked, “The usual?” Ten minutes later, I walked out with a hot meal and a free portion of chips, just because they were closing. That small moment honestly made my day.
Their spice bags are massive, golden, and seasoned to perfection. The curry sauce is rich and has just the right heat. If you’re looking for one of the top-rated Chinese takeaways in Dublin, this is it. Delivery is fast, the packaging is eco-friendly, and the food always hits the spot.
Recommended: Singapore Spicy Chow Mein, Red & Green Thai Curry, Basil Chilli Dishes, Thai Sweet Chilli, Singapore Spicy Fried Rice
Mama Yo
My nephew kept going on about this Chinese spot that his school friend swears by, so we gave Mama Yo on Camden Street a shot—and I’m glad we did.
From the second we walked in, the warm lights and cozy booths gave it a relaxed, cool vibe. Service was quick and friendly without rushing us. We started with Prawn Toast (€12.45) and Shiitake Mushrooms (€10.95), and both felt like something you’d get at a high-end spot.
But the Kung Po Chicken (€23.95) stole the show. It had heat, crunch, and depth—easily one of the best I’ve had in town. If you’re looking for Dublin Chinese restaurants for spicy dishes, this is a must-visit. My nephew said it reminded him of homemade food, and that’s the highest compliment he could give.
We didn’t try the Roast Duck (needs 48-hour notice), but it’s on our list for next time. Prices are fair for what you get, especially considering the flavor and vibe.
Recommended: Kung Pao Chicken, Prawn Toast, Shiitake Mushrooms, Roast Duck, Dim Sum
Ka Shing
Ka Shing on Wicklow Street is one of those places people who really know their Chinese food keep recommending. A Cantonese friend wouldn’t stop talking about it, so we finally checked it out—and now I totally get the hype. With over 1,200 reviews and a solid 4.3-star rating on Google, it’s clearly doing something right.
We went for dim sum and ordered a mix of dishes: char siu buns, siu mai, Shanghai dumplings, and a roast meat platter with duck and pork. Everything tasted fresh and full of proper Cantonese flavor. The char siu was probably the best I’ve had in Dublin—soft, smoky, and perfectly glazed. The roast duck was melt-in-your-mouth good, and the Yang Chow fried rice brought everything together perfectly.
We also shared sweet and sour shrimp and sesame balls, which were both spot-on. Portions were big, and we paid around €20 each—great value for what we got. If you’re on the hunt for cheap and delicious Chinese food Dublin locals actually love, this place is a no-brainer.
The vibe inside feels like a classic Chinese banquet hall—nothing fancy, but warm, busy, and filled with locals who seem to be regulars. Some of the staff were super helpful and even recommended dishes based on what we’d already picked. Service had a few slow moments, but nothing major.
Overall, Ka Shing is a great pick for small groups, weekend dim sum, or anyone craving authentic Cantonese dishes without breaking the bank. You can book by emailing info@kashingdublin.com or calling +353 1 677 2580. I’m definitely going back—and next time, I’m bringing more friends so we can try even more from the menu.
Recommended: Char Siu Buns, Siu Mai, Shanghai Dumplings, Roast Duck, Roast Pork, Yang Chow Fried Rice, Sweet and Sour Shrimp, Sesame Balls
Hang Dai
After a late movie, our group of six or seven headed to Hang Dai on Camden Street. None of us had been there before, but one of my friends had heard great things, so we figured—why not? Turns out, it was the best decision we made that night.
The place has a slick, low-lit vibe with moody lighting, stylish décor, and even a fireplace. It kind of feels like a cool lounge tucked away in Hong Kong—right in the heart of Dublin. We booked ahead (smart move), and the staff were super chill and helpful, even with a big group like ours.
We started with drinks. I had the Yuzu Lemonade (€5.50)—sweet and tangy—and others went for cocktails, all of which were hits. You could tell they take the bar just as seriously as the food.
And speaking of food, we went all in: oysters, prawn wontons, cheeseburger spring rolls, and the Iberico Pork Char Siu. That pork? Absolute magic. Easily one of the best dishes I’ve ever had. We also got fried noodles with that perfect smoky wok flavor. We were hoping to try the bluefin tuna, but it wasn’t available that night—not that it mattered, everything else blew us away.
It wasn’t a budget meal—we spent about €80–90 each including drinks—but honestly, for the food, the vibe, and the whole experience, it felt totally worth it. Hang Dai has that perfect balance of fun and fancy without being too serious.
If you’re looking for hidden gem Chinese food spots in Dublin with a side of cool atmosphere, this place is it. Just be sure to book ahead—email eat@hangdaichinese.com or call +353 1 545 8888. It fills up fast for a reason.
