Manchester’s “Zhiyou BBQ” Offers a Taste of Home for Chinese Students

A Chinese barbecue stall, affectionately known as “Zhiyou BBQ,” has develop into a popular destination for Chinese students in Manchester, England, offering a comforting taste of home. The stall, located under a bridge, recently gained viral attention on social media as students lined up to enjoy familiar flavors.

A Three-Year Tradition

The owners of Zhiyou BBQ, a team operating the stall as a side business, have been serving customers at the Cambridge St Jct location (M15 6DE) for three years. They describe the venture as a “fun” undertaking. The stall maintains a presence on multiple domestic social media platforms, branding itself as “the wildest barbecue stall in Manchester.”

Menu and Pricing

A 2025 menu showcased a variety of classic barbecue items, including lamb skewers (£1.20 / approximately $1.50 USD), pork belly (£1.60 / approximately $2.00 USD), chicken skewers (£1.40 / approximately $1.75 USD), wings (£2.20 / approximately $2.75 USD), eggplant (£4.50 / approximately $5.60 USD), and Chinese cabbage (£4.20 / approximately $5.25 USD). The University of Manchester Chinese Students’ Society similarly promotes events and activities for students.

Licensed and Expanding

The stall owners have obtained a street trading license, ensuring legal operation. They currently plan to open every Saturday night in March, anticipating increased business as the summer months approach. Customers are actively seeking information about the stall’s schedule and location, with requests for advance bookings appearing in online group chats.

Community Connection

Zhiyou BBQ also offers delivery services and set meals through overseas Chinese ordering and takeout platforms, though these are currently paused. The stall owner welcomes visitors, expressing eagerness to meet customers and share their barbecue.

Integration and Cultural Preferences

The popularity of Zhiyou BBQ highlights a preference among some Chinese students for familiar cuisine and social circles. A recent discussion on the Reddit forum r/manchester_uni touched on the topic of integration, with some observing a tendency for Chinese students to primarily socialize within their own community. A recent YouTube video also explores the challenges faced by Chinese international students in the UK, including language barriers and social participation.

The University of Manchester and Chinese Students

The University of Manchester has a significant population of students from China and actively fosters connections through initiatives like the Confucius Institute, a partnership promoting Chinese language, and culture. The university also supports the Chinese Student and Scholars Association (CSSA).