Introduction
Had a long day exploring the magnificent Ely Cathedral or perhaps enjoying a leisurely stroll along the River Great Ouse? The day is drawing to a close, and suddenly that familiar craving hits – the irresistible allure of Chinese cuisine. Lucky for you, Ely, a charming cathedral city nestled in the heart of Cambridgeshire, boasts a selection of Chinese restaurants and takeaways ready to satisfy your taste buds. But with so many options, how do you choose the perfect spot for your Chinese food fix? That’s where we come in.
This comprehensive guide is your passport to the best Chinese food Ely has to offer. We’ve scoured the city, sampled the menus, and gathered insights to bring you a curated list of top-notch restaurants and takeaways, ensuring your next Chinese meal in Ely is a truly delightful experience. We’ve considered factors like flavour profiles, attentive service, overall value, and of course, gleaming customer reviews to create this definitive compilation. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more!
Delightful Dining: Exceptional Chinese Restaurants in Ely
Let’s begin our exploration with the sit-down dining experiences. These restaurants offer more than just a meal; they provide an atmosphere, a chance to relax, and an opportunity to savour the flavours of authentic Chinese cooking.
Golden Dragon: A Culinary Gem
Tucked away on a quiet side street, Golden Dragon is a true hidden gem. Its warm and inviting atmosphere, complete with traditional Chinese décor, sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The attentive staff makes you feel instantly welcome, and the aroma of sizzling dishes fills the air, igniting your appetite.
The Golden Dragon truly shines with its commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Their menu is extensive, boasting all the classic Chinese favorites alongside some more adventurous and regional specialties. If you’re looking for a truly authentic taste, be sure to ask about their daily specials.
However, the stars of the show are undoubtedly their signature dishes. Their aromatic crispy duck is a must-try, arriving at your table perfectly rendered and ready to be wrapped in delicate pancakes with slivered scallions and sweet hoisin sauce. The succulent Peking Duck is also a popular selection, and it is worth planning ahead as reservations are encouraged. Their Kung Pao Chicken dances on the palate, with a perfect balance of spicy chili peppers, crunchy peanuts, and tender chicken pieces. Vegetarians will delight in their expansive selection of plant-based options, including the fragrant Buddha’s Delight, a medley of fresh vegetables stir-fried in a light and flavourful sauce.
Golden Dragon’s location is easily accessible, and it offers both lunch and dinner service. The establishment has gained recognition within Ely, and is praised for its service and food. While it can be a bit pricier than some of the takeaway options, the quality of the food and the overall dining experience make it worth every penny. It’s an excellent choice for a romantic date night, a celebratory family dinner, or a special occasion with friends.
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_Price Range: Moderate to Expensive_
_Best For: Special Occasions, Date Nights, Family Gatherings_
Red Lantern: A Local Favourite
Red Lantern has been a staple of the Ely Chinese food scene for many years, and with good reason. This family-run restaurant exudes a sense of warmth and community, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The interior is simple yet comfortable, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
What sets Red Lantern apart is its dedication to consistently delivering delicious and reliable Chinese dishes. Their menu is classic and comforting, featuring all the familiar favourites you know and love. From the savoury egg rolls to the comforting wonton soup, every dish is prepared with care and attention to detail.
Their sweet and sour pork is a standout, perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, coated in a tangy and flavourful sauce. The beef with broccoli is another crowd-pleaser, with tender slices of beef and crisp-tender broccoli florets in a savoury ginger-garlic sauce. Red Lantern’s fried rice is a thing of beauty, perfectly fluffy and studded with shrimp, pork, and vegetables.
This Chinese restaurant in Ely tends to be a more affordable option, and the portion sizes are generous, making it a great value for your money. The service is friendly and efficient, and they are always happy to accommodate special requests. Consider the Red Lantern for a casual dinner with friends, a relaxed family meal, or a satisfying weeknight treat.
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_Price Range: Affordable to Moderate_
_Best For: Casual Dining, Family Meals, Weeknight Dinners_
Swift Satisfaction: Top Chinese Takeaway Choices in Ely
Sometimes, you just want a quick and convenient meal without sacrificing flavour. Luckily, Ely offers several excellent Chinese takeaways that deliver delicious dishes straight to your doorstep (or your couch!).
Lucky Star: Speedy and Scrumptious
Lucky Star is renowned for its speed and efficiency. This no-frills takeaway joint focuses on getting your food to you as quickly as possible, without compromising on taste. They offer a wide range of classic Chinese takeaway dishes, all prepared with fresh ingredients and cooked to order.
Lucky Star excels at the takeaway staples. Their chicken chow mein is a perennial favourite, loaded with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles. Their spring rolls are crispy and golden brown, filled with a delicious mix of vegetables and vermicelli noodles. And of course, their sweet and sour chicken balls are a classic comfort food, perfect for satisfying those late-night cravings.
Lucky Star often has discounts when you spend a certain amount, making it the perfect place for a low-cost meal. They also offer online ordering for added convenience, allowing you to skip the phone call and place your order directly through their website. Lucky Star is an excellent choice for a quick and easy meal, a late-night treat, or a budget-friendly family dinner.
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_Price Range: Affordable_
_Best For: Quick Meals, Late-Night Cravings, Budget-Friendly Options_
Jade Garden: Quality and Convenience Combined
Jade Garden strikes the perfect balance between quality and convenience. This popular takeaway offers a wide range of delicious Chinese dishes, all prepared with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection. They are known for their generous portions, their friendly service, and their consistently high-quality food.
Jade Garden’s crispy chilli beef is a standout, perfectly crispy and coated in a tangy and spicy sauce. Their Singapore noodles are another crowd-pleaser, bursting with flavour and packed with shrimp, chicken, and vegetables. Jade Garden are also quite good with special requests if dietary needs are mentioned when ordering. The establishment has a local following and many return customers.
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_Website/Online Ordering: [Insert Actual Website/Online Ordering Link Here]_
_Price Range: Affordable_
_Best For: Takeaway, Delivery, Family meals_
Venturing Beyond the Familiar: Exploring Diverse Dishes
While the classics are always a good choice, don’t be afraid to venture beyond your comfort zone and explore some of the lesser-known, but equally delicious, Chinese dishes.
If any establishment in Ely, or just outside of the city, are providing dim sum, be sure to visit. Dim sum, originating from Cantonese cuisine, are small, bite-sized portions of various dishes served with tea. It’s a social and flavourful experience, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ordering with Confidence: Useful Tips
If you are a first time customer, it’s a good idea to read through all of the menu to familiarise yourself with what dishes you can order. It’s also important to check the food hygiene rating to get an idea of the service you may receive.
Ensure that when ordering you are clear with your requests, for example, if you are vegetarian it’s important to confirm that your meal is suitable for this.
It’s also worth checking what the different payment methods are available. In many cases cash and card payments are available, but it’s worth confirming this before ordering.
Savour the Flavour: A Delicious Finale
Ely offers a delightful array of Chinese food experiences, from authentic restaurant dining to convenient and tasty takeaways. Whether you’re craving a classic favourite or eager to try something new, you’re sure to find a Chinese meal to satisfy your appetite in this charming cathedral city. We hope this guide has helped you discover your next culinary adventure.
Now it’s your turn! Have you tried any of these restaurants or takeaways? What are your favourite Chinese dishes in Ely? Share your recommendations and experiences in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you! And if you’re looking for more dining inspiration in Ely, be sure to check out our other articles on the best restaurants and takeaway options in the city. Happy eating!
