Haowei: Forget Buffets—Here’s Where to Find Real Chinese Cuisine in Bologna
Forget the usual signs with carbon-copy menus: Haowei is the restaurant that has raised the bar in Bologna, becoming in just a few years the new mecca for anyone wanting to truly discover the potential of Chinese cuisine (and beyond).
Conveniently located outside the hustle and bustle of the city center but easily accessible, the restaurant may seem understated from the outside—but step inside and everything changes. The atmosphere is refined, welcoming, and contemporary, with warm lighting, dark wood, and details that blend Asian elegance with Western comfort. Nothing is left to chance, from the tables to the dishes, from the cleanliness to the service: here, the welcome is professional yet always smiling, perfect for a dinner for two or an evening with friends who love authentic Asian cuisine.
What to Eat: A Journey Through Taste With No Shortcuts
Haowei doesn’t settle for simply revisiting the usual classics. The menu, crafted with passion and skill by the chef, is a declaration of love for the diversity of Chinese cuisines, with a few unexpected Asian touches. You’ll find high-end dim sum, refined wok dishes, and obsessive attention to raw ingredients.
Chef’s recommended menu—dishes tried:
- Chicken Curry Rolls: Fragrant on the outside and succulent inside, with a balanced curry that enhances without overpowering.
- Vietnamese Shrimp Rolls: Fresh, light, served with homemade sweet-and-sour sauce.
- Steamed Meat Ravioli: Thin pastry, tasty filling, perfectly cooked.
- Sea Bass and Ginger Ravioli: Delicate, with ginger that gives a boost but doesn’t cover the fish.
- Black Pepper Beef Shaomai: Tender beef, pepper adds depth and character.
- Crystal Ravioli with Prawns: Silky texture, sweet prawns, transparent pastry that melts in your mouth.
- Fried Rice with Chashao: Every bite smells of wok and spices, grains are shelled, Chinese charcuterie is homemade.
- Fresh Pasta with Chef Sauce: Perfectly textured, rich sauce, a surprising umami hit.
- Steamed Shrimp Balls: Small, tender, intense seafood flavor.
- Imperial Pork Ribs: Glazed, tender, full of flavor, evocative of Beijing nights.
Each course arrives beautifully presented, often with decorative flair and precision. Portions are generous but never excessive. You immediately sense the meticulous care, freshly prepared food, fresh ingredients, and real craftsmanship.
We also tried the beef tenderloin—tender as a cloud and packed with flavor. Traditional desserts aren’t daring, but the fried sesame balls are interesting.
Atmosphere, Service, and Wine List
Service is one of Haowei’s strengths: fast, attentive, always present but never intrusive. The staff know the menu and tradition perfectly, and can advise both novices and enthusiasts.
The wine list is curated, with Italian and French labels, aromatic whites and sparkling wines to enhance spices and textures. There’s also a small but thoughtful selection of craft beers and Chinese teas.
Prices
- Starters and dim sum: 6–15 €
- First courses and wok: 10–14 €
- Main courses: 12–18 €
- Desserts: 5–7 €
Value for money is excellent, considering the quality, technique, and elegant atmosphere. Average dinner: €30–40 per person (wine excluded). For two adults and two children: €200 with two menus. It’s not cheap, but the quality stands out.
Why Go (And When Not To)
Haowei is perfect for those who want to see that Chinese cuisine is so much more than Cantonese rice and spring rolls. It’s ideal for a special dinner, discovering new dishes, or impressing friends and colleagues who want more than just “ethnic.”
It’s not for those looking for a buffet, set menu, or for simply filling up: this is a place to enjoy a culinary journey and leave truly satisfied.
Info & Contacts
Address: Via Emilia Ponente, 135, 40133 Bologna
Phone: 051 614 0432
Hours: Daily 12:00–15:00, 18:30–23:30
Reservations recommended, especially on weekends.
