At a Glance: Southampton’s Top-Rated Chinese Takeaways
Searching for the best Chinese takeaway in Southampton? We’ve compared the top local picks based on 2026 reviews, delivery speed, and food hygiene scores.
| Takeaway | Best For | Area | Hygiene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taste of China | Late Night Variety | City Centre (SO14) | 4/5 (Good) |
| Peking House | Cantonese Classics | Shirley (SO16) | 3/5 (Satisfactory) |
| Shanghai Garden | Generous Portions | Townhill (SO18) | 4/5 (Good) |
| New Happy Palace | Local Favourite | Totton (SO40) | 3/5 (Satisfactory) |
If you’re hunting for the best Chinese takeaway in Southampton, you’re likely already starving, scrolling through delivery apps and wondering which place is actually worth your money. We’ve all been there—it’s cold, you’ve had a long day, and the only real decision you want to make is “rice or chow mein?”
This guide pulls together the places locals actually talk about, from busy city-centre staples to hidden neighbourhood gems in Shirley, Bitterne, and Woolston. These are the spots that quietly rack up five-star reviews without making a fuss.
1. Taste of China – St Mary Street (City Centre)
Right in the heart of town, Taste of China is often mentioned when locals argue about the best Chinese takeaway in Southampton. Its huge menu and late opening hours make it a default choice for the SO14 crowd.
- Address: 50 St Mary Street, SO14 1NR
- Price Guide: Mains typically £7.50 – £9.50.
- Hygiene Rating: 4/5 (Good)
- Must-Try: Crispy Aromatic Duck, Spare Ribs in BBQ Sauce, and House Special Chow Mein.
- Local Tip: They often run 10% off deals if you order through their own website rather than Just Eat or Deliveroo.
2. Kings House – St Mary’s Road
With its huge menu and banquet-style options, Kings House is the best Chinese takeaway in Southampton when you want a proper restaurant-style feast without leaving the sofa.
- Address: 50 St Marys Road, SO14 0BH
- Price Guide: Mid-range (£8.00 avg per main); set banquets offer the best value for groups.
- Popular Picks: Deep Fried Salt and Pepper Chicken, Sweet and Sour Chicken, and Salt and Pepper Spare Ribs.
- Vibe: Perfect for groups. Their set banquets are famous for being “treat night” territory.
3. Shanghai Garden – Townhill Park
For people on the east side (SO18), Shanghai Garden is frequently recommended as the best Chinese takeaway in Southampton because it arrives hot and scores incredibly well on delivery apps.
- Address: 4 Premier Parade, Forest Hills Drive, SO18 2GA
- Price Guide: Budget-friendly; most noodle and rice dishes sit around £7.50 – £8.50.
- Hygiene Rating: 4/5 (Good)
- Why it Ranks: Known for generous portions. A single main can easily stretch to lunch the next day.
4. Star House – Premier Parade
If you love old-school British-Chinese—sweet & sour balls, chow mein, and egg foo yung—Star House is a regular suggestion for the classics done right.
- Address: 3 Premier Parade, Forest Hills Drive, SO18 2GA
- Price Guide: Competitive (£7.00 – £8.50 per main).
- Key Feature: Highly rated on Just Eat with a high volume of reviews, proving their consistency over the years.
5. Asia Wok – Bitterne
On the Bitterne side, Asia Wok is a common answer for the best Chinese takeaway in Southampton that also offers Malaysian and Thai-style dishes alongside Chinese staples.
- Address: 13 West End Road, Bitterne, SO18 6TE
- Price Guide: Mains around £7.50 – £9.00.
- Best For: Vegetarians. They have a massive range of veggie-friendly mains that don’t feel like an afterthought.
6. Peking House – Shirley (SO16)
Covering the Shirley and General Hospital side of town, Peking House often pops up in local Facebook groups for anyone who likes big portions and classic Cantonese flavours.
- Address: 276 Winchester Road, SO16 6TJ
- Price Guide: Good value (mains from £7.20).
- Hygiene Rating: 3/5 (Generally Satisfactory)
- Top Dish: Beef with Black Bean Sauce and Deep Fried Shredded Beef with Chilli.
7. New Jade Palace – Woolston
On the Woolston side of the Itchen, New Jade Palace is regularly name-checked for its authentic flavours and “first class” service.
- Address: 8 Bridge Road, Woolston, SO19 7GQ
- Price Guide: Mains £7.50 – £9.00.
- Delivery Area: Covers Woolston, Itchen, Bitterne Park, and parts of the city centre.
8. Dragons Den – Woolston
If you like your food with a bit of heat, Dragons Den is one of the most common recommendations, thanks to its spicy dishes and laksa-style soups.
- Address: 40A Portsmouth Road, SO19 9AD
- Price Guide: Expect to pay £8.00 – £9.50 for specialty curry and noodle dishes.
- Must-Try: The Katong Laksa or their “Hot Combination” starter platter.
9. New Happy Palace – Totton
Out in Totton, New Happy Palace is my personal favourite. It’s a classic, old-school Chinese that gets the basics perfectly right every single time.
- Address: 65 Commercial Road, Totton, SO40 3AH
- Price Guide: Affordable (£7.50 – £8.50 per main).
- Hygiene Rating: 3/5 (Satisfactory)
- Why it wins: Their Satay Chicken on Skewers is the best in Hampshire.
10. Fast Wok – Totton
Also in Totton, Fast Wok is a go-to for speed. If you want something quick, tasty, and reasonably priced, this is a solid choice.
- Address: 3 Salisbury Road Arcade, Totton, SO40 3SG
- Price Guide: Mains around £7.00 – £8.50.
- Specialty: Fresh seafood dishes and handy online deals for collection.
Craving something different?
Check out our local guide to the best sushi in Southampton.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which Chinese takeaway in Southampton has the best hygiene rating?
As of early 2026, Taste of China (St Mary St) and Shanghai Garden (Townhill) both hold “Good” 4/5 Food Hygiene Ratings.
Do these takeaways offer delivery to central Southampton?
Yes, most of the city centre (SO14) is covered by Taste of China, Kings House, and New Jade Palace. Postcodes like SO15 and SO16 are best served by Peking House.
Who does the best salt and pepper chicken in Southampton?
Kings House on St Mary’s Road is frequently cited as the top choice for Salt and Pepper Chicken and Ribs.
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