
Chef Diao
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Quick info
About Chef Diao
On Oldham St in Manchester, Chef Diao serves Malaysian dishes and Chinese cooking, including Typhoon Shelter Oysters alongside Fokkien Fried Rice. Dim sum is handmade and arrives in bamboo steamers, and the wider menu runs to Beef Brisket Noodle Soup, hand pulled noodles, and Hong Kong style dry chow mein, with cheung fun and sweet and sour pork among the recurring orders. Vegetarian options sit alongside the meat and seafood dishes, and portions are generous. The room is not large and can get noisy, though it stays workable for conversation among a group, making it a fit for a dinner with friends or family. Staff offer recommendations for diners choosing between dishes. Cocktails run alongside the food menu, and the space is decorated with floral wallpaper. It operates on a walk-in basis, with no reservations taken.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention handmade dim sum, cheung fun, hand pulled noodles and hong kong dry chow mein.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention handmade dim sum, cheung fun, hand pulled noodles and hong kong dry chow mein.
Customer Review Summary
Dim sum is what reviewers return for, and the cheung fun is one reviewer's always-order pick. Diners describe it as made in-house, delicate and fresh, with plenty of variety and a habit of over-ordering. Close behind are the Hong Kong style dry chow mein, which one reviewer calls exactly like the version from childhood, and the hand pulled noodles and sweet and sour pork. Others name the Beef Brisket Noodle Soup, Typhoon Shelter Oysters, Fokkien Fried Rice, casserole, kung pao prawns and satay chicken. Several praise generous portions, reasonable prices and plenty of vegetarian options. Staff are repeatedly called friendly and welcoming, with a few noting the great recommendations they offered when choosing dishes. The one caveat comes from a reviewer who finds the room a bit noisy, though they treat it as part of the lively Hong Kong dim sum feel, while another calls it quiet enough for a group conversation. One group came for homemade dumplings before a comedy show and found each one unusual and different from standard sui mai.
Customer Review Summary
Dim sum is what reviewers return for, and the cheung fun is one reviewer's always-order pick. Diners describe it as made in-house, delicate and fresh, with plenty of variety and a habit of over-ordering. Close behind are the Hong Kong style dry chow mein, which one reviewer calls exactly like the version from childhood, and the hand pulled noodles and sweet and sour pork. Others name the Beef Brisket Noodle Soup, Typhoon Shelter Oysters, Fokkien Fried Rice, casserole, kung pao prawns and satay chicken. Several praise generous portions, reasonable prices and plenty of vegetarian options. Staff are repeatedly called friendly and welcoming, with a few noting the great recommendations they offered when choosing dishes. The one caveat comes from a reviewer who finds the room a bit noisy, though they treat it as part of the lively Hong Kong dim sum feel, while another calls it quiet enough for a group conversation. One group came for homemade dumplings before a comedy show and found each one unusual and different from standard sui mai.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“I have been craving a very specific style of dry chow mein that is exactly like the one I used to get as a kid, but very few places get it spot on. I'm pleased to say that Chef Diao make the perfect Hong Kong style dry chow mein. It absolutely hit the spot for me and I'll definitely be back regularly.”
- Google user
“We had various homemade dim sum and dumplings before a comedy show and each one was so unusual and delicious. Beautifully prepared and so different to what you would usually get with your standard sui mai. I would definitely come back.”
- Google user
“Dim sum days are the best. Simple as that. Chef Diao in the NQ is one of my go-to spots when the dumpling cravings hit. Loads of different options, plenty of variety and very easy to get carried away ordering “just one more”. There’s something about being full from dim sum that just hits differently. No regrets, just a table full of empty bamboo steamers. Even though it’s not in Chinatown, it still feels properly authentic and, dare I say it, probably one of the best dim sum spots around Manchester. Menus are well priced and packed with choice, so whether you know exactly what you want or just point and hope for the best, you’re covered. My personal favourite is the cheung fun. Always a must order. Service is quick, the place is usually busy, and it has that classic dim sum energy where everything is moving and the food keeps coming. Verdict: A top spot for dim sum in Manchester. Great value, loads of choice and very easy to over-order. 🍽️ Paying customer | Honest review”
- Google user
“"Highly recommend this spot! The Beef Brisket Noodle Soup featured incredibly tender meat and a rich, savory broth. The Typhoon Shelter Oysters were a standout—perfectly crispy and loaded with addictive golden garlic. To top it off, the Fokkien Fried Rice was delicious, with a generous, flavorful gravy that paired perfectly with the fragrant rice. Authentic flavors and great portions. I will definitely be back!”
- Google user
“We had such an amazing time at Chef Diao’s! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt lively and welcoming perfect for a group dinner with friends. The food was absolutely delicious and full of authentic flavour. Every dish we ordered was packed with taste, beautifully presented, and clearly made with care. We especially loved how varied the menu was, there were plenty of vegetarian options available, which made it easy for everyone at the table to enjoy something. Nothing felt like an afterthought; even the vegetarian dishes were rich, flavourful, and satisfying. The portions were generous, the service was smooth, and overall it made for such a fun dining experience. It’s definitely the kind of place you go to share dishes, try a bit of everything, and leave happy. Highly recommend if you’re craving great Chinese food in a vibrant setting”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Closed
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“Malaysian dishes and creative cocktails served in an easygoing setting with bold, floral wallpaper.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, seating
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 1
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Location
Chinese restaurants near Chef Diao
- Sweet Mandarin4.37150.1 mi
gluten free menu, salt and pepper chips, vegetable spring rolls
- Glamorous Chinese Restaurant4.42,4550.3 mi
dim sum, cantonese dishes, crispy fried shredded squid
- 0.3 mi
spicy cumin chicken jianbing, salt and pepper chicken fried rice, salt and pepper beef noodles
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chef Diao | 4.3871 | — | handmade dim sum, cheung fun, hand pulled noodles |
| Sweet Mandarin | 4.3715 | 0.1 mi | gluten free menu, salt and pepper chips, vegetable spring rolls |
| Glamorous Chinese Restaurant | 4.42,455 | 0.3 mi | dim sum, cantonese dishes, crispy fried shredded squid |
| Gerry’s - Chinese Pancake House | 4.4145 | 0.3 mi | spicy cumin chicken jianbing, salt and pepper chicken fried rice, salt and pepper beef noodles |
The 3 nearest chinese restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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