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The Chinese restaurants so good they stand above the rest in every state and DC

Elias Camden 25 min read
The Chinese restaurants so good they stand above the rest in every state and DC
The Chinese restaurants so good they stand above the rest in every state and DC

Chinese food in America is more than just takeout boxes and fortune cookies. Across every state, there are hidden gems and legendary spots serving dishes that could make anyone a lifelong fan.

From hand-pulled noodles to perfectly crispy Peking duck, these restaurants have earned their place at the top. Get ready to discover the best Chinese restaurant in every state and Washington DC.

The Great Wall Chinese Restaurant – Birmingham, Alabama

The Great Wall Chinese Restaurant - Birmingham, Alabama
© The Great Wall Chinese Restaurant

Tucked inside Birmingham, The Great Wall Chinese Restaurant has quietly built a loyal following that spans decades. Regulars swear by the hand-crafted dishes that stay true to classic Chinese cooking techniques.

Whether you order the crispy duck or a steaming bowl of wonton soup, every bite feels intentional.

The welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to linger over a meal. It is the kind of place where the staff remembers your name after just one visit.

Asia Garden Restaurant – Anchorage, Alaska

Asia Garden Restaurant - Anchorage, Alaska
© Asia Garden Restaurant

Anchorage might not be the first city that comes to mind for great Chinese food, but Asia Garden Restaurant is changing that narrative one plate at a time. The dim sum here draws weekend crowds who line up early just to snag a table.

Shrimp dumplings, turnip cakes, and BBQ pork buns arrive fresh and piping hot.

The kitchen treats every dish with real care. Alaska diners are lucky to have this gem in their backyard.

Chou’s Kitchen – Chandler, Arizona

Chou's Kitchen - Chandler, Arizona
© Chou’s Kitchen

Chou’s Kitchen in Chandler brings a taste of Taiwan to the Arizona desert in the most delicious way possible. The beef noodle soup alone is worth the drive, with broth that has been simmered low and slow for hours.

Scallion pancakes arrive crispy on the outside and chewy in the middle, just the way they should be.

Portions are generous and prices are fair. Locals treat this spot like their best-kept secret, though the word is clearly out.

Three Fold Noodles + Dumpling Co. – Little Rock, Arkansas

Three Fold Noodles + Dumpling Co. - Little Rock, Arkansas
© Three Fold Noodles + Dumpling Co. | Main Street

Hand-pulled noodles made fresh every day are the centerpiece at Three Fold Noodles + Dumpling Co. in Little Rock. Watching the cooks stretch and fold dough is almost as satisfying as eating the finished product.

The dumplings are stuffed generously and come with dipping sauces that pack a serious punch.

Arkansas foodies have embraced this spot with open arms. It proves that great Chinese food can thrive anywhere, even far from the coasts.

Din Tai Fung – Arcadia, California

Din Tai Fung - Arcadia, California
© Din Tai Fung 鼎泰豐

Few restaurants in America have earned the kind of worldwide reverence that Din Tai Fung commands. The Arcadia location is a pilgrimage site for dumpling lovers, and the xiaolongbao here are practically perfect.

Each thin-skinned pouch holds a burst of savory broth that makes the first bite an unforgettable experience.

The kitchen operates with surgical precision, and the wait is always worth it. California is lucky to host one of the world’s most celebrated dumpling destinations.

Pepper Asian Bistro – Denver, Colorado

Pepper Asian Bistro - Denver, Colorado
© Pepper Asian Bistro

Pepper Asian Bistro in Denver brings a modern, polished energy to Chinese-inspired cuisine without losing the soul of traditional flavors. The menu walks a confident line between classic and creative, offering dishes that surprise regulars on every visit.

Spicy mapo tofu and crispy spring rolls are perennial crowd favorites.

The sleek interior makes it a go-to for date nights and special occasions. Denver’s food scene is better because this restaurant exists in it.

Great Taste Chinese Restaurant – New Britain, Connecticut

Great Taste Chinese Restaurant - New Britain, Connecticut
© Great Taste Chinese Restaurant

Great Taste Chinese Restaurant in New Britain has been a Connecticut institution for years, and its reputation is completely earned. The roast duck hanging in the front window is the restaurant’s calling card, and one bite confirms why.

Cantonese flavors shine here in dishes that feel both comforting and exciting at the same time.

The dining room is no-frills but always buzzing with energy. Real food, cooked by people who genuinely care, is the whole philosophy here.

China House Express – Wilmington, Delaware

China House Express - Wilmington, Delaware
© China House Express

China House Express in Wilmington earns its loyal fan base by delivering big, honest flavors without any fuss. The General Tso’s chicken hits every note perfectly: crispy, saucy, and just the right amount of spicy.

Fried rice here has that elusive wok-charred flavor that is surprisingly hard to find.

For a quick and satisfying meal, this place consistently delivers. Delaware diners know that when the craving strikes, China House Express never lets them down.

Tropical Chinese Restaurant – Miami, Florida

Tropical Chinese Restaurant - Miami, Florida
© Tropical Chinese Restaurant

Miami’s Tropical Chinese Restaurant brings a lively, sun-soaked energy to classic Cantonese cuisine. The weekend dim sum service is legendary in the local food community, with carts rolling past tables loaded with shrimp har gow, cheung fun, and egg tarts.

The kitchen honors traditional recipes while giving everything a fresh, confident presentation.

Even the most devoted dim sum fans find something new to love here. Tropical is truly one of Florida’s most exciting dining experiences.

Tasty China – Marietta, Georgia

Tasty China - Marietta, Georgia
© Tasty China (Marietta)

Tasty China in Marietta has a cult following that stretches well beyond the Atlanta suburbs, and Sichuan food lovers know exactly why. The dan dan noodles are a masterclass in balance, combining heat, nuttiness, and savory depth in one bowl.

Mapo tofu arrives bubbling and fragrant, loaded with the numbing tingle of real Sichuan peppercorns.

Spice levels are taken seriously here, so first-timers should ask for guidance. Georgia has never tasted this boldly alive.

Fook Yuen Seafood Restaurant – Honolulu, Hawaii

Fook Yuen Seafood Restaurant - Honolulu, Hawaii
© Fook Yuen Seafood Restaurant

Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Fook Yuen Seafood Restaurant in Honolulu takes full advantage of Hawaii’s incredible seafood bounty. The Hong Kong-style steamed whole fish is a showstopper, dressed simply in ginger, soy, and scallions to let the fresh flavors sing.

Live tanks at the entrance give diners a preview of what’s possible.

Families celebrate birthdays and milestones here because the food always rises to the occasion. In a state full of incredible dining, Fook Yuen holds its own beautifully.

Red Pavilion Mandarin Cuisine – Meridian, Idaho

Red Pavilion Mandarin Cuisine - Meridian, Idaho
© Red Pavilion Mandarin Cuisine | Chinese

Red Pavilion Mandarin Cuisine brings genuine Northern Chinese cooking to Meridian, and Idaho food lovers are better for it. The Peking duck is the clear star of the menu, carved tableside with a ceremony that adds to the whole experience.

Mandarin dumplings and scallion pancakes round out a menu that rewards repeat visits.

The warm, attentive service makes every dinner feel like a special occasion. Idaho may be unexpected Chinese food territory, but Red Pavilion makes a compelling case.

Lao Sze Chuan – Chicago, Illinois

Lao Sze Chuan - Chicago, Illinois
© Lao Sze Chuan

Chef Tony Hu built Lao Sze Chuan into a Chicago legend by refusing to dumb down the flavors of authentic Sichuan cooking. The dry-fried beef is intensely savory and chewy in the best possible way, and the fish-fragrant eggplant is a dish that converts skeptics on the spot.

Every plate carries the unmistakable heat and complexity of real Sichuan cuisine.

Chicago’s Chinatown has many great options, but Lao Sze Chuan consistently rises above the crowd. This is a must-visit for any serious food lover.

A Dong Restaurant – Des Moines, Iowa

A Dong Restaurant - Des Moines, Iowa
© A Dong Restaurant | Vietnamese

A Dong Restaurant in Des Moines is a beloved community staple that has fed generations of Iowa families. The menu bridges Chinese and Vietnamese culinary traditions, producing dishes that feel both familiar and wonderfully unique.

Pho and fried rice coexist happily on a menu that seems to have something for every taste.

The portions are enormous and the prices are incredibly reasonable. This is the kind of honest, hardworking restaurant that every neighborhood deserves to have nearby.

ABC Cafe – Overland Park, Kansas

ABC Cafe - Overland Park, Kansas
© ABC Cafe 釗記餐廳

ABC Cafe in Overland Park has quietly become one of Kansas’s most dependable destinations for satisfying Chinese food. The menu balances crowd-pleasing American-Chinese classics with authentic dishes that reward adventurous diners.

Regulars know to ask about the daily specials, which often feature off-menu treasures that never disappoint.

The owners bring a genuine hospitality to every interaction, making first-timers feel instantly at home. Good food, good people, and good value make ABC Cafe a Kansas treasure worth seeking out.

Double Dragon – Louisville, Kentucky

Double Dragon - Louisville, Kentucky
© Double Dragon

Double Dragon in Louisville has a name that sounds like a video game, but the food is seriously no-nonsense. The noodle soups here are deep and warming, perfect for a Kentucky evening when the temperature drops.

Sichuan stir-fries arrive with a heat level that wakes up the palate without overwhelming it.

The no-frills setting puts the focus entirely where it belongs: on the food. Louisville locals have made Double Dragon a weekly ritual, and one visit makes it easy to understand why.

Empire Chinese Kitchen – Portland, Maine

Empire Chinese Kitchen - Portland, Maine
© Empire Chinese Kitchen

Empire Chinese Kitchen in Portland takes classic Chinese cooking and gives it a New England sensibility that feels completely natural. Local ingredients find their way into dishes that still honor the flavors of traditional Chinese cuisine.

The lobster fried rice, for example, is a brilliant marriage of Maine’s bounty and Cantonese technique.

The stylish interior attracts a hip crowd, but the food is the real draw. Maine diners have embraced this restaurant as proof that great Chinese food belongs everywhere.

NiHao – Baltimore, Maryland

NiHao - Baltimore, Maryland
© NiHao

NiHao in Baltimore is the kind of restaurant that makes you rethink what Chinese food can be. Chef Pichet Ong brings a creative, modern lens to classic Chinese flavors, resulting in dishes that are as beautiful to look at as they are to eat.

The cocktail program is equally impressive, pairing thoughtfully with the bold menu.

Baltimore’s dining scene has grown significantly in recent years, and NiHao sits comfortably at the top. Every visit feels like discovering something new and exciting.

China Pearl Restaurant – Boston, Massachusetts

China Pearl Restaurant - Boston, Massachusetts
© China Pearl Restaurant

China Pearl in Boston’s Chinatown has been the Sunday morning destination for dim sum lovers for decades. The dining room fills up fast on weekends, with carts weaving between tables piled high with har gow, siu mai, and cheung fun.

There is an energy here that feels like a celebration every single time.

Generations of Boston families have marked their milestones over meals at China Pearl. The tradition runs deep, and the food keeps earning its place at the center of it all.

Trizest Restaurant – Sterling Heights, Michigan

Trizest Restaurant - Sterling Heights, Michigan
© Trizest Restaurant

Trizest Restaurant in Sterling Heights has built a devoted following among Michigan’s Chinese food enthusiasts by refusing to cut corners on authenticity. The cumin lamb is fragrant and bold, seasoned in a way that transports you straight to western China.

Spicy wontons swim in a chili oil that is addictive from the very first bite.

The menu is extensive and rewards exploration beyond the usual suspects. Sterling Heights might surprise you as a Chinese food destination, but Trizest makes it undeniable.

Grand Szechuan – Bloomington, Minnesota

Grand Szechuan - Bloomington, Minnesota
© Grand Szechuan

Grand Szechuan in Bloomington is the kind of restaurant that Sichuan food purists dream about finding in the Midwest. The twice-cooked pork is tender and gloriously saucy