Christchurch offers a strong selection of best Chinese restaurants in Christchurch serving authentic regional cuisines from Cantonese classics to fiery Sichuan dishes. Diners can enjoy fresh ingredients, signature dumplings, dim sum and bold flavours in welcoming settings across multiple suburbs. The China Kitchen and Madam Kwong’s Restaurant exemplify the range with their popular pan-fried dumplings and extensive late-night options.
1The China Kitchen
The China Kitchen is a family-owned restaurant in Papanui serving fresh Chinese cuisine for over 20 years. It is known for its signature pan-fried dumplings and commitment to healthier preparation using canola oil with no added MSG. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available alongside a wide range of stir-fries, noodles and seafood dishes.
Services
- Pan-fried dumplings including pork and chives or chicken and spinach varieties
- Stir-fries and noodle dishes such as Singapore fried rice noodles
- Seafood specials like lychees red curry prawns
- Sichuan chicken and other mains including sweet and sour pork
- Slow cooked pork belly and chicken with cashew nuts
Highlights
- Family-owned operation serving Christchurch for over 20 years
- No added MSG and uses canola oil for healthier cooking
- Gluten-free and vegetarian options available
- BYO wine and fully licensed
- Dine-in and takeaway services
Location & Contact
Name: The China Kitchen
Address: 21a Main North Road, Papanui, Christchurch 8053
Phone: 03 354 6818
Website: www.chinakitchen.co.nz
2Madam Kwong’s Restaurant
Madam Kwong’s Restaurant is a family-friendly eatery in Riccarton specialising in Cantonese cuisine with an extensive dim sum selection and other classics. It operates late into the night and caters to dietary needs with vegan and vegetarian dishes. The venue is fully licensed and offers BYO wine alongside dine-in, takeaway and catering options.
Services
- Dim sum including steamed, baked, deep-fried, pan-fried, rice rolls and congee
- Chef’s special stir-fries with lamb, beef, pork and chicken
- Fish and seafood dishes
- Sizzling plate selections
- Rice, vermicelli, soup and noodle dishes
Highlights
- Open late until 2am the next morning
- Extensive dim sum and Cantonese menu
- Vegan and vegetarian options available
- Fully licensed with BYO wine (corkage applies)
- Family-friendly atmosphere suitable for groups and functions
Location & Contact
Name: Madam Kwong’s Restaurant
Address: 155 Blenheim Road, Riccarton, Christchurch 8041
Phone: 03 348 3638
Website: www.madamkwong.nz
3Pot Sticker Dumpling Bar
Pot Sticker Dumpling Bar is a modern dumpling specialist with locations in Christchurch’s CBD and Sydenham, focused on handcrafted dumplings and Chinese small plates. The vibrant setting includes creative cocktails and opportunities for private dumpling parties. Vegan and vegetarian options complement the sharing-plate style menu.
Services
- Handcrafted dumplings including pan-fried, soup dumplings and spicy wontons
- Chinese small plates and dim sum
- Wok dishes
- Vegan and vegetarian options
- Custom cocktails and beer pairings
Highlights
- Specialises in world-class dumplings with a mission to share the obsession
- Dumpling parties and private dining experiences available
- Creative cocktails designed to complement the menu
- Multiple Christchurch locations for convenience
- Urban, lively atmosphere ideal for casual dining and groups
Location & Contact
Name: Pot Sticker Dumpling Bar
Address: 144 Lichfield Street, CBD, Christchurch (also 363 Colombo Street, Sydenham, Christchurch)
Phone: 03 420 0376
Website: www.potsticker.nz
4Miss Peppercorn
Miss Peppercorn brings authentic Sichuan street food to Sumner with bold, spicy and mouth-numbing flavours using Sichuan peppercorns. Opened in 2018 by owners from China, it features hand-made noodles and dumplings alongside dishes like BiangBiang noodles. Vegan, gluten-free and adjustable spice levels cater to a range of preferences in a cozy setting.
