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

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest produce & fewer crowds
Cyrildene Chinatown Johannesburg
Best Time
Freshest produce & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Johannesburg's vibrant Cyrildene Chinatown offers an authentic taste of Asia with diverse restaurants, bustling markets, and lively cultural events.
"A culinary adventure awaits with viral soup dumplings and fiery hot pot in Joburg's authentic Chinatown!"
🎯 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
Derrick Avenue
Experience vibrant parades, traditional performances, and the festive spirit, especially during Chinese New Year celebrations.

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
Best Time to Explore
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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:🗣️ Language Help
English is fine, but Google Translate's image scan is great for menus and ingredients.
:iphone:💰 Great Value
Food and groceries are very well-priced, especially at the large supermarket.
:moneybag: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.
:parking:🍜 Savor the Flavors
Don't miss the soup dumplings and lamb skewers! Many restaurants offer karaoke too.
:ramen:🗣️ Language Help
English is fine, but Google Translate's image scan is great for menus and ingredients.
:iphone:💰 Great Value
Food and groceries are very well-priced, especially at the large supermarket.
:moneybag:🏮 Festive Vibes
Experience parades and cultural performances, especially during Chinese New Year.
:fireworks:What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cyrildene Chinatown is located on Derrick Avenue. While the Red Bus tours cover the CBD,
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.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.
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,
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
While not as common as CBD tours,
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.
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.
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.
Yes, there's a popular bubble tea place located near the big supermarket towards the end of the street.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant street life, colorful shopfronts, and delicious food. Chinese New Year celebrations offer particularly dynamic photo opportunities with parades and performances.
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
🍜 Food Enthusiasts
📸 Culture & Photography Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit