top of page
South Wales Logo.png
img728x90-1731584597828-1.jpg

​Chris Cooks Cymru visits Swansea to sample the delights at Gigi Gao's Chinese restaurant

When it comes to blending cultures through food, Gigi Gao’s Chinese restaurant in Swansea is a true gem, offering a delicious marriage of Welsh ingredients and the bold flavours of northern China. This Friday at 7:30 PM, BBC One’s Chris Cooks Cymru takes viewers on a culinary adventure to this popular local hotspot during the show’s Swansea special. If you can’t ​watch it l​ive, don’t worry - you can catch the episode now on iPlayer.


BBC One’s Chris Cooks Cymru 
BBC One’s Chris Cooks Cymru 

The host of the show, fire-chef extraordinaire Chris 'Flamebaster' Roberts, embarks on his first-ever visit to Swansea, a city that surprises him with its rich food scene and diverse offerings. As a proud Welshman, Chris delves into the heart of Swansea’s vibrant market, tasting everything from traditional faggots to freshly sourced cockles and prime cuts of beef.


But it’s Gigi Gao’s restaurant that truly steals the show as Chris discovers the unique flavours that combine the best of both worlds: the freshness of Welsh produce and the bold, hearty dishes from Shandong Province, located in northern China.


A Taste of Two Worlds

Run by Gigi, a talented chef with roots in China and a passion for creating something truly special, the restaurant is a standout in the city’s bustling food scene. Gigi’s vision is simple: offer authentic Chinese cuisine with a distinct twist, bringing in elements of local Welsh ingredients and culinary techniques. Located just a stone's throw from the Swansea city centre, Gigi Gao’s feels like a hidden oasis where traditional Shandong dishes meet the freshest local produce.


Chris takes a seat at the restaurant and is immediately captivated by a mouth-watering array of dishes, each one bursting with layers of flavour and creative flair. From the crispy, savoury dumplings stuffed with Welsh lamb to the aromatic broths simmering with locally sourced vegetables, every dish showcases the perfect harmony between east and west.


For Chris, the highlight is Gigi’s innovative take on a classic Welsh dish—faggots—reimagined with Eastern-inspired seasonings and spices. It’s a stunning blend of local heritage and modern influence, a dish that’s as unique as it is comforting. This exciting fusion inspires Chris to create his own version of the dish during his final cookout at Oystermouth Castle, where he prepares eastern-inspired faggots as the grand finale to his Swansea adventure.


BBC One’s Chris Cooks Cymru 
See Gigi Gao's Chinese Restaurant on Chris Cooks Cymru 

A Warm Welcome and Unforgettable Flavours

But it’s not just the food that makes Gigi Gao’s such a beloved spot—it’s the warm, welcoming atmosphere and Gigi’s passion for hospitality. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time guest, you’re always treated like family. Gigi’s infectious enthusiasm and attention to detail make every meal an experience to savour, and it’s easy to see why the restaurant has become a cornerstone of Swansea’s dining scene.


With a menu that constantly evolves and draws inspiration from both Welsh and Chinese traditions, Gigi Gao’s is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of cultural exchange, creativity, and community.


Don’t miss your chance to watch Chris Roberts explore the flavours of Swansea and discover the magic of Gigi Gao’s Chinese restaurant. Tune in to Chris Cooks Cymru this Friday at 7:30​pm or catch the episode on iPlayer to get a taste of this unforgettable fusion of Welsh and Chinese culinary delights.


Gigi Gao’s Chinese Restaurant – where tradition meets innovation on every plate.


For more information and to book your table visit www.favouritechinese.co.uk.

Clogau Gold Valentine.jpg
Plas y Rhosyn.jpg
High Society Bridal Lounge.jpg
Croeso.jpg
Glyn Clydach.jpg
SW-Digital-Banner-213x193px.png
bottom of page