Asian immigrants have made the diverse city of Birmingham their home since many decades. The first settlers came around the 1950s and in the 1980s, the area around Ladywell Walk was officially recognised as Chinatown.
Chinatown or the Chinese Quarter is home to amazing dining and shopping options. With the LGBTQ+ village right next door, it’s packed and lively out there at night with people queuing to get into the best eateries and clubs.
You will find that most of the Chinatown restaurants are decorated with traditional lanterns and seating arrangements but they take a modern twist to the food.
There are Japanese, Korean, Thai, Malaysian, and Cantonese restaurants in Chinatown that are going to fulfil your heart’s desire if you are a fan of Asian cuisine. From crispy fried chicken to noodles, ramen, and so much more - a walk down this neighbourhood is a lesson in how many varied Asian food is.
And, there’s also something for those with a sweet tooth - making it the perfect place to get a wholesome meal and have fun with friends and family.
Here are 12 things to do in Chinatown in Birmingham:
1. Get clicked with the Guardian Dog and the Chinese Pagoda
The Guardian Dog and the Chinese Pagoda sit in the Thomas Gardens at Holloway Circus. The Pagoda was quarried and handcrafted in Fujian, China and was donated to Birmingham by Wing Yip and Brothers (Holdings) Ltd. It makes for a picturesque gateway into the Chinese Quarter. (Photo - Elliott Brown (ell brown on Flickr)/Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic)
2. Xing Fu Tang Bubble Tea
Xing Fu Tang Bubble Tea has 4.2 stars on Google and is a great place to quench your thirst with something sweet and bubbly. It’s located on Inge Street. (Photo - ChenPG - stock.adobe.com)
3. Dine and shop at Uncle Cake
Uncle Cake sells amazing desserts, including cakes. Located at The Arcadian, this dessert shop is a must-visit for those with a sweet tooth. (Photo - Unsplash)
4. Chung Ying, city centre
Established in 1981, Chung Ying in Wrottesley Street has proved to be one of the most successful Cantonese Restaurants in Birmingham; winning several prestigious awards. Their dumplings are out of this world and shouldn’t be missed. (Photo - Google Street View)