Charlie Chan is one of the oldest restaurants in Cambridge. Our passion for authentic, home cooked Chinese food has established the restaurant as a firm favourite with the people of Cambridge and tourists alike.

From 1966 to 1982, this restaurant was named The Pagoda Chinese Restaurant. In 1982, London restaurateur, Peter Lee, took over the Pagoda and the restaurant was renamed after the new head Chef and founding partner, Charlie Chan. Both Charlie and Peter arrived from London where Charlie was Head Chef at Peter's first restaurant, the New Leaf, in Ealing, west London.

Over 42 years later, Peter and his team of loyal staff are proud to continue to be of service to the community of Cambridge. Many of our long standing staff have built a lasting relationship with our regular customers. Those who have achieved outstanding records of service over the years include:

In 2003, Peter Lee was included in the publication "Who's Who" in Cambridgeshire. Remaining proud of his roots Peter has, over the past 30 years, devoted considerable time and energy to assisting the local Chinese community.

in 2006, Charlie Chan Restaurant was voted by "The Knowledge" as number 2 of the top 10 Chinese restaurants in the UK. 

In 2012, Peter Lee was awarded an MBE by HM Queen Elizabeth II, for his services to the Chinese community in Cambridge, 

After a brief period of closure in June 2018, Peter and his loyal team of staff are delighted to announce the re-opening of the restaurant to the diverse community of Cambridge, and extend a warm welcome to all our customers.