The Year of the Rat will be welcomed in with the start of Chinese New Year this weekend.
Chinese New Year celebrations kick off on Saturday January 25. The festivities will get into full-swing in Newcastle on Sunday, when there will be traditional Chinese lion and dragon dance parades through the city centre, but Chinese New Year is celebrated through until February 8, which gives you plenty of opportunities to mark the event by going for a meal at one of Newcastle's Chinese restaurants.
Many of Newcastle's Chinese restaurants are in the Stowell Street area, which is also known as 'Chinatown'. There is a large Chinese-style arch, which acts as a gateway to the road, which is packed with cafes and restaurants. Others are dotted around the city centre and Quayside.
While many diners will already have their favourite restaurant, you may want to try somewhere new, or settle an argument about where to go. We took a look at Tripadvisor to see which Newcastle city centre Chinese restaurants are rated the highest.
Note, one of Newcastle's most popular restaurants, Liu Dining (formerly the Orchid) closed last summer. It was ranked number one by Tripadvisor.
10 of the best Chinese restaurants in Newcastle City Centre - in no particular order...
La Yuan - Gallowgate
While many Chinese restaurants offer menus with dishes from various regions, La Yuan focuses on Sichuan cooking, a region of China famed for its bold chilli and garlic flavours. La Yuan do supply a heat guide and there are dishes for those who like things a little less spicy.
Customers on Tripadvisor praise La Yuan's authenticity and offering food that's a bit different from what's on offer at most British Chinese restaurants. La Yuan also offer a traditional Chinese tea service.
The restaurant recommends ordering dishes to share.
Tel: 0191 432 4421
King Neptune - Stowell Street
King Neptune’s banquet menus are mentioned as being great value for money by a number of reviewers, whilst the food is praised for being of a high standard.
Reviewers also highlight the friendly service and efficiency during busy hours.
Tel: 0191 261 6657
Umai Mi
If you fancy trying out modern Chinese cooking, you could head to Umai Mi, in Eldon Square. Technically an Asian fusion restaurant, Umai Mi specialises in bringing the latest cooking trends from China and the Far East to Newcastle.
Reviewers like the innovation choice, flavours and presentation at Umai Mi, which has a 4.5 star rating on Tripadvisor.
Tel: 0191 591 0998
Little Asia 2.0 - Stowell Street
Another Chinese restaurant which reviewers say brings authenticity, Little Asia's diners say the Chinese hot pots are a stand-out dish, while Little Asia also earns points for its varied menu and impressive drinks selection.
"Thoroughly enjoyed the meal! Portions were generous and the taste amazingly authentic. The hot-pot set is a must have when eating here; you get a little bit of everything to fill you up to the brim! Will come again," wrote one impressed customer.
Tel: 0191 241 5723
Infusion - Strawberry Place
This restaurant near St James' Park is extremely popular with Asian students. If it's where they're getting their fix, then Infusion must be doing something right.
The menu features dishes you may well have never seen anywhere else in Newcastle, but the staff are happy to help guide customers and help them be a little bit adventerous by trying something new.
One reviewer, who says Infusion offer the best Chinese food in Newcastle, wrote: "We have had lunch and dinner here many times and the food quality is always maintained. We like to try different dishes when we come here. Do try the fish and pickled cabbage soup, this is one of my favourites. The portions are generous."
Tel: 0191 261 8896
Palace Garden - Stowell Street
Diners praise Palace's Dim Sum on Sundays and lunch time specials, as well as it's every day menu and banquets for large groups.
The attentive staff are also picked out for compliments at Palace Garden, which is one of Newcastle's longest-running Chinese restaurants.
0191 221 2888
Amaysia Restaurant - Stowell Street
Customers praise Amaysia for its varied menu, welcoming staff, competitive prices and generous portions. Awarded a Certificate of Excellence, Amaysia has a 4.5 star Tripadvisor rating. Tel: 0191 242 2330
New Canton Kitchen - Gallowgate
There are only a few reviews online for New Canton Kitchen, but they're very positive. The restaurant, which opened in 2019, serves Cantonese cuisine, from Hong Kong and Guangzhou.
One of Tripadvisor's five-star reviews says: "Popped in for a quick dinner. Was planning to go to another Chinese restaurant but walked passed this one and saw it was heaving with large tables of Chinese people old and young on a Monday night.
"Staff were friendly and helpful, food is authentic and good quality and large portions. As good as Chinatown in London, if not better.
"Highly recommended from a Chinese reviewer." Tel: 0191 261 1962
Landmark - Stowell Street
Owners Yen and Andrew Mak pride themselves on exceptional attention to detail and hospitality, and opened Landmark to serve great Oriental cuisine in their hometown.
The ground level of a car park doesn’t sound like the most glamorous setting for a restaurant but don’t let that put you off as Landmark’s great service and food are remarked on by a number of TripAdvisor reviewers.
"Beautifully presented food, lovely atmosphere and friendly staff. Good value for money, would definitely recommend," writes one.
Tel: 0191 261 0882
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