Birmingham Chinatown — an Oriental cultural enclave hidden in the Southside district of Birmingham city centre, one of the UK's most underrated Chinatowns. Its story began in the 1960s, when post-WWII immigrants from Hong Kong gathered around Hurst Street, gradually forming Chinese community organisations, social clubs and shops; by the 1980s, the area was officially recognised as Birmingham's "Chinese Quarter"; on 20 May 2024, in a grand ceremony, it was formally renamed "Birmingham Chinatown" to honour the Chinese community's profound cultural contributions to the city. The heart of Chinatown is Holloway Circus — a roundabout affectionately nicknamed "Pagoda Island" by locals. At its centre stands a seven-storey granite pagoda, intricately carved by Fujian craftsmen and shipped across the ocean, donated to the people of Birmingham by the Wing Yip Group in 1998; the pagoda is surrounded by a Chinese garden, stone lion guardians and Silk Road murals, making it one of the city's most unique cultural landmarks. From the pagoda, a one-minute walk leads into Hurst Street's restaurant strip — long-established Chinese restaurants such as Chung Ying, Peach Garden, Ken Ho and Look In stand side by side, while Korean Topokki, Japanese Gaijin Sushi, Thai and Malaysian flavours compete for attention. After dark, the neon lights of the Arcadian Centre illuminate the area, with Genting Casino's Asian-inspired decor, karaoke rooms and The Glee Club's comedy shows making it one of Birmingham's liveliest nightlife districts. Whether you're craving authentic Chinese comfort food or want to experience pure Asian cuisine and culture, Birmingham Chinatown has the answer in just half a day.
From Holloway Circus pagoda to Arcadian nightlife, traverse the Asian food corridor and cultural landmarks
Start your afternoon from Birmingham New Street station — just a 5-minute walk to the heart of Chinatown. First stop: Holloway Circus roundabout — nicknamed "Pagoda Island," this urban oasis features a seven-storey granite pagoda at its centre, intricately carved by Fujian craftsmen and shipped across the ocean in 1998, donated to the city by the Wing Yip Group as a cultural gateway. The pagoda is surrounded by Chinese garden elements, stone lion guardians and Silk Road murals — a must-visit photo spot. Head south along Hurst Street into the Arcadian Centre complex — home to Asian supermarkets (two Day In branches, Let's Go supermarket) and a food paradise: Asia Asia food hall lets you sample Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai and Malaysian flavours under one roof; Chung Ying's Cantonese dim sum, Peach Garden's roasted meats trio, and Look In's honey-glazed roast goose hanging in the window will whet your appetite. In the afternoon, stroll along Hurst Street's restaurant strip, where long-standing Chinese restaurants from the 1960s sit alongside new Korean Topokki and Japanese Gaijin Sushi — the air filled with the combined aromas of soy sauce, five-spice powder and barbecue. In the evening, enjoy a hearty Cantonese feast at Ming Moon, then dive into Arcadian's nightlife — Genting Casino's Asian-inspired decor and karaoke rooms, The Glee Club's comedy shows, Sobar's DJ dance floor ensure Chinatown never sleeps. If you happen to visit during Chinese New Year, you'll catch the six-day celebration: dragon and lion dance parades, main stage performances at Hippodrome Square, New Year markets and fairground rides — all free and open to the whole city — Birmingham Chinatown at its most brilliant.
The longest-running Cantonese restaurant in Birmingham Chinatown, operating since the 1980s with numerous awards. Famous for its warm hospitality and authentic Hong Kong-style dim sum — har gow, siu mai, cheung fun and char siu bao are all authentic. IB Deal 20% discount Monday to Thursday, £15-£25 per person.
A famous roasted meat restaurant tucked away in Ladywell Walk. The signature triple roast — crispy pork belly, char siu and roast duck over fluffy white rice — is a must-order. The enticing sight of honey-glazed roast goose hanging in the window is the best advertisement. £12-£20 per person.
A hidden gem of Korean cuisine on Hurst Street, offering everything from classic bibimbap to spicy tteokbokki. Kimchi pancakes and army stew are also signature dishes. £10-£18 per person — the perfect intersection of K-pop fandom and Chinatown's new wave.
A Cantonese restaurant and bar in the heart of Hurst Street, offering an extensive Cantonese banquet menu and pre-theatre dining options. Just steps from the Hippodrome Theatre, it's the perfect choice for dinner before a ballet or opera. £20-£35 per person.