Cyrildene Chinatown, Johannesburg - Pretoria,South Africa
1 / 10

Cyrildene Chinatown Johannesburg

Johannesburg's vibrant Cyrildene Chinatown offers an authentic taste of Asia with diverse restaurants, bustling markets, and lively cultural events.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Freshest produce & fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Cyrildene Chinatown, Johannesburg - Pretoria,South Africa

Cyrildene Chinatown Johannesburg

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Freshest produce & fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Johannesburg's vibrant Cyrildene Chinatown offers an authentic taste of Asia with diverse restaurants, bustling markets, and lively cultural events.

4
(2k reviews)

"A culinary adventure awaits with viral soup dumplings and fiery hot pot in Joburg's authentic Chinatown!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Park Smartly

Avoid fines by parking on side streets or in lots. Police patrol the main street on weekends . :parking:

🍜 Savor the Flavors

Don't miss the soup dumplings and lamb skewers! Many restaurants offer karaoke too . :ramen:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Asian Cuisine

Authentic Asian Cuisine

Derrick Avenue

Savor everything from steaming soup dumplings to spicy hot pot and savory lamb skewers. A true culinary adventure awaits!

Cultural Immersion

Cultural Immersion

Derrick Avenue

Experience vibrant parades, traditional performances, and the festive spirit, especially during Chinese New Year celebrations.

Asian Grocery Shopping

Asian Grocery Shopping

Big Supermarket on Derrick Avenue

Discover a treasure trove of exotic ingredients, snacks, and specialty items not found elsewhere.

Planning Your Visit

Navigating Cyrildene Chinatown

Cyrildene Chinatown, located on Derrick Avenue, is Johannesburg's vibrant hub for Asian culture and cuisine. While generally safe, especially during the day, it's wise to stay aware of your surroundings and park in busier areas or designated lots. English is widely spoken, but Google Translate can be handy for deciphering menus or ingredient lists.Reddit

Best Time to Explore

Weekends offer the most lively atmosphere with street food and performances, particularly during Chinese New Year.Instagram For a more relaxed experience and better selection of fresh produce, aim for weekend mornings. Weekday evenings can be quieter, ideal for a focused dining experience.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekend mornings
Why
Freshest produce & fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Lively street food & performances
Crowd
High
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Quieter dining experiences
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Taking the Joburg Red Bus is one of the safest, cheapest, and easiest ways to see inner city Johannesburg’s CBD as a tourist 🇿🇦🌧️🚍 #johannesburg #joburg #southafrica #joburgcbd #visitsouthafrica #sightseeing
@alexrawlangs
49.8K likes • 1.1M views

🎯 Park Smartly

Avoid fines by parking on side streets or in lots. Police patrol the main street on weekends.Reddit :parking:

🍜 Savor the Flavors

Don't miss the soup dumplings and lamb skewers! Many restaurants offer karaoke too.Reddit :ramen:

she’s cute but she’s crazy. 📍Tian Xiang in Chinatown (park next door for $5 and allot 2 hours to wait in line + wait for your tea) $20 cash for the appointment and download google translate. #chinesemedicine #chinatown
@ajadang
29.8K likes • 306.7K views
Lekker day 🥹🥢 I already miss soup dumpling 🥺🥺 The China town is at Cyrildene, Johannesburg👍 #asianfood #southafricathroughmyeyes #southafrica #chinatown #koreaninsouthafrica #남아공 #johannesburg #joburg
eodum_world
9K likes • 395.1K views

🗣️ Language Help

English is fine, but Google Translate's image scan is great for menus and ingredients.Reddit :iphone:

💰 Great Value

Food and groceries are very well-priced, especially at the large supermarket.Reddit :moneybag:

People often ask me if there are Chinese in South Africa 🇿🇦. I shake my head...🤦🏻‍♀️ SA has 2 Chinatowns in Johannesburg.🏮🀄 Here is a quick tour of the newer Chinatown in Cyrildene - the stores and restaurants stretch down the one street: Derrick Avenue. This Chinatown wasn't around when I was a little girl and newer generations of Chinese in SA formed this Chinatown. Sorry to disappoint, there ar...
pho_cilla
23 likes • 401 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Park Smartly

