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Sian Victoria © - Chung Ying Central, Colmore Row, Birmingham

Birmingham's Cantonese Food Places with Plant-Based & Vegetarian

If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine like me, then Birmingham is the perfect place for you! This lively city has a diverse culinary scene featuring some of the best Chinese restaurants in the country.

Having lived in the West Midlands for most of my life, I can confidently say that the Chinese food scene here is second to none. To satisfy your appetite, you may find everything from traditional Cantonese dishes to pan-Asian cuisine. If you're craving some delicious dim sum, spicy Szechuan fare, or succulent Peking duck, Birmingham has it all.

So, join me as I take you on a foodie tour of top-rated Asian restaurants in Birmingham. Thankfully, they all have dishes suitable for vegans; therefore, I’m sure you won't be disappointed.

1. Tattu Birmingham

Tattu Birmingham is a restaurant that provides an exceptional dining experience from the moment you enter the door. Its interior is inspired by the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang and is known for its stunning design.

The ground floor represents Yang, which symbolises masculinity, growth, and fire, and is one of the most popular spots in Birmingham for Instagram. On the other hand, the main restaurant area downstairs embodies Yin, which represents femininity and includes cherry trees and gentle lighting that mimics the flow of waterfalls. When dining here, it is easy to forget that you are in central Birmingham and not in a serene Eastern oasis.

The menu offers a modern take on Chinese cuisine, featuring shared plates that encourage a communal dining experience. Each dish is a work of art, combining traditional flavours with contemporary techniques that surprise and delight.

The cocktails are also inventive and complement the dishes perfectly. Whether you are planning a family dinner, a special occasion or a romantic evening dining in Birmingham, Tattu offers a unique experience that is hard to match. It is more than just Chinese food; it explores taste, aesthetics, and harmony.

Sian Victoria © - King Prawns in Salt & Chilli, Chung Ying Central, Birmingham

2. Lulu Wild

Lulu Wild is a restaurant in Birmingham that celebrates the vibrant and eclectic spirit of Chinese cuisine. This fascinating venue combines the tradition of Chinese cooking with a bold and contemporary twist, creating a dining experience that's as visually stunning as it is delicious.

My first visit to this lively venue left me with a lasting impression. The colourful, daring decor and vibrant atmosphere instantly lifted my spirits. It's not just a place to eat; it's a place to bask in the energy of Birmingham's diverse culinary scene.

Their menu showcases the versatility of Chinese food in Birmingham, offering a range of dishes from succulent dim sum to spicy Szechuan plates, all prepared with a modern and flavoursome twist. Their cocktail-making is equally impressive, crafted with precision and creativity, promising an adventure in every sip. This food place in BrindleyPlace also takes pride in catering to various dietary needs, with a fantastic selection of halal and vegetarian options ensuring everyone can enjoy the fun and flavours.

Their bottomless brunch offer in Birmingham is an absolute must-try if you want to make the most of the weekend. It's an indulgent affair with endless bubbles and a parade of dishes that showcase the best Chinese cuisine; all enjoyed amidst the buzz of fellow diners and the venue's beautiful interior design.

Sian Victoria © - Vegetarian spring rolls, Chung Ying Central, Birmingham

3. Ruga Bistro

Ruga Bistro is a Chinese restaurant that offers a modern take on traditional Chinese cuisine, focusing on vegan and vegetarian dishes. It is located on the ground floor of Pershore Street and boasts contemporary interiors adorned with lush plants, creating a refreshing dining atmosphere.

For those like me who like to see what the food looks like before they order, you’ll be pleased to know the menu features pictures of almost every dish, making it easy to choose what to order. Ruga Bistro is known for its innovative use of "mock" meats, which are vegan versions of classic dishes made to replicate chicken, beef, and prawns. Even meat lovers might find these dishes surprisingly enjoyable as they are tasty and realistic. However, they do have meat options, too, of course.

Additionally, the eatery serves a selection of dishes made with vegetables that showcase the versatility of vegetables in Chinese cooking. With happy-hour specials, plenty of vegan options, and Wi-Fi access, Ruga Bistro is perfect for casual meet-ups and focused work lunches. Whether you're a fan of plant-based cuisine or simply curious about modern Chinese food in Birmingham, this foodie destination is a top place to consider in the city.