Services
- Sichuan specialties including dan dan noodles and sizzling prawns
- Hand-made noodles and dumplings
- Unique and traditional dishes with spice level customisation
- Vegan and gluten-free options
- Takeout and dine-in
Highlights
- Authentic Sichuan cuisine inspired by the owners’ hometown in Deyang, China
- Focus on Sichuan peppercorns for the signature numbing effect
- Opened in 2018 in the Sumner suburb
- Menu includes adventurous options like duck head alongside favourites
- Cozy, welcoming atmosphere for spice lovers and newcomers
Location & Contact
Name: Miss Peppercorn
Address: 32 Nayland Street, Sumner, Christchurch 8081
Phone: 03 326 6720
Website: www.misspeppercorn.co.nz
5Maxines Palace Restaurant
Maxines Palace Restaurant in Addington serves authentic Chinese-style dishes in a fully licensed setting. It provides lunch and dinner service with options for BYO wine. The venue focuses on delivering traditional flavours to Christchurch diners.
Services
- Authentic Chinese-style dishes and mains
- Lunch and dinner menus
- Stir-fries and other classics
- BYO wine service
- Dine-in and takeaway
Highlights
- Fully licensed restaurant
- BYO for white wine, red wine and sparkling wine with corkage
- Open Tuesday to Sunday
- Located in Addington for convenient access
- Emphasis on authentic Chinese-style preparation
Location & Contact
Name: Maxines Palace Restaurant
Address: 283 Lincoln Road, Addington, Christchurch
Phone: 03 335 0100
Website: maxinespalace.co.nz
Chinese Restaurants in Christchurch at a Glance
| Business | Highlight |
|---|---|
| The China Kitchen | Family-owned operation serving Christchurch for over 20 years |
| Madam Kwong's Restaurant | Open late until 2am the next morning |
| Pot Sticker Dumpling Bar | Specialises in world-class dumplings with a mission to share the obse... |
| Miss Peppercorn | Authentic Sichuan cuisine inspired by the owners' hometown in Deyang |
| Maxines Palace Restaurant | Fully licensed restaurant |
How to Choose the Right Chinese Restaurant in Christchurch
- Decide on regional style such as Cantonese for dim sum and roast meats or Sichuan for spicy numbing dishes.
- Check dietary options including vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free menus and customisation.
- Consider suburb location to match preferred dining area like Papanui, Riccarton or Sumner.
- Review atmosphere for family-friendly, late-night or modern trendy settings suitable for groups or dates.
- Confirm policies on BYO wine, licensing, takeaway availability and opening hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christchurch Chinese Restaurants
What types of Chinese cuisine can I find in Christchurch?
Christchurch restaurants offer Cantonese, Sichuan and other regional Chinese cuisines featuring dim sum, roast meats, stir-fries, noodles, dumplings and spicy dishes.
Are there vegetarian or gluten-free Chinese food options available?
Yes, many Chinese restaurants in Christchurch provide vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes with options for customisation. Always confirm with staff when ordering.
Do Chinese restaurants in Christchurch typically offer takeaway or delivery?
Most provide takeaway services and some partner with delivery apps, making it convenient for areas like Riccarton, Papanui and the central city.
Is it necessary to book a table in advance?
Walk-ins are often welcome but booking ahead is recommended for weekends, large groups or popular spots especially during peak times.
Can I BYO wine or alcohol to Chinese restaurants in Christchurch?
Several venues allow BYO wine with corkage fees and may also be fully licensed. Check the specific policy for each restaurant before visiting.
Which suburbs have popular Chinese restaurants?
Popular options are located in Papanui, Riccarton, Sumner, the CBD and Addington, offering a mix of family-run and modern experiences across the city.
What should I expect from a Sichuan restaurant in Christchurch?
Sichuan spots feature bold spicy and numbing flavours from Sichuan peppercorns, with adjustable heat levels, hand-made noodles and dumplings in welcoming settings.
How We Chose the Best Chinese Restaurants in Christchurch
Every business in this guide was found by searching for chinese restaurants in Christchurch, then checked against its own website. Names, addresses and phone numbers are taken from the business’s own site rather than a directory feed, so what you see here is what they publish themselves. We also check that each one is actually based in or genuinely serving Christchurch, rather than a national operator running a local landing page. A business with no website of its own is not listed, because there is no primary source to verify it against.