Avoid fines by parking on side streets or in lots. Police patrol the main street on weekends.Reddit :parking:

🍜 Savor the Flavors

Don't miss the soup dumplings and lamb skewers! Many restaurants offer karaoke too.Reddit :ramen:

🗣️ Language Help

English is fine, but Google Translate's image scan is great for menus and ingredients.Reddit :iphone:

💰 Great Value

Food and groceries are very well-priced, especially at the large supermarket.Reddit :moneybag:

🏮 Festive Vibes

Experience parades and cultural performances, especially during Chinese New Year.Instagram :fireworks:

What Travellers Say

4
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Cyrildene Chinatown is celebrated for its authentic and delicious Asian cuisine, offering a vibrant cultural experience. Visitors rave about the diverse food options, from dumplings to hot pot, and the lively atmosphere, especially during festivals. While generally safe, a degree of awareness is advised, and parking can be a minor challenge.

"Great place to visit if you’re looking for Chinese things….not the stuff you think about when you think china mall, but fresh produce etc. There are also a number of restaurants and street food-style places where you can grab a bite. The fact that you don’t see a lot of English from the outside can be a little intimidating, but once you take the time to stroll through, you’ll be surprised how much you can actually read. Well worth a visit."

Thomas Meyer

"If you are looking for Chinese, Hong Kong, Taiwan food&snack, noodle, rice, tofu. Here is the place.
There are many Chinese resturants and various traditional food that you may taste here.
The environment need to improve, security and safety is good here, but just need to be cautious on the car to walk on the street.
Parking is not enough, it gives the opportunity for police to issue the fine."

Gavin Hsiao-Ying Kung

"A True Cultural Hub Built on Resilience
​Derrick Avenue in Cyrildene is more than just a street with Chinese businesses; it's a testament to the community's incredible resilience and dedication.

This "New Chinatown" emerged in the 1990s as a proactive response to urban challenges, with the community relocating from the original Commissioner Street location to rebuild and thrive.

​Today, this vibrant hub showcases a strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to authenticity.

You can find everything from massive supermarkets like CJ Supermarket with a huge produce snacks beverages and meats to beloved, bustling restaurants like Shun De Chinese Restaurant (for amazing dim sum) and Chong Qing Hot Pot. The family-run businesses and their long hours make this a truly genuine and immersive experience.

​Whether you're looking for authentic ingredients, a delicious meal, or a glimpse into a community that has successfully re-established itself, Johannesburg's Chinatown is a must-visit. It’s a lively, welcoming place that truly stands out"

Llewellyn O'Shea

What People Like

Authentic Asian food
Lively atmosphere
Great value for money

What People Dislike

Parking can be difficult
Requires awareness of surroundings

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cyrildene Chinatown is located on Derrick Avenue. While the Red Bus tours cover the CBD,TikTok for direct access to Cyrildene, it's best to use ride-sharing services like Uber or Bolt, or drive yourself. Parking can be tricky, so be mindful of street parking regulations.Reddit

Cyrildene Chinatown is generally considered safe, especially during daylight hours and on weekends. It's advisable to stay aware of your surroundings and park in well-lit or busier areas. Solo female travelers should exercise extra caution and inform their hotel of their plans.Reddit

Derrick Avenue is easily walkable, with most shops and restaurants concentrated along this main street. For exploring further afield or if you're not keen on walking, ride-sharing services are readily available.

While the Johannesburg Red Bus tours focus on the CBD,TikTok direct public transport to Cyrildene Chinatown is limited. Ride-sharing apps are the most convenient option for reaching this area.

Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends. It's recommended to park on side streets or in designated parking lots to avoid fines, as police do patrol the main street.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to enter Cyrildene Chinatown. It's a public area with shops and restaurants.

Most shops and restaurants operate during typical business hours, with many open on weekends. It's best to check individual establishment hours, especially for specific restaurants or grocery stores.

There are no general entrance fees for the area. However, individual restaurants or any special events might have their own pricing.

