Best Chinese and Thai Restaurants in South Shields

South Shields is rightly famous for its Indian restaurants on Ocean Road, but Chinese and Thai food has a strong presence in the town too. From a sit-down fusion restaurant in the town centre to Thai home cooking at a brewery tap, there is more variety than most people realise. Here are the best Chinese and Thai restaurants in South Shields.

Redragon Chinese Fusion

Redragon Chinese Fusion at 4 Burrow Street serves tasty, traditional Chinese food with a twist. The menu is extensive, covering all the favourite Chinese dishes alongside more innovative options inspired by different cuisines. The setting is smart, the portions are generous, and it is one of the few places in South Shields where you can sit down for a proper Chinese meal.

Best for: Chinese fusion restaurant on Burrow Street — traditional dishes with creative twists in a smart town centre setting.

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Kylin Chinese Buffet

Kylin Chinese Buffet at 15 Ocean Road is the only sit-down Chinese restaurant on Ocean Road itself, directly opposite the museum. The all-you-can-eat buffet format makes it a good option for families and groups who want variety. The selection covers starters, mains, rice and noodles, and desserts, and the price is reasonable for what you get.

Best for: All-you-can-eat Chinese buffet on Ocean Road — good value for families, with a wide selection opposite the museum.

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The Maltings (Thai)

The Maltings at 9 Claypath Lane is primarily Jarrow Brewery's tap house, but the first-floor Thai restaurant is a genuine highlight. Da, the Thai chef, cooks authentic Thai home cooking from scratch using fresh ingredients — not frozen meals reheated to order. The food is excellent, the portions are generous, and the combination of proper Thai food with up to fifteen guest ales downstairs is hard to beat.

The Thai kitchen is open Tuesday to Saturday. Book ahead on busy evenings.

Best for: Authentic Thai home cooking above Jarrow Brewery's tap house — fresh ingredients, generous portions, and fifteen guest ales downstairs.

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Full Circle

Full Circle at 252 Sunderland Road offers Chinese, Thai, English, and Japanese food, all cooked with fresh ingredients. It is primarily a takeaway and delivery service, making it a convenient option for a night in. The menu is broad and covers both Chinese and Thai favourites.

Best for: Chinese and Thai takeaway on Sunderland Road — fresh ingredients and a broad menu covering both cuisines, with delivery available.

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Ocean Pearl

Ocean Pearl at 193 Prince Edward Road has been serving the Cleadon Park area for years and has a loyal following among locals. The menu covers the Chinese takeaway classics, and regulars praise the consistency and value. It is a reliable neighbourhood option rather than a destination restaurant, but that is exactly what a good local Chinese should be.

Best for: Reliable neighbourhood Chinese takeaway on Prince Edward Road — consistent quality and good value in the Cleadon Park area.

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The verdict

For a sit-down Chinese meal, Redragon on Burrow Street is the best option in South Shields. For Thai food, The Maltings is outstanding and pairs beautifully with the brewery's ales. For a Chinese takeaway delivery, Full Circle and Ocean Pearl both deliver a consistent, well-priced menu.

For more food and drink, see our guides to Indian restaurants, pizza, and takeaways in South Shields.

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Looking for more? See our complete guide to Ocean Road and the best restaurants in South Shields.