A snapshot of Perth's Chinatown

Seeing red takes on a new meaning with a visit to Perth's Chinatown.

Since the 1980s, this vibrant district in Northbridge Perth City's premier nightlife area – has been full of colour (including a whole lotta red!), tangs, and a hive of activity day and night. Developed to recognise the presence of WA's Chinese community, whose history in the state dates back to the 1840s, Perth's Chinatown features distinctive Chinese architecture and lion statues, with a wealth of cultural gems hidden in between. Here are our top tips on where to go in Perth's Chinatown – just make sure you visit on an empty stomach!

Chinatown

Feel like you have arrived in Perth's Chinatown, walking under the pagoda archway along Roe Street. It is the official entrance to Chinatown, with two lion statues adorning each side of the red and green-tiled pagoda. Stepping beyond the archway are small, narrow laneways that mimic those in Asia. The area comes alive at night with the casual restaurants open until the early hours.

Head to notable long-time late-night institutions like Uncle Billy's Chinese Restaurant and Billy Lee's Chinese Restaurant for Cantonese cuisine. Sit inside or snap your chopsticks outside in the bustling laneways. For something more subdued, head to Japanese-inspired record bar Astral Weeks to sip wine and enjoy what's spinning on the turntable.

It's not just the food that's bold and bright. Chinatown's laneways are just as colourful, with a diverse range of larger-than-life murals splashed in its backstreets. Venture around Nicks Lane to find nods to the area's heritage, including a cheeky-looking Chinese Dragon and several walls covered in the Chinese expression, "If people are of one heart, even the yellow earth can become gold". The saying was used to counter the anti-Asian attitudes felt during WA's gold rush in the 1890s. The laneways have also attracted the stroke of genius by international muralists. Spot the Sugar Guilder by prominent Dutch multi-disciplinary artist Amok Island and admire the fantasy-looking masked platypus by Mexican artist Curiot. If keen to see more of Perth's street art, join a walking tour to experience Perth differently.

Roe, James & Francis Streets

Come out of the laneways and visit the streets that sizzle day and night. Roe, James, and Francis Streets have numerous restaurants serving Asian fare, bubble tea shops, and karaoke lounge bars. On James Street, look out for the heritage-listed Chung Wah Hall, which opened in 1911 and remains an important centre for WA's Chinese community. Local favourites include Moon Flower, serving modern Chinese cuisine; Fortune Five Chinese Restaurant, a dim sum institution; and Presotea, a bubble tea haven.

William Street, Northbridge

Experience what many Perth locals call 'the real' Chinatown further along William Street towards the suburb Highgate. This strip features many casual Asian restaurants, bakeries, bubble tea shops, fresh produce and oriental supermarkets. 

Must-visits include Good Fortune Roast Duck House, renowned for its roast duck and BBQ pork; Juicy Bao Bao, a popular spot for handmade dumplings; and Tak Chee House, a hole-in-the-wall restaurant famed for its chicken rice.

Old Shanghai Perth

Chasing hawker market vibes? Walk under neon-lit dragons to enter Perth's most aromatic red shed, Old Shanghai, open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Established in 1991, Perth's much-loved international food court along James Street features several casual restaurants, taking your palate to all corners of Asia. 

Each eatery features an old-school picture-display menu, adding a touch of nostalgia to the overall dining experience. But what will you have? Will you go for Thai food? Or are you craving the taste of Korea just metres away? Decisions, decisions! Regardless of your chosen cuisine, savour it at one of the many communal long tables – maybe even make new friends with fellow diners!