Birmingham’s Chinatown is one of the city’s most vibrant and flavour-filled neighbourhoods, offering visitors a true taste of East and Southeast Asia right in the heart of the city. What began in the 1960s as a small cluster of family-run Chinese restaurants has grown into a bustling cultural quarter. Today, striking red lanterns and the ornate Chinese archway welcome you into a lively district packed with authentic eateries, traditional bakeries, bubble tea bars, karaoke lounges and specialist supermarkets brimming with unique ingredients and gifts.

Whether you’re stopping by for handmade dim sum, sizzling Korean barbecue, fragrant Vietnamese pho or sweet Japanese treats, Chinatown is a must-visit for food lovers. Each year the area plays host to the spectacular Chinese New Year celebrations to experience colourful lion dances, live performances and a fantastic festival atmosphere.

Just a short walk from the city’s main shopping and entertainment areas, Birmingham’s Chinatown is the perfect place to explore new flavours, soak up culture and add something special to your Birmingham itinerary.

 

A Foodie Theme Park

There are over 40 restaurants in the area with the majority being Cantonese in origin, but you will also discover eateries representing Sichuan, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, Malaysian and Vietnamese cuisines. Some of the larger restaurants like Chung Ying Cantonese, China Court and Ken Ho's Restaurant are famous for their delicious dim sum where diners from all across the Midlands flock to ‘yum cha’.

Walk past the windows of Look In or Peach Garden with speciality roast meats on display and it’s impossible not to be tempted by the succulent roast duck, crispy pork belly or sticky barbecued char siu. Local legend has it that the restaurants are owned by rival brothers and many a family has fallen out arguing over which one is the best! If your tastes are more plant based, Café Soya specialises in vegan and vegetarian Chinese-Vietnamese fusion dishes.

For a modern and exciting dining experience, head to the Asia Asia Food Hall, a vibrant space offering a variety of Asian cuisines under one roof. Alternatively, visit the Han Dynasty Food Hall, which also houses the quirky Lucky Claw Arcade. This Japanese-style arcade features claw machines, StepOn games, and other fun activities, making it a perfect stop for families and groups of friends.

All the Ingredients...

No visit to Birmingham's Chinatown would be complete without visiting an Asian supermarket like Day In to stock up on exotic produce and authentic ingredients direct from the Far East. Pop into a Chinese bakery and treat yourself to a must-try egg tart or some of the lightest, fluffiest cakes known to man before they fly off the shelves! You can also partake in Taiwan’s favourite drink at one of several Bubble Tea bars in the area.

Entertainment in Chinatown

At The Arcadian, you’ll find everything you need for a fun-filled night out with restaurants, karaoke bars, pubs, nightclubs and the home of the Birmingham stand-up comedy scene at The Glee Club.

Across the road is Birmingham Hippodrome – the UK’s busiest theatre outside of the capital. Built over a hundred years ago, it is home to the world renowned Birmingham Royal Ballet, operas, pantos and world-class musicals. On Station Street, you will find the country’s first purpose-built repertory theatre, The Old Rep.

BOM or Birmingham Open Media to give its full title hosts interactive exhibitions inspired by science and technology. And the Birmingham Back To Backs is a fantastic National Trust attraction that provides a tantalising glimpse into what life was like for working families over the last 200 years.

Each February Birmingham’s Chinese New Year Celebrations presents a packed programme of traditional performances and festivities to celebrate the new year!

Parking in Birmingham's Chinatown

Chinatown offers easy parking for its patrons.

Arcadian Car Park

Q-Park Chinatown

See more car parks near to Chinatown on Parkopedia

 

Discover more about the area on the Southside District Website.