What is a “Cheeky Chinese” And Why Do British People Keep Ordering It?

If you’ve ever overheard a Brit casually mention they’re “having a cheeky Chinese tonight,” you might assume there’s something mischievous going on. Is it a secret menu item? A particularly daring order? A restaurant only insiders know about? While the phrase might sound cryptic to an American ear, in the UK, it’s just another way of saying they’re treating themselves to some good old-fashioned Chinese takeout.

But why the “cheeky” part? And what exactly makes British Chinese food different from what Americans are used to? The answer, much like the menu at your favorite local takeout spot, is layered.

The “Cheeky” Factor: A Cultural Quirk

In British slang, calling something “cheeky” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s impudent or rebellious—it’s more about a playful indulgence. A “cheeky pint” means grabbing a quick beer when you probably shouldn’t, and a “cheeky Nando’s” is a casual but satisfying trip to the popular chicken chain. It’s about treating yourself, often a bit spontaneously, and with a hint of guilty pleasure.

A “cheeky Chinese” follows the same logic. It’s a takeaway meal—usually ordered on a whim, sometimes as a late-night fix, and often enjoyed in front of the TV after a long day. It’s comfort food with an extra dose of satisfaction, because who doesn’t love the feeling of deciding, “You know what? I deserve this.”

What's So Different About British Chinese Food? 

While both Britain and the U.S. have long histories of Chinese immigration shaping their food scenes, the menus at Chinese takeout spots across the Atlantic have evolved in very different directions. In the U.S., Chinese-American cuisine leans heavily on dishes like General Tso’s Chicken, Egg Foo Young, and Crab Rangoon—none of which would be found on a traditional menu in China.

In the UK, the adaptation took a slightly different path. British Chinese takeout menus are packed with Chow Mein, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Chicken Balls (yes, really), Crispy Duck with Pancakes, and Salt and Pepper Chips (fries, in American terms). Some dishes, like Chicken Curry and Singapore Noodles, might surprise an American diner, but they’ve been staples in British Chinese cuisine for decades.

The flavors, while still heavily Westernized, tend to be less sweet and more savory, often featuring bolder spice blends and an emphasis on stir-fried dishes. And, of course, a “cheeky Chinese” wouldn’t be complete without a side of prawn crackers, which are handed out as freely in the UK as fortune cookies are in the States.

A Ritual as British as Tea and Football

Chinese takeout in Britain holds a special place in the cultural food scene. It’s the go-to choice for Friday nights, lazy weekends, and post-pub cravings. Just as Americans have their pizza-and-wings nights, Brits turn to their local Chinese takeaway for a dependable, comforting meal that doesn’t require cooking.

It’s also deeply tied to nostalgia. Many Brits grow up with certain takeaway orders being household traditions—families debating whether to get extra Egg Fried Rice, or remembering which relative always ordered the spiciest dish on the menu. In that sense, a “cheeky Chinese” is less about rebellion and more about ritual, comfort, and community.