Recommended: Iberico Pork Char Siu, Cheeseburger Spring Rolls, Prawn Wontons, Oysters, Fried Noodles, Yuzu Lemonade
Hakkahan Chinese 川九香
I finally made it to Hakkahan in Stoneybatter after hearing so many locals and even visitors rave about it—and honestly, it lived up to the hype. This isn’t your usual takeaway spot. It’s real-deal Sichuan cooking that brings serious flavor and character.
The second we walked in, the smell of chili oil and spices hit us in the best way. The place is small and always buzzing, with tables set close together. You can hear bits of other people’s conversations, but it just adds to the fun, energetic vibe.
We went big with the order: Mao Xue Wang, Shui Zhu Pork, Sichuan-style stir-fried cabbage, and Mapo Tofu. That tofu? Absolute fire. Spicy, flavorful, and that tingling feeling from the peppercorns was unreal. The sea bass was also amazing—fresh, tender, and full of depth.
Even if you’re not into spicy food, don’t worry. The staff are super helpful and happy to adjust the heat. They’ll explain what’s on the menu too, which is great if you’re not sure what to try.
It’s definitely one of those places where you want to book ahead. You can email hakkahanrestaurant@gmail.com or call +353 1 552 7678 to save a table. Go with friends, go hungry, and be ready to try something different. If you’re working through a Dublin food guide for Chinese cuisine lovers, this spot has to be near the top.
Recommended: Mapo Tofu, Mao Xue Wang, Shui Zhu Pork, Gan Bian Fei Chang, Sea Bass, Stir-Fried Cabbage with Sichuan Peppercorns
China Tang 粤苑
I ended up at China Tang in Monkstown after a friend wouldn’t stop talking about their Peking Duck. I hadn’t been to that side of town for food before, but I’m so glad I made the trip. With a 4.5-star rating on both Google and TripAdvisor, expectations were high—and it fully delivered.
The place has a modern, relaxed vibe that works great for a small group dinner or even a more special night out. We were a group of four and booked ahead, which I’d definitely recommend because it gets busy, especially on weekends.
We went straight for the famous Peking Duck, served two ways. First up: crispy duck skin wraps with hoisin sauce, cucumber, and pancakes—gone in seconds. Then came the rest of the duck stir-fried with noodles and vegetables. Super flavorful, filling, and beautifully presented. It felt like the perfect way to enjoy the whole duck, and it was more than enough for four people.
It’s not the cheapest spot—expect to spend around €50–60 per person—but for the quality, the plating, and the whole experience, it’s totally worth it. If you see the short ribs on the menu, don’t think twice. They’re rich, fall-apart tender, and full of deep Cantonese flavor.
If you’re a fan of authentic Chinese cuisine in Dublin, China Tang is a must-visit. You can book online, email info@chinatang.ie, or call +353 1 485 3798. Whether you’re celebrating or just want an unforgettable Chinese dinner, this place nails it.
Recommended: Peking Duck (Two Ways), Short Ribs, Deep-Fried Sweet & Sour Sea Bass Fillet, Stir-Fried Duck with Noodles
Final Thoughts
From Chinese Chow Mein to Duck Roast, you can get all authentic dishes in these 10 spots. They use fresh, flavorful ingredients to serve you the real taste of Chinese food. Both Chinese and Thai cuisine are celebrated in Ireland, and they relish them delightfully. So, you can check out our real-life experience articles to get a prompt idea on these.
Some Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Where can I find the best Chinese food in Dublin?
– Top picks include Ka Shing for dim sum, Hakkahan and M&L Szechuan for spicy Sichuan dishes, Hang Dai for trendy fusion, and Big Fan Bao for creative small plates.
China Tang is popular for its elegant Peking Duck, while Xi’an Street Food is a local favourite for casual spice bags and fast, flavour-packed meals.
2. What makes these restaurants stand out?
– Each spot has its specialty. Ka Shing is known for authentic Cantonese dim sum, Hakkahan delivers bold Sichuan flavours, and Hang Dai blends Chinese cuisine with a modern, nightlife twist.
Big Fan Bao impresses with bao and dumplings, especially for vegan diners. On the other hand, China Tang excels in upscale Cantonese. Quality, freshness, and consistency are what make them the best.
3. Are these restaurants suitable for different occasions?
– Yes. Hang Dai and Chai Yo are great for group dinners or celebrations, with atmosphere and entertainment. Ka Shing and Hakkahan suit smaller gatherings or weekend dim sum.
Xi’an Street Food is best for quick, casual meals or takeaways. Most offer vegetarian or halal-friendly options, making them versatile for various preferences and occasions.