11 unmissable dishes in Adelaide’s Chinatown
Searching for the best dishes in Chinatown? Whether you’re visiting Adelaide for the weekend or looking for a new restaurant to take the family, we’ve compiled a list of dishes that are a must-try for any foodie.
Did we miss the best dumpling, pad Thai or hotpot in Adelaide’s Chinatown? Tag us @ExperienceADL on Instagram or Facebook and let us know where to head next!
Shallot pancakes at Ying Chow
While it’s tough to pick a favourite at this Adelaide City institution (honourable mentions to e-Shand chicken, crispy beef and red vinegar ribs), the shallot pancakes (AKA scallion pancakes) have cemented themselves as a compulsory starter to any meal.
While you’re chowing down, embark on the great debate: flat vs. ring shaped pancakes?
Wagyu platter at Kyoku Yakiniku
One Experience Adelaide staffer recommends “everything the light touches” at this Japanese Yakiniku joint – but if we had to narrow it down, we’d choose the Premium Japanese and Australian Wagyu Platter for maximum melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Hainanese chicken rice at Chinatown Cafe
Venture just beyond Chinatown’s iconic red gates to this unassuming café that’s a favourite of city workers, late night and thrifty students alike. The affordable yet supremely delicious Hainanese chicken rice, steamed in a ginger broth and placed atop a bed of rice, is served with your choice of a traditional clear broth or fragrant laksa. Add Asian greens if you’re keen, then help yourself to delicious chilli and ginger condiments.
Tosuni bunny milk pudding at Husik Dessert House
Plates of wibbly, wobbly joy take centre stage at this late-night Korean dessert spot.
Enjoy the original flavour of these jelly bunny-shaped treats, or try a seasonal special like Thai tea milk pudding!
Miso tonkotsu ramen at Ryo’s Noodles
Steaming bowls of authentic, handcrafted goodness await at Ryo’s. Specialising in Hakata ramen, their Miso Tonkotsu Ramen is a delicate, umami soup with noodles made fresh in-house.
BBQ Assorted Three at BBQ City
Wander past BBQ City and you’ll smell the delicious Peking duck before you see it gleaming in the window. Serving up quality Cantonese-style dishes for over 20 years, order the BBQ Assorted Three for a generous serving of fresh, crispy barbecue pork, duck and chicken.
Mochi waffles at Shibui Dessert Bar
Famous for their mochi donuts and ice cream taiyaki on offer at markets across Adelaide, head to Shibui’s Grote Street store for chewy, delicious mochi waffles with a variety of seasonal toppings.
Salt and pepper eggplant at East Taste
Golden, lightly battered eggplant is topped with crunchy onion and crispy bits of fried wonton in one of Gouger Street’s standout vegetarian dishes. Just try not to get two for the table.
Beef noodles at Tasty Biang
Handmade noodles are the star at this affordable spot just off Chinatown’s main drag, and the beef noodles – moist, glutinous and saucy – are our pick of the bunch.
Custard polo at Nanna Hot Bake
Tucked away just off Grote Street, behind an unassuming glass cabinet, is a tray of soft, pillowy brioche, filled with vanilla custard and baked to perfection. We recommend getting one for now and one (minimum) for the road.
Phở at Thanh Thanh
Everything a great phở should be – fragrant, plentiful and with balanced flavour that still packs a punch. These warming bowls of joy make an affordable lunch or excellent dinner option.
Yum cha at Ding Hao
While technically more of a meal than one legendary dish, Ding Hao is the Rolls Royce of yum cha in Chinatown and is a must-visit for locals and travellers alike. And what’s stopping you from getting plate upon plate of barbecue pork buns? Or xiao long bao? Or prawn and pork dim sims? Nothing, that’s what.