Hamburg has one of the oldest and largest Chinese communities in Germany, giving it a depth of Chinese restaurant options unavailable in most German cities. Here is where to eat well.
The Background
Hamburg’s Chinese community dates to the 19th century — Chinese sailors settled in the Hanseviertel area (now largely demolished by wartime bombing), and waves of migration from Hong Kong, mainland China, and southeast Asia have built a diverse community over 150 years. The result is a restaurant scene that goes well beyond adapted Cantonese buffets.
Dim Sum
Weekend dim sum in Hamburg is a reliable experience at a handful of established Cantonese restaurants in the city centre. Look for trolley service (hand-pushed carts with steamed and fried items) — this indicates a kitchen that takes dim sum seriously. Har Gow (steamed shrimp dumplings), Siu Mai (pork and prawn dumplings), and Cheong Fun (rice noodle rolls with fillings) are the quality indicators to order first. Arrive before noon to get the full range of items.
Sichuan in Hamburg
Several newer restaurants in Hamburg serve genuine Sichuan food — mala hotpot, Mapo tofu, Dan Dan noodles, and fish-fragrant pork strips. The numbing spice of authentic Sichuan (hua jiao, Sichuan pepper) is present in the better ones. These restaurants often attract a mixed Chinese and German clientele; menus in Chinese are a positive sign.
Practical Notes
The Chinese supermarkets in Hamburg (Chinaviertel area and around the main train station) are good indicators of restaurant proximity — clusters of Chinese businesses often include good restaurants not visible from the main streets. Lunch sets are available at most Chinese restaurants until 2:30pm at a significant discount from dinner prices.
