Chinese Restaurants in North Cyprus: Your Complete Guide

Chinese Restaurants in North Cyprus: Your Complete Guide

Introduction

Whether you're craving crispy duck, sizzling beef, dim sum, or aromatic noodles, North Cyprus has a growing selection of Chinese restaurants that cater to all tastes. While the island is best known for its Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine, the demand for quality Asian food has risen sharply over the past decade.

This guide explores the top Chinese dining spots across North Cyprus, what dishes they specialise in, typical price ranges, and insider tips to help you make the most of your meal.

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Why Chinese Food Is Growing in Popularity in North Cyprus

Chinese cuisine has become a favourite among both locals and expats for three key reasons:

⭐ 1. Unique Flavours You Can’t Find Elsewhere

The combination of sweet, spicy, and savoury flavours offers something completely different from the traditional Cypriot palate.

⭐ 2. Demand from International Residents

With communities from the UK, Russia, Scandinavia, and the Middle East growing each year, international tastes have naturally diversified the restaurant scene.

⭐ 3. Rising Tourism From Asia

More visitors from China and Southeast Asia are visiting Cyprus, encouraging restaurants to expand their menus with more authentic Asian dishes.

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Best Chinese Restaurants in North Cyprus

Below are the most recommended and well-reviewed Chinese restaurants across the TRNC. Listings include cuisine types, atmosphere, and signature dishes to help you choose the right venue.

1. Dragon Restaurant, Kyrenia (Girne)

Cuisine: Cantonese, Szechuan

Best For: Romantic dinners, celebrations, authentic dishes

Atmosphere: Elegant, dim lighting, premium dining

Highlights:

• Crispy Aromatic Duck

• Sizzling Beef with Black Pepper

• Fresh Dim Sum Selection

• Sweet & Sour King Prawns

The Dragon Restaurant remains one of the most popular Chinese dining spots on the island thanks to its authentic flavours and consistently high service standards.

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2. China Garden, Karaoğlanoğlu – Kyrenia Region

Cuisine: Classic Chinese Western-style

Best For: Families, casual dining

Atmosphere: Relaxed, friendly, spacious outdoor seating

Highlights:

• Special Fried Rice

• Chicken Chow Mein

• Crispy Chilli Beef

• Vegetable Spring Rolls

China Garden is loved for its generous portions, quick service, and family-friendly menu. Prices are reasonable, making it a go-to for locals and expats alike.

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3. The Wok, Iskele & Long Beach Area

Cuisine: Pan-Asian (Chinese, Thai, Japanese influences)

Best For: Takeaway, fast service, modern Asian bowls

Atmosphere: Contemporary and minimalistic

Highlights:

• Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

• Sweet & Sour Chicken

• Thai-inspired Noodle Boxes

• Stir-Fried Vegetables

Not strictly Chinese but heavily inspired by Asian flavours, The Wok is perfect for a quick lunch or relaxed evening meal.

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4. Red Dragon, Famagusta (Gazimağusa)

Cuisine: Cantonese

Best For: Students, budget-friendly eating

Atmosphere: Informal, lively, centrally located

Highlights:

• Beef in Oyster Sauce

• Chicken Satay

• Fried Noodles

• Cantonese Sweet & Sour Pork

Located near EMU University, Red Dragon serves generous plates at low prices, making it a favourite among younger crowds.

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5. Shanghai Restaurant, Lefkoşa (Nicosia)

Cuisine: Traditional Chinese

Best For: Work lunches, classic Chinese meals

Atmosphere: Clean, bright, simple décor

Highlights:

• Kung Pao Chicken

• Dumplings

• Hot & Sour Soup

• Egg Fried Rice

One of the longest-standing Chinese restaurants in Nicosia, Shanghai provides reliable classics in the heart of the city.

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Is Chinese Food in North Cyprus Authentic?

The answer: it depends.

Many restaurants cater to Western expectations of Chinese cuisine, serving familiar favourites like sweet & sour chicken or crispy chilli beef.

However, several venues—especially in Kyrenia and Nicosia—offer more traditional Cantonese and Szechuan dishes, including dim sum, noodle soups, and wok-fried seafood.

If you’re specifically looking for authentic Chinese cuisine, look for signs such as:

• Use of fresh ginger, garlic, and sesame oil

• Menus including dumplings, steamed buns, and hotpots

• Families of Chinese heritage dining inside

• Clay pot or wok-cooked dishes

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Tips for Choosing the Best Chinese Restaurant in North Cyprus

✔️ Check for Fresh Seafood Options

Because North Cyprus is coastal, a good Chinese restaurant will often highlight fresh fish and prawn dishes.

✔️ Avoid Overly Westernised Menus

If everything is deep-fried or smothered in sauce, authenticity may be lower.

✔️ Look for In-House Dim Sum

Homemade dim sum (not frozen) is often a sign of a high-quality kitchen.

✔️ Read Local Reviews

Expats and locals often post honest reviews in North Cyprus Facebook groups and on Google Maps.

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Price Guide (2025)

Type of Venue	Average Cost Per Person
Casual Chinese	300–450 TL
Mid-Range Restaurants	450–650 TL
Premium Dining	700–1200+ TL

Prices vary depending on location, ingredients, and whether seafood is included.

Conclusion

Chinese restaurants in North Cyprus offer a wide variety of flavours, from traditional Cantonese dishes to modern Asian fusion menus. Whether you’re dining in Kyrenia, Lefkoşa, Famagusta, or Iskele, you’ll find plenty of delicious options to satisfy your craving for Chinese cuisine.

Bookmark this page and check back often — as the TRNC restaurant scene continues to grow, we’ll keep updating the list with new venues and reviews.