Guide to Adelaide’s Chinatown for Orient Treasures & Savory Pleasures
Filled with Asian splendor and unique boutiques to explore, Adelaide’s Chinatown is one of my go-to pit stops whenever I tour my foreign friends and loved ones around. I usually go here for the food—especially when I crave authentic Chinese food—or just to check out the fun traditional Chinese events in the plaza.
With so much to do and many treats to taste, I can see why this is a hub for tourists and locals alike. Whether you’re a foodie or a Chinese culture enthusiast, here are fun things you can do in the area.
Things to Know
Address: 18 Moonta St
Website: https://www.chinatownadelaide.net/
History
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Adelaide’s Chinatown was established during the Australian gold rush in 1847 when Chinese laborers from Singapore came in as indentured shepherds.
However, this Chinatown only started booming when there was an influx of Asian immigrants during the 1970s to the 1980s. These multicultural settlers started selling food and traditional goods.
Since then, more Asian cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and supermarkets have sprouted to introduce their rich culture and goods in one convenient spot.
How to Get to Adelaide’s Chinatown
By Car: There’s a convenient UPark near Chinatown, which is located between Grote Street and Gouger Street. It’s just a 2–3 minute walk west to reach Moonta Street.
By Bus: Take the Adelaide Metro Free City Connector routes 98A and 98C. Alight at Stop W1 near Grote Street and walk to Moonta Street. The fare is usually around $3 to $5.
What to Do
Check out Chinatown Plaza
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Website: https://www.chinatownplaza.com.au/
Operating hours:
Monday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If you’re looking for authentic Asian treats or goods, stop by Chinatown Plaza. There are fun events held here, such as food tasting and karaoke nights. You can also listen to the buskers there and be entertained with their renditions of popular songs.
It’s also a great place to admire Chinese architecture, especially the Paifang arches and the classic red paper lanterns.
Get your nails done
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Treat your overworked hands with some pretty art that totally fits your style! There are nail salons there, such as The Nail Bar Beauty & Co., with stunning designs and customizations. They totally nailed mine and I loved it!
Celebrate Chinese holidays
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If you’re lucky enough to stop by during a special Asian holiday, such as the Chinese New Year or Mooncake Festival, then you’re in for a treat! Different traditional performances are held here, like the iconic dragon dance. It’s a great way to learn more about different Asian cultures!
Where to Eat
Ying Chow
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Ying-Chow-Chinese-Restaurant-Adelaide
Contact info: +61 8 8211 7998
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
One of the top gastronomic stops in Adelaide Chinatown is Ying Chow, an unassuming restaurant with walls decorated with awards like a celebrated war general. They have a small and simple space, but it’s almost always packed with patrons enjoying Chinese dishes.
I go there a lot with my friends and family to satisfy my cravings for their E-shand prawns and Ying Chow fried rice. Their E-shand prawn is savory with a hint of sweetness and spiciness, while the rice is just perfectly salty with a smokey sesame taste.
Tip:I highly suggest you ask the staff for the special dish of the day to spice up your dining experience there.
Concubine
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Website: https://www.concubine.com.au/
Contact info: +61 882 128 288
Operating hours:
Monday to Thursday: 5:45 PM – 9:30 PM
Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Saturday to Sunday: 5:45 PM – 9:30 PM
With its unique fusion dishes and spectacular service, the Concubine is South Australia’s Best Chinese Restaurant awardee in 2020 and 2024. Its classy dark wood furniture, seasoned wait staff, and carefully curated menu aren’t just for show. They really want to give you a five-star experience!
I went here a few times with my closest friends, and I highly recommend their crunchy soft-shell crab and green apple salad. The crab was indeed crunchy and beautifully seasoned, and the salad was sweet and tangy.
Tip:Book a table in advance if you plan to have dinner here, as they’re really busy during those hours.
Ryo’s Noodles
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Website: https://www.ryosnoodles.com.au/home-2/
Contact info: +61 870 017 450
Operating hours:
Monday to Thursday: 11:45 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday to Saturday: 11:45 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:45 AM – 9:00 PM
Known for its traditional Japanese pork bone broth (tonkotsu) and hand-made ramen noodles, Ryo’s Noodles became one of the must-try food stops in Adelaide’s Chinatown. Don’t be deceived by its small and simple shop. It’s almost always packed to the brim!
I visit this shop almost every weekend to enjoy their spicy ramen with roast pork and egg. The broth is faultlessly balanced—just enough spice to compliment the saltiness of soy sauce and the smokiness of the roast pork. The creamy soft egg mellows out the strong flavors to make each bite enjoyable.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to add an extra soy egg and spring onions to amplify the broth’s flavor!
Milk Flower
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Website: https://milkflowerdrinks.com.au/
Contact info: [email protected]
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
No Chinatown trip is complete without a sip of refreshing boba milk tea from Milk Flower! They have a good selection of unique milk tea blends, such as mango sago and strawberry matcha, ready to satisfy your curiositea for these popular drinks.
Whenever I stroll in Chinatown with friends, I make sure to buy my favorite Flower Heart Watermelon from this shop. The cold creamy milk and the refreshingly sweet taste of the watermelon make the perfect combination to quench my thirst on a hot day!
Pro tip: Definitely add coconut jelly to your drink! The jelly pairs well with most of their drink choices, and it adds another layer of tropical goodness!
Where to Shop
Little Tokyo
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Website: http://www.littletokyo.com.au/
Contact info: +61 424 169 112
Operating hours:
Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
With rows of manga, unique snacks, and cute oriental knick-knacks, Little Tokyo is your one-stop shop for everything Japanese. It’s a perfect place to shop for traditional Japanese house items, such as ceramic tea sets and bento box sets, to give as gifts or keep as souvenirs.
I always buy my premium matcha powder here, and they have a wide selection of matcha with different origins and flavor notes. I also buy snacks, like chocolate mushrooms and mochi donuts, to pair with my favorite tea.
Pro tip:No need to go to Chinatown if you need Japanese goodies. They have an online shop for easy grocery shopping!
Futake
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Website: https://www.instagram.com/futakeadelaide
Contact info: +61 882 215 663
Operating hours:
Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
If you’re looking for gorgeous lacquer bento boxes or Japanese cosmetic products, then Futake is another shop you need to visit. It has a wide array of traditional Japanese ceramic crockery and goods. It definitely feels like a little slice of Japan in Adelaide!
I bought my Usagi Sakura bento box set here and a collection of colorful shallow bowls for my seasonings. They’re also my go-to shop for furikake (rice seasoning) to make my plain white rice taste more heavenly.
Pro tip: Shop for Japanese sake here, as they have a good variety of brands and flavors.
Koreana Mart
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Contact info: +61 433 675 823
Operating hours:
Monday – Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Koreana Mart is a hub for all your favorite Korean treats, which range from frozen dumplings to canned coffee delights. They also have a selection of cosmetic products, such as anti-wrinkle eye patches and sheet masks, that you can use to keep your skin glassy and smooth.
I love buying Korean frozen goods and a variety of seaweed snacks for my Asian drama binging. They also have a variety of ready-to-eat snacks like gimbap (a Korean rice roll) and potato corn dogs!
Pro tip:If you’re not quite sure what to do with a specific ingredient (like braised quail eggs), ask one of the staff how to enjoy it properly.
