The Best Chinese Food in Lisbon
Chinese cuisine will differ depending on what part of China the chef is from. To put things into perspective, consider the fact that China is 104 times the size of Portugal. The fact then that there are eight distinctly different cuisines in Chinese cooking is quite understandable.
Most major cities in the world have a thriving Chinese food scene, whether they have a Chinese district or not. Lisbon does fantastic Chinese food, which I find to be a welcome break when I’ve reached my bacalhau fill for the week.
Illegal Chinese Restaurant in Lisbon
The Illegal Chinese Restaurant has made quite a name for itself on Lisbon’s city streets. The name is the first thing that put them on the map; they really do go by “Illegal Chinese Restaurant”, and the locals absolutely love it.
The restaurant is in the far north of the Alfama. The food is astoundingly affordable, as are the potions. The servings are truly enormous; definitely drag some friends along to help you dig in. Don’t be deterred by the interior (or lack there of) of the space. You’re here for the food and that’s all that matters.
OPENING HOURS: MONDAY TO SUNDAY – 6:30PM TO 12AM
ADDRESS: R. GUIA 9 1, 1100-132 LISBOA, PORTUGAL
METRO STATION: MARTIM MONIZ
Restaurante Nova París in Lisbon
It seems the Alfama is the best place in Lisbon for anyone craving authentic Chinese cuisine. The Restaurante Nova Paris take on Si Chuan Chinese food; Si Chuan is a province in southwestern China, with distinct food preparation techniques different to that of the big cities.
Like the Illegal Chinese Restaurant, the potions at Nova are unbelievable. Instead of plates, large silver trays are sometimes used to plate the dishes — again, you’re better off dining with company if you eat here.
Traditional Si Chuan cuisine embraces a lot of meats in its dishes, but has a comfortable amount of vegetable based dishes as well that can be accompanied by a side of fried rice to make for a hearty vegan meal. Just be sure to mention that they don’t fry your rice with egg, as is customary.
OPENING HOURS: TUESDAY TO SUNDAY – 11:30AM TO 11PM
ADDRESS: AV. ALM. REIS 19, 1150-020 LISBOA, PORTUGAL
METRO STATION: ANJOS
Snacks Chinese Dong in Lisbon
The Martim Moniz public square is situated in the north of the Alfama as well. It’s the closest Lisbon has to its own Chinatown. A district filled with Asian eateries and low-cost bulk-buying stores selling everything from Portuguese souvenirs to homeware and cosmetics.
This is why all of the Chinese restaurants that I frequent seem to be congested within the same area; this northern part of Lisbon’s oldest town.
The food is outstanding, the preparation is fast (for both sit down and takeaway), the prices are incredibly low and the space is wonderfully calming. It’s a consistently great Chinese dining experience on any night out in Lisbon — and they are open for lunch!
Try something off of their noodle menu; Snacks Chinese Dong also gets the vote for some of the best noodles in Lisbon.
OPENING HOURS: MONDAY TO SUNDAY – 11AM TO 12AM
ADDRESS: DOS, RUA CAVALEIROS 53, LISBOA, PORTUGAL
METRO STATION: MARTIM MONIZ
Tun Fon 2 in Lisbon
Santa Cruz is a neighborhood north of Lisbon’s city center. It’s a university town, which means it is packed with hungry, broke students day in and day out. For this reason you’ll find some of the city’s most affordable dining spots, especially Chinese restaurants. Tun Fon 2 is different to other Chinese spots in Lisbon as they make everything from scratch. Everything from the noodles that they cooke with and the spring rolls that they roll are homemade and fresh, not imported and frozen until prepared.
by Van Thanh – Unsplash
The difference in taste is astounding. As far as I know they won’t even freeze the meats that they use, meaning your pecking duck is fresh off the kill and untouched by freezer toxins.
Almost all the staff in Tun For 2 speak and understand English, making it easy for you to order and communicate for the duration of your meal.
OPENING HOURS: MONDAY TO SATURDAY 12PM TO 3PM, 7PM TO 11PM
ADDRESS: PR. LUCIANO CORDEIRO 88, 1150-218 LISBOA, PORTUGAL
METRO STATION: MARQUÊS DE POMBAL
Panda Cantina in Lisbon
Chiado is a neighborhood for shopping, drinking, street art, guided walking tours and, as of recently, authentic Chinese noodle dining.
Panda Cantina is a simple yet fabulous little Chinese noodle bar right in the heart of Lisbon’s city center. Chinese noodle dishes can be easily compared to ramen, the noodles of Japan.
Panda Cantina in Lisbon – by Panda Cantina – Uploaded by them
It’s broth, noodles, protein, veggies, sauces and a soft centered egg to top things off. At Panda Cantina you’ll have the choice of either beef, pork belly or tofu as your protein filling. You can also request only veggies if you’re impartial to tofu based soups.
The kitchen also gives you the option of deciding the level of spice you’d like for your bowl; one being the lowest and five the highest. I love chili and found level five to be totally manageable and complementary to the dish.
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