Royal China

Tucked into the heart of Royal Hillsborough, Royal China is a long-running Chinese takeaway that has been feeding this County Down village for years. The kitchen leans on classic Cantonese cooking alongside a handful of Thai-inspired plates, so you can swap between sweet-and-sour staples and something with a bit more fragrant heat in the one order. It is rated 3.3/5 across 106 reviews, and regulars tend to single out the generous portions and the friendly welcome at the counter.

This is very much a neighbourhood spot rather than a flashy night out, with a small sit-in area for anyone who would rather eat in than carry home. Opinions among diners are mixed, which is worth knowing, but plenty of locals keep coming back for a reliable, no-fuss Chinese feed. If you are gathering a group order, the broad menu of rice, noodle and curry dishes makes it easy to please fussy eaters and adventurous ones alike without much fuss.