Celebrated table

Janet’s Pontypridd

Discover how Janet Wei transformed a market stall into a Local Gem, serving Yanbian specialties, Korean fried chicken, and vibrant flavors in Wales.

The story

Janet’s Pontypridd brings authentic Asian cuisine to Pontypridd's market district

From Market Pitch to Licensed Kitchen

Janet’s Pontypridd has served authentic Asian cuisine in Pontypridd since 2019, when founder Janet Wei began operating a stall inside the local indoor market. She expanded to Church Street after building a following for market-fresh preparations, later claiming Champion at the 2021 British Street Food Awards. Her kitchen draws heavily from the Yanbian region of China alongside broader Southeast Asian traditions. This focused approach to Asian cooking earned her a spot as a Local Gem in the 2026 Good Food Guide.

Savoury Combinations and Generous Portions

The menu pairs familiar formats with bold regional flavours, starting with Vietnamese-style wontons and springy duck bao buns. Crunchy Korean fried chicken sits alongside house-fermented kimchi that the guide calls something special. Seasonal updates bring Malaysian rendang and hand-pulled biang biang noodles to the lineup. Portion sizes remain consistently generous across the Asian menu, though guests should note the kitchen skips desserts entirely.

Colourful Interiors and Curated Sips

A wall-length floral mural sets a bright tone inside the dining room. Guests typically pair their meals with chilled Korean soju or Japanese sencha green tea. Artisan Welsh beers round out the drink list for those preferring local brews. The space balances energetic service with straightforward comfort, making it a reliable stop in the Rhondda Valley.

Recognition

Awards & accolades

2026
The Good Food Guide
Local Gem

Details

At a glance

The Good Food Guide 2026 — Local Gem
Cuisines Asian
Services Delivery, Takeaway

History

On the record

2026
The Good Food Guide — Local Gem

Janet Wei got noticed when she had a little pitch on Pontypridd market, and she has made even more friends since moving to larger, licensed premises nearby. A wall-length floral mural provides the colourful backdrop to an eclectic menu that pulls in vividly flavoured ideas from China and elsewhere. There’s a lot of love for Janet’s savoury Vietnamese-style wontons, crunchy Korean fried chicken and deliciously springy duck bao buns; her homemade kimchi is ‘something special’, too. Also look out for new arrivals such as Malaysian rendang and biang biang noodles. Janet doesn't do desserts, but portions are ample, and you won’t leave hungry. Drink Korean soju (rice wine), artisan Welsh beer or Japanese sencha green tea.

Established

Location

Find us

3 Market Building, Church Street, Pontypridd, Rhondda, CF37 2TH
Pontypridd, United Kingdom
07825 463685
contact@janetspontypridd.com
Visit website
Map showing Janet’s Pontypridd