For popular restaurants, especially on weekends or for larger groups, booking in advance is highly recommended. Some restaurants, like Chong Qing Huo Guo Hot Pot, also offer karaoke.Reddit

While not as common as CBD tours,TikTok some local guides might offer specialized tours. It's worth checking local tour operator websites or asking at your accommodation.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You absolutely must try the soup dumplings (both regular and fried!), lamb skewers, and hot pot. Many Redditors rave about Chong Qing Hot Pot and Shun De for dim sum.Reddit+2

Highly recommended spots include Chong Qing Hot Pot Restaurant (with karaoke!), Shun De (known for dim sum and brunch buffet), Mong Kok (for authentic, no-frills food), and Among Thai.Reddit+2

While many dishes are meat-centric, you can often find vegetarian options like vegetable stir-fries, noodle dishes, and dumplings. It's best to ask the restaurant staff for recommendations.

Dining in Cyrildene Chinatown is generally very well-priced, offering great value for money, especially for the quality and quantity of food.Reddit

Yes, there's a popular bubble tea place located near the big supermarket towards the end of the street.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vibrant street life, colorful shopfronts, and delicious food. Chinese New Year celebrations offer particularly dynamic photo opportunities with parades and performances.Instagram

It's always polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially vendors or shopkeepers. Street scenes and food are generally fine to photograph.

Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting for street photography. Weekend afternoons are great for capturing the lively atmosphere.

The main street, Derrick Avenue, with its array of shops and restaurants, is a great subject. Look out for unique signage and architectural details.

It's generally best to avoid using flash photography in restaurants out of respect for other diners and the ambiance. Check with the staff if you're unsure.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cyrildene Chinatown can be a fun outing for families. The vibrant atmosphere and diverse food options, like dumplings and skewers,Instagram are often a hit with children. The large supermarket offers a fascinating array of snacks and ingredients to explore. While the area is generally safe during the day, keeping a close eye on children in crowded areas, especially on weekends, is advised. Consider visiting during the day for a more relaxed experience.

🍜 Food Enthusiasts

For serious foodies, Cyrildene Chinatown is a must-visit. Dive into authentic dishes like soup dumplings Instagram and experience the thrill of hot pot.InstagramReddit Explore the recommendations from Redditors for the best culinary experiences, from Shun De's dim sum to Mong Kok's hearty meals.Reddit+2 Don't forget to check out the grocery stores for unique ingredients to take home.

📸 Culture & Photography Buffs

Immerse yourself in the visual feast of Cyrildene Chinatown. The colorful shopfronts, bustling street scenes, and vibrant food displays offer endless photographic opportunities. The Chinese New Year celebrations are a particular highlight, providing dynamic shots of parades and cultural performances.Instagram Remember to be respectful when photographing people and always ask for permission.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Culinary Delights of Cyrildene

Cyrildene Chinatown is a food lover's paradise, offering an authentic taste of various Asian cuisines. From the delicate, broth-filled soup dumplings that have gone viral Instagram to the fiery and flavorful Chongqing hot pot,InstagramReddit there's something to satisfy every palate. Redditors consistently praise restaurants like Shun De for its dim sum, Mong Kok for its hearty and delicious fare, and Chong Qing Hot Pot for its interactive and spicy dining experience.Reddit+2 Don't miss out on street food delights like lamb skewers and the unique Chinese bakery breads.Instagram

Cultural Vibrancy and Celebrations

Beyond the incredible food, Cyrildene Chinatown is a hub of cultural activity. The area truly comes alive during Chinese New Year, transforming Derrick Avenue into a spectacle of parades, traditional performances, and bustling street food stalls.Instagram This festive period offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and witness vibrant celebrations. Even outside of major festivals, the area has a distinct character, reflecting the newer generation of Chinese South Africans who have established this vibrant community.Instagram

Navigating and Safety in Cyrildene

While Cyrildene Chinatown offers a rich cultural experience, it's important to be mindful of practicalities. Parking is a key consideration; Redditors advise parking on side streets or in designated lots to avoid fines, as police actively patrol the main street.Reddit Safety is generally good, especially during the day, but it's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings. For solo travelers, particularly women, informing your hotel of your plans and seeking advice from staff is recommended.Reddit While English is widely spoken, having a translation app like Google Translate can be helpful for deciphering menus or communicating with vendors.Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2