Sian Victoria © - Vegetarian Pei Par Tofu, Chung Ying Central, Birmingham

4. Ming Moon Buffet & Karaoke

Ming Moon Buffet & Karaoke is in Birmingham's Chinatown, where I recently enjoyed celebrating the Mid Autumn Festival. This venue offers an unforgettable dining and entertainment experience. It's a place where you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat feast while indulging in the excitement of karaoke, which is hugely popular in China, as I experienced first-hand during my study abroad programme.

Various food stations offer everything from meaty dishes and vegan sushi to fresh seafood buffets. So, no matter your taste preferences, you'll find something to satisfy your craving. If you're in a hurry, you can also choose the takeaway box option and enjoy your meal on the go.

After dining, you can set free your inner pop star in one of their themed karaoke rooms. Each room has a unique backdrop to transport you to a different setting. You can choose from an Alice in Wonderland fantasy, the charm of an old historic English pub, or explore the futuristic vibes of a steampunk setting and many more.

It's a perfect place for parties or events in Birmingham, offering a unique and exciting twist to the usual dining experience. Whether you are here for the vibrant karaoke scene or the vast vegan options, you will have a memorable outing with your friends or family at Ming Moon.

Sian Victoria © - Vegetarian Ma Por Tofu, Chung Ying Central, Birmingham

5. Chung Ying

Chung Ying is a well-known Chinese restaurant in Birmingham that offers a wide range of authentic Cantonese dishes and an impressive dim sum menu, claimed to be the largest in the UK.

When you enter Chung Ying, you are immediately welcomed by a sense of tradition and warmth that only a family-run establishment can offer. It was opened in 1981 by the Wong family and has since become a beloved spot in Chinatown, attracting both locals and visitors. It’s a place I visited often with family growing up and then with my partner in our early years of dating, so I will always have fond memories.

Chung Ying's award-winning culinary excellence and dedication to catering to all set it apart. Extensive gluten-free and vegan options ensure that everyone at the table is satisfied. Its location near Birmingham's key attractions makes it an ideal starting point or a grand finale to a day of exploring the city. Every visit here is a meal and an experience infused with the legacy and love of the Wong family, making Chung Ying a true gem in Birmingham's food scene.

Sian Victoria © - Brownies, Chung Ying Central, Birmingham

6. Henry Wong

Located near the Rumours of Harborne hair salon I visited, Henry Wong is a renowned restaurant serving delicious Cantonese cuisine on Harborne's High Street in Birmingham for over 30 years.

This premium food spot is a cornerstone of the local dining scene and has possibly influenced the culinary boom that Harborne enjoys today. What sets Henry Wong apart is its unique combination of traditional Chinese dishes with a contemporary twist, all served in a stylish, comfortable dining room that exudes sophistication.

Like me, you may appreciate the venue's warm hospitality and exceptional food quality. Their succulent Peking duck and delicious dim sum selection are notable highlights for many who visit. The restaurant's focus on refined Cantonese dishes and a modern and inviting ambience make for an impressive dining experience beyond mere satisfaction.

Sian Victoria © - Salted caramel steamed buns, Chung Ying Central, Birmingham

7. Chung Ying Central (Now Closed)

Chung Ying Central is a stylish Chinese restaurant specialising in cocktails and Dim Sum. It is located on Colmore Row, Birmingham, and is part of the Chung Ying Group, which has two other reputable restaurants around the city. I have always loved Chinese culture and food, so I was pleased to have been invited to their 'Blogger Bites' event.

We were greeted with a Shanghai Rose cocktail beautifully presented with floating roses upon arrival. The venue is claimed to have some of the finest cocktails in Birmingham. This drink, in particular, consisted of vodka, lychee liqueur, and rose syrup. The cocktail tasted gorgeous, and I had three top-ups throughout the evening, so I wasn't surprised when the lovely hosts told us it was one of their bestsellers.

