13 Chinese restaurants of various genres in Tokyo: Shanghai, Hong Kong, Sichuan, Cantonese, Taiwan

Tokyo Boasts a Rich Array of Fine Dining Chinese Restaurants

Tokyo offers numerous opportunities to savor authentic Chinese fine dining. As of August 2024, the Michelin Guide features 37 restaurants under the Chinese cuisine category. Japanese Chinese cuisine ranges from popular chuka (Japanese-style Chinese food) adapted to suit Japanese tastes, to fine dining establishments run by chefs who've honed their skills in China. There's also a wide selection of creative Chinese cuisine that fuses Japanese and Chinese culinary traditions. The key is maintaining the characteristic flavors, colors, forms, and aromas of Chinese cuisine while adapting to the more delicate and less spicy Japanese palate.

A Tour of Chinese Culinary Styles

Chinese cuisine, born and nurtured in China's vast and diverse landscape, has a rich history spanning over 4,000 years. As a result, cooking styles and flavors vary significantly from region to region.

Recognized as one of the world's three major cuisines, Chinese cooking is often categorized into the popular "Four Great Traditions" or "Eight Great Traditions." When you factor in Taiwanese and Hong Kong cuisines, the variety becomes even more impressive.

In this article, we'll explore Shanghai, Sichuan, Cantonese, and Hong Kong cuisines. We'll also delve into "Japanese-Chinese Fusion" and what we're calling "Diverse Chinese Cuisines" to give you a comprehensive look at the Chinese culinary landscape in Tokyo.

Shanghai Cuisine

Shanghai cuisine shines a spotlight on freshwater fish, shrimp, and crab. It's known for its rich, sweet, and intensely flavored dishes. The region's abundance of freshwater rice, vegetables, and its reputation for alcohol and miso production all influence its unique culinary identity.

Hong Kong Cuisine

Hong Kong cuisine is classified as Cantonese and is known for its light seasoning that emphasizes the natural flavors of ingredients.

Sichuan Cuisine

Sichuan cuisine is famous for its mala (麻辣, spicy and numbing Sichuan flavor) flavor – a unique combination of spicy heat and numbing sensation. It liberally uses doubanjiang (spicy fermented bean paste), chili peppers, and Sichuan peppercorns, creating a symphony of spicy, sour, salty, and aromatic flavors.

Cantonese Cuisine

Cantonese cuisine is celebrated for its light touch with seasonings, allowing the natural flavors of ingredients to take center stage. It's also known for incorporating luxury ingredients like shark's fin, abalone, and bird's nest.

Taiwanese Cuisine

Taiwanese cuisine puts a unique spin on Chinese cooking traditions. It's characterized by dishes based on Chinese cuisine but with distinct Taiwanese adaptations, typically featuring milder flavors with a lighter hand on the salt.

Pro tip: When making reservations, consider booking not just your table but also your preferred course or specific dishes. This ensures a smoother, more personalized dining experience.

Shanghai cuisine / 上海料理

1. M＿Mugen (エム ムゲン) / Ginza

This Chinese restaurant is run by a chef with extensive experience in Shanghai. Chef Uchida entered the world of Chinese cuisine at 15, studied Chinese at Shanghai University, and then trained at authentic establishments like Shanghai Galaxy Hotel and Shanghai Zhongyou Hotel. At 24, he opened his own restaurant, Kouyen, in Shanghai. His cuisine, which adds a uniquely Japanese delicacy to Chinese dishes, was praised as Japanese-style Chinese cuisine and became hugely popular, reaching the pinnacle of success in Shanghai.

In 2022, he opened M_Mugen in Tokyo's Ginza district (upscale Tokyo district). It's a 7-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Station and operates on a reservation-only basis.

The restaurant features a curved counter with 8 seats, where the chef prepares and serves an omakase (chef’s choice) course right before your eyes. It's perfect for special occasions with family, friends, or dates, offering a chance to savor top-tier Chinese cuisine.

hong kong cuisine / 香港料理

2. Koushikiryori Kouki (港式料理 鴻禧) / Toranomon

This Hong Kong-style restaurant has earned a Michelin star and is listed in Japan's top 100 gourmet review sites. Chef Tommy Chin, originally from Hong Kong, carries on the flavors of renowned Hong Kong establishments. He came to Japan at 37, joining ""Fuku Rin Mon Kaisen Juka"" in Tokyo's Marunouchi, and spent 14.5 years honing his skills at branches in Nagoya and Osaka.

