The wall inside = painted by original owner
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Happy’s Chinese Restaurant

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A Canberra culinary landmark since 1962, Happy's offers authentic, generational Cantonese cuisine in a cozy, historic setting.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
The wall inside = painted by original owner

Happy’s Chinese Restaurant

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A Canberra culinary landmark since 1962, Happy's offers authentic, generational Cantonese cuisine in a cozy, historic setting.

"Authentic Cantonese food that's delicious, generous, and served with a smile – a true Canberra gem!"

TIP

Book for Dinner

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekend evenings, to secure a table.

Lunch Special Value

Visit during lunch hours for a fantastic $12 special with various delicious choices.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 5PM

Cuisine

Cantonese Chinese

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+61 2 6249 7015

Address

Unit 1/17 Garema Pl, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Cantonese Legacy

Authentic Cantonese Legacy

A true taste of Cantonese cuisine, cherished through three generations since 1962.

The 10 best Chinese restaurants in Canberra right nowThe best Chinese restaurants in CanberraThe best Chinese restaurants in Canberra [Updated for 2025]+1
Generous Portions, Big Flavors

Generous Portions, Big Flavors

Enjoy exceptionally large servings of delicious, authentic Cantonese dishes that satisfy.

Google Review+1
$12 Lunch Specials

$12 Lunch Specials

Affordable and diverse lunch options available daily, perfect for a quick and tasty meal.

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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Simple, fresh, and full of flavor. All served on a hot plate! #happys #happyschinese #fyp #canberra
@happyschinese
611 likes • 33.4K views

Book for Dinner

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekend evenings, to secure a table.

Lunch Special Value

Visit during lunch hours for a fantastic $12 special with various delicious choices.

You ask and you shall receive. Here’s a quick video on our Master Chicken Stock!! Let us know what else you would like to see! #happys #chinese #canberra #cantonese #restaurant
@happyschinese
336 likes • 16K views
Thank you so much for the love and support on our page! We appreciate you all!!! #happys #chinese #restaurant #cantonese #canberra
@happyschinese
1.4K likes • 24.4K views

Takeaway for Speed

Consider takeout during peak times like festivals for faster service and to avoid waits.

Chow Mein Reheat

Their flavorful chow mein is even better the next day, so don't hesitate to save some!

Back at it with another lunch box! Here is our Mongolian Chicken. These are available everyday at lunch for $12! #happys #restaurant #chinese #canberra #cantonese
@happyschinese
1.4K likes • 47.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book for Dinner

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekend evenings, to secure a table.

Lunch Special Value

Visit during lunch hours for a fantastic $12 special with various delicious choices.

Takeaway for Speed

Consider takeout during peak times like festivals for faster service and to avoid waits.

Chow Mein Reheat

Their flavorful chow mein is even better the next day, so don't hesitate to save some!

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Happy's Chinese Restaurant is lauded for its authentic Cantonese cuisine, generous portions, and friendly, efficient service, making it a cherished Canberra institution. While many rave about dishes like fried rice and chow mein, some reviews mention inconsistent portion sizes and overly oily takeaway items. Overall, it's a beloved spot for a hearty, flavorful meal.

"It is indeed a HAPPY place to eat! made my tummy so happy!! 100% authentic Chinese restaurant. I can't believed we just discovered this today as we had lunch with my family! Price wise is very good! The food is very delicious! The serving size is just wow!! They are very generous with their serving!

The staff were so friendly and accommodating. I can't wait to go back again.

We ordered special fried rice, honey chicken, garlic chicken and beef curry.
And friend ice cream+ banana fritter."

Jahana Lyn Bolongaita

"Nostalgic retro basement Aussie Canto-Chinese restaurant in Canberra. This place has been operating since the 1960s and owned by the same family which these days is becoming super rare. The place was packed at 6pm on a cold winter Sunday night. The staff were lovely, efficient and friendly.

We ordered Sizzling Mongolian Beef ($28), Chinese BBQ Pork in Plum sauce ($24) and a large fried rice ($13). Despite being so bust the kitchen was pumping out the meals in record time. We didn't wait long for our food and were shocked at the enormous portion sizes! We did our best but didn't come close to finishing. Fried rice - great inclusion of prawns, bbq pork. The BBQ pork in plum sauce was tasty, sweet and had onions and carrots. So much pork! The sizzling Mongolian Beef had so much beef and accompained with onions. Tasty and good char from the hot plate.

Cool retro interior and a nice full wall mural of the Great Wall and love the wooden panelling.

If you are visiting Canberra for the weekend check this special restaurant out, you won't be disappointed and you will leave 'Happy' with very full stomachs!

Street parking near impossible (as we discovered making us late for our reservations) park at the Canberra Centre shopping centre parking and walk across to the mall."

Timeshare Chinchilla

"Cosy little Chinese restaurant with friendly, attentive service and delicious food. The best prawn toast I have ever tasted! Big portions, basically two meals in one. Wishing this long term family business many blessings, thank you for the food!!"

Amber Borg

What People Like

Authentic Cantonese flavors
Generous portion sizes
Friendly and efficient service

What People Dislike

Oily takeaway items
Inconsistent portion sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Happy's is known for its authentic Cantonese cuisine, passed down through three generations since 1962, generous portion sizes, and friendly service.

The 10 best Chinese restaurants in Canberra right nowThe best Chinese restaurants in CanberraGoogle Review

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, as the restaurant can get very busy.

Google Review+1

Happy's offers a $12 lunch special daily with a variety of delicious Cantonese options.

TikTok

While known for generous portions, some diners have noted occasional inconsistencies in serving sizes.

Google Review

Yes, it's a family-friendly environment with a cozy atmosphere and traditional dishes that appeal to all ages.

The best Chinese restaurants in Canberra

Yes, Happy's offers a selection of vegetarian dishes alongside their conventional favorites.

Best Chinese Restaurants Canberra

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