Swallows Inn Chinese Restaurant in Johannesburg

"Delicious authentic Chinese food in the heart of Johannesburg. The spring rolls are bigger than your hand and some of the yummiest I’ve ever had."

"Been coming to this Chinese Restaurant for almost 20 years and their food is the best,Great hidden gem in JHB CBD. If you want the best Chinese food ,I highly recommend this place. It's not in the best location but it's worth to visit them. Try their crispy garlic chicken/Beef and spicy calamari it's worth it."

"Friendly staff and very delicious and authentic Chinese food. Very special place within the Chinese community that has been here for decades and lived through thick and thin. Located in a much safer part of JHB CBD even though caution is still required. Highly recommended."

"Honestly Swallows Inn is still the best Chinese food restaurant in Johannesburg. Its where the locals go for really authentic and superbly delicious Cantonese style food. Swallows has certainly stood the test of time and I am so glad they are still around even though the Old Chinatown is looking very dilapidated and dodgy. We went for a family get together and the food was just fantastic and the portions were generous. My photos attached with all the dishes we ordered. You go to Swallows for the food, not the decor or the service - just fabulous food. Our price per head with soft drinks averaged R210 with tip but we had the speciality stuffed crispy chicken with sticky rice (not easily available at any other Asian restaurants) - choice of 9 dishes plus rice."

"If you love Chinese food you'll love this place. Great value for money. One major gripe is that this place is dirty and possibly needs an upgrade to the interior. They don't even take the time to clean the carpets. Some basic maintenance to make the place look more inviting will go a long way. I can only wonder what the kitchen looks like. The food was great though and I enjoyed every meal so I have no complaints about the food, it's actually really good. I'm removing points for cleanliness and the fact that it could do with a facelift to look more inviting. The food is 4/5. Big portions as well and great value."

"Really sketchy neighbourhood but good food and good service, I was surprised! Loved the sai woo beef soup. Also the curry chicken was incredible, the bbq porc a little dry but still good ! They are also locking the gate at the entrance so it look close but it’s not it’s simply for security reason."

"Food is really amazing but the decor is nothing to write home about. You can catch a glimpse of what the place might have looked like in days gone by, but I have my doubts whether it will return to this greatness any time soon. The fact that phone orders are taken at top volume over speakerphone is a little disruptive, but if you can look past all that, the meal is actually amazing- not to mention the history that is apparently part of this establishment."

"Don’t be fooled by the decor which hasn’t been updated in ages as the Ingredients couldn’t be any fresher and the bustling kitchen has been serving authentic Cantonese dishes in a place steeped in more than 70 years of history. Swallows is the go to for celebrations and life events and you will find many of the local community getting their weekly fix of food that reminds one of family recipes handed down over generations and that taste like granny’s cooking. The servers are usually very busy, but Shauny, Gladys and Sharon will remember your name and your favourite dish and make super recommendations based on your preferences. Go to Swallows for the best and most original sui gow 水饺 water dumplings. This is Guangdong cuisine at it’s best."