The menu offers standard courses, special courses, and a course featuring the world's finest ""Yoshinhon abalone"" stew. You can customize your course by adding your favorite dishes.

One of the highlights is watching Tommy prepare authentic Hong Kong cuisine right in front of you. The relaxed interior includes an 11-seat counter and two private rooms (3 seats each), making it suitable for special occasions. Reservations are required.

3. Chugokusai Kan (中国菜 漢) / Hacchobori

This Hong Kong-style Chinese restaurant has been featured in the Michelin Guide for two consecutive years. The cuisine, crafted with skills honed at world-class establishments, offers a taste of new traditions. Both lunch and dinner courses are reasonably priced, allowing you to enjoy authentic Hong Kong cuisine. Besides the food, you can savor carefully selected Chinese wines like Shaoxing (Chinese rice wine) and yellow rice wine imported directly from China. They also offer original cocktails infused with Chinese spices that pair wonderfully with the food.

Located just a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Hatchobori Station (Exit A4), it's a versatile spot suitable for various occasions.

Sichuan cuisine / 四川料理

4. Piaoxiang Hiroo (飄香 広尾店) / Hiroo

This Sichuan restaurant has earned a Michelin star and is also listed in Japan's top 100 gourmet review sites. Since its founding, Piaoxiang has never used artificial flavoring, instead offering traditional Sichuan cuisine using homemade fermented seasonings and carefully selected authentic spices.

The Hiroo branch only offers an omakase (chef’s choice) dinner course consisting of 13 dishes. Inside, you can enjoy the sounds and sights of the cooking process, as well as the aromas of homemade fermented seasonings and authentic spices.

Located about a 5-minute walk from Hiroo Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, this restaurant operates on a reservation-only basis, either by phone or online.

Cantonese cuisine / 広東料理

5. Nakanochinese SAI (なかの中華！SAI) / Nakano

This Chinese restaurant, specializing in Cantonese cuisine, has been selected for the Michelin Bib Gourmand for seven consecutive years. They offer dishes using fresh fish sourced from the Goto Islands in Nagasaki.

They offer two course options: a reasonably priced 6,000 yen course featuring seafood, and an 11,000 yen course that includes special dishes like shark fin. The à la carte menu, lunch menu, and drink menu are also extensive. A highlight is the reasonable pricing, with lunch dishes like tantanmen (spicy Japanese-Chinese noodle dish) and mapo tofu (spicy Sichuan tofu dish) available for just 800 yen. Located a 12-minute walk from Nakano Station, the restaurant offers an elegant space to savor your meal. With both table seating for groups and counter seats for solo diners, it's suitable for various occasions.

6. Ippei Hanten (一平飯店) / Azabu

1. Michelin (2023, 24): One Star

This Cantonese restaurant has earned a Michelin star for two consecutive years and is also listed in Japan's top 100 gourmet review sites. The chef has trained at Cantonese restaurants in Hong Kong and Tokyo, offering dishes that condense authentic techniques, flavors, and aromas right down to the dim sum (small portion Chinese dishes).

A specialty is their seasonal omakase (chef’s choice) course, which showcases Cantonese cooking techniques with seasonal ingredients. Located a 5-minute walk from Azabu-juban Station, it's reservation-only. The calm atmosphere inside features an 8-seat counter and three private rooms (4 seats each), making it ideal for various occasions from family gatherings to business entertainment with overseas guests.

Make a Reservation

Japanese-Style Chinese Cuisine / 日本料理×中華

7. Sazenka (茶禅華) / Azabu

1. Michelin (2021 - 24): Three Star
2. Michelin (2018 - 20): Two Star

This renowned Chinese restaurant has held 3 Michelin stars for four consecutive years, making it one of Japan's top establishments. Its specialty is fusing Japanese spirit with Chinese cuisine. The head chef, trained in both Chinese and Japanese restaurants, creates dishes that bring out the best of both worlds - the bold flavors of Chinese cuisine and the profound deliciousness of Japanese cuisine - in a way that can be appreciated globally. The chef also has extensive knowledge of Chinese tea, offering exquisite pairings with various dishes.

The chic and luxurious interior includes a main dining area on the first floor and three private rooms on the first and second floors. English-speaking staff are available.

Make a Reservation

8. Itsuka (慈華) / Aoyama

This acclaimed restaurant has earned a Michelin star and is listed in Japan's top 100 gourmet review sites. The head chef trained at several establishments in Tokyo, including the renowned Cantonese restaurant Suikoen in Yokohama's Chinatown, before further honing his skills at Sichuan and vegetarian restaurants in Taiwan.

Located just a 3-minute walk from Gaienmae Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, this restaurant fuses the long history of Chinese cuisine with Japanese sensibilities. Itsuka operates on a reservation-only basis.

You can feel the warmth and heartfelt hospitality in every dish. The drink selection is also impressive, with recommended pairings including wine, Shaoxing wine (Chinese rice wine), and sake.

9. Noyashichi (の弥七) / Yotsuya

Featured in the Michelin Guide and selected for Japan's top 100 gourmet review sites, this restaurant uniquely blends Japanese and Chinese cuisines.

Their specialty is creating gentle flavors suited to Japanese tastes by incorporating Japanese dashi (Japanese soup stock) into Chinese cuisine. They use seasonal ingredients from trusted producers across Japan.

Located just a 3-minute walk from Yotsuya-sanchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, the interior offers a warm and cozy Japanese-style atmosphere with wood as the main design element.

Various Chinese Cuisine / 様々な中華料理

10. you-en (遊猿) / Yotsuya

This Chinese restaurant has been featured in the Michelin Guide for four consecutive years and is also listed in Japan's top 100 gourmet review sites. Owner-chef Seiya Ouchi, who gained experience at Chinese restaurants in Aoyama and Kagurazaka, consistently offers innovative Chinese cuisine.

The restaurant is a 5-minute walk from Yotsuya-sanchome Station. The lunch menu includes a salad bar and soup. For dinner, they offer carefully curated appetizers and à la carte options using ingredients hand-picked by the chef. The interior, surrounded by houseplants, offers a woody ambiance that enhances the dining experience.

11. NOGI (ノギ) / Roppongi

This Chinese restaurant is featured in the Michelin Guide. The chef here is a rising star who trained and excelled at Chinese restaurants in prestigious hotels.

Based on Cantonese cuisine, they offer traditional yet sophisticated Chinese dishes with unique personalities. The menu includes items with Asian-inspired elements, adding an element of choice to the dining experience.

The restaurant features counter seats with a view of the open kitchen for an immersive experience, as well as semi-private rooms. They can accommodate various scenarios, including private bookings, making it a versatile choice for different occasions.

12. O2 (オーツー) / Kiyosumishirakawa

This Chinese restaurant has been featured in the Michelin Guide for five consecutive years and is also listed in Japan's top 100 gourmet review sites.

It's a modern Chinese restaurant where you can enjoy Chinese cuisine made with carefully selected ingredients paired with wine. The modern interior is decorated with stylish furniture and objects, offering both counter seats and relaxed table seating.

They boast an extensive wine selection, and one of the highlights is the ability to enjoy natural wines chosen by veteran sommeliers alongside Chinese cuisine.

13. ShinoiS (シノワ) / Shirokane

1. Michelin (2021 - 24): One Star

This renowned restaurant has held a Michelin star for four consecutive years and is also listed in Japan's top 100 gourmet review sites. The chef, who originally specialized in Cantonese cuisine, studied various regional cuisines in Hong Kong and Shanghai, and now incorporates new cooking techniques and ingredients into the course menu.

The menu offers only seasonal omakase (chef’s choice) courses, starting from 37,500 yen. For drinks, the chef personally selects and offers a Chinese tea omakase and an alcohol pairing that change with the seasons.

Make a Reservation