It’s hard to imagine the UK’s food culture without Chinese cuisine. From Friday night takeaways to midweek meal deals, Chinese food has found a permanent and beloved spot in the British culinary landscape. But beyond crispy spring rolls and sweet and sour chicken, the influence of Chinese cuisine runs much deeper.
Over the decades, Chinese food has reshaped how people in the UK eat, cook, and think about flavour. Let’s take a closer look at how Chinese cuisine has influenced the UK and continues to enrich our plates in exciting, flavour-packed ways.
A Staple of the British Takeaway Culture
Walk down any UK high street and you’ll likely find a Chinese takeaway—if not several. Dishes like chow mein, egg fried rice and salt and pepper chips have become household favourites. In fact, ordering Chinese food has become a weekly tradition for millions of Brits.
But this wasn’t always the case. The first wave of Chinese restaurants opened in the early 20th century, serving largely to Chinese immigrants. It wasn’t until the 1950s and ‘60s, following immigration from Hong Kong, that Chinese food started to catch on with the wider UK population.
By the 1980s, it was fully embraced—transforming from a niche offering into one of the UK’s most popular cuisines.
Fusion Flavours and Local Twists
One of the most unique aspects of Chinese cuisine in the UK is how it has evolved to suit British tastes. Salt and pepper chips, a dish you’d struggle to find in mainland China, is a perfect example. This fusion of Chinese-style seasoning with British comfort food is now a staple in Chinese takeaways, especially in the North.
Over time, many dishes have been “Anglicised”—adjusted to include ingredients more familiar to British palates. This cultural exchange has created a delicious hybrid of East meets West, making Chinese food even more accessible to a wide audience.
The Rise of Regional Chinese Cuisine
In recent years, the UK’s love for Chinese food has deepened beyond the basics. Customers are now seeking out more authentic and regional Chinese dishes—from fiery Sichuan stir-fries to Xi’an-style hand-pulled noodles.
Restaurants across the UK are increasingly showcasing dishes from regions like crispy aromatic duck, Hunan, Guangdong, Shandong, and Yunnan, giving British foodies a taste of the true diversity of Chinese cuisine. This growing demand for authenticity is not only changing restaurant menus—it’s also shaping the takeaway experience.
Chinese Ingredients in British Kitchens
Another way Chinese cuisine has influenced the UK is through our home kitchens. Ingredients like soy sauce, five-spice powder, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar have become pantry staples for many British households.
The rise of recipe videos, food blogs, and online grocery options has made it easier than ever to cook Chinese-inspired meals at home. Stir-fries, dumplings, and noodle dishes are now part of everyday cooking, not just reserved for restaurant visits.
Chinese Food and Community
Chinese cuisine has also played a role in bringing communities together. Events like Chinese New Year are now widely celebrated in towns and cities across the UK, with food at the centre of the festivities. Dumplings, longevity noodles, and steamed buns bring people of all backgrounds together to enjoy and learn about Chinese traditions.
In this way, food becomes more than a meal—it becomes a bridge between cultures, helping to foster understanding, appreciation, and connection.
From humble beginnings to national favourite, Chinese cuisine has had a remarkable impact on the UK. It has shaped our tastes, expanded our culinary horizons, and brought flavour, culture, and community into our everyday lives.
Whether you’re ordering a Friday night takeaway, cooking up a stir-fry at home, or trying a regional dish for the first time, Chinese food is a delicious reminder of how global influences can become local favourites.
And with Foodhub, exploring your favourite Chinese dishes has never been easier. From classic takeaways to modern, regional flavours, your next delicious meal is just a tap away.
Ready to taste the influence for yourself? Explore the best local Chinese takeaways near you—only on Foodhub.