While we waited for other food bloggers based in Birmingham to arrive and for the vast amount of food to be served, we tucked into prawn crackers with sweet chilli dip accompanied by a Chang beer. I have never been a beer fan, but I was intrigued to see what an Asian beer would taste like. I was pleasantly surprised; it was full of flavour, with a subtle fruit taste and aroma. The golden brew was easy to drink, considering I'm not a beer drinker.

The first dish served was the Vegetarian Ma Por Tofu. I've never tried Tofu, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. As a first-timer, I wasn't quite struck by the soft, silken tofu texture. However, I ate most of it because of the delicious, salty, rich sauce. The sauce was certainly a winner at the Vegetarian table. As Tofu is very new to me, the consistency is something I believe I will grow to enjoy over time.

The next dish was Vegetarian Pei Par Tofu. The tofu was fried in batter, making it a more significant introduction to tofu to help ease my way into this popular Asian cooking staple. The authentic dish was less about the silky tofu consistency and more about the delicious crispy batter. Therefore, the Pei Par Tofu dish was my favourite, and the vegetables were also lovely.

Next up was my favourite dish, King Prawns in Salt and Chilli. I've been craving this meal since I took my first bite of those juicy king prawns, surrounded by a crispy batter and a fiery chilli seasoning. This dish was terrific, and I demolished all but two prawns.

Sian Victoria © - Pan fried water chestnut, Chung Ying Central, Birmingham

At this point, I was overwhelmed by the vast range of incredible food the Chung Ying restaurant had prepared for us. I had to stop myself from eating those last prawns to be able to squeeze in the food and drink that was coming up next.

Vegetarian spring rolls and fried rice are something I occasionally enjoy at home, and I ate a lot of them when I was travelling around Chengdu last July. So, they were a welcoming side dish.

As a confessed chocoholic, I managed to work my way through the selection of heavenly desserts, bearing in mind I was so full at this point and had a full-on food baby going on. When I was in China, my group went wild for steamed buns. But because they were very meaty, I never tried them. So, finally, trying out a steamed bun for pudding was excellent; the centre consisted of egg yolk and had a lovely caramel flavour. The bun was made to perfection.

For someone trying to cut back on chocolate, being presented with a pretty plate full of strawberries, whipped cream, triple chocolate brownies, and salted caramel brownies was a nightmare. I refrained from grabbing the plate and sitting in a corner, stuffing my face with the Shanghai Rose cocktail.

To my disappointment, I allowed myself one of each brownie. Walking away from the leftover plate of brownies was tough, but I did it. The brownies were magical, and Chung Ying brought them in for this special occasion from a secret dessert place in Birmingham.

Finally, the wonderful evening was full of delicious food and fantastic company, ending with a pan-fried water chestnut paste dessert and a Changyu Golden Diamond Vidal Ice Wine. The pan-fried chestnut had a jelly-like consistency, crunchy bits, and a lovely refreshing flavour suited to cleanse the palette. The Chinese Ice dessert wine was fragrant and sweet.

Chung Ying is a fantastic Chinese restaurant in the city and is highly recommended. I will be looking forward to visiting again to get my King Prawns in Salt and Chili fix. Many meat, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options exist. I want to thank Chung Ying for their fabulous hospitality and for educating us all about Chinese cuisine. I would also like to thank my fellow Birmingham bloggers for the beautiful company and for enjoying another great food and drink event.

Sian Victoria © - Shanghai Rose cocktail & Chang beer, Chung Ying Central, Birmingham

To conclude

Concluding our culinary tour of Birmingham's Chinese dining scene, it's evident that this city provides a haven for those who love this rich and diverse cuisine. Each restaurant brings its unique flair, from the visually stunning dishes at Tattu Birmingham to the comforting and authentic offerings at Chung Ying.

My journey through these eateries has not only satisfied my cravings but also deepened my appreciation for the art of Chinese cooking. Whether living in Birmingham or just visiting Birmingham, these spots are a must-visit for an exceptional dining experience.

*SHOP THE POST

Want to recreate restaurant-quality Chinese food at home? Pick up a stir-fry wok to cook your favourite veggies, a steamer basket for fluffy buns, and some reusable chopsticks for an authentic touch. Don't forget a bottle of chilli oil for that perfect kick and a teapot to brew your favourite herbal tea for a complete Chinese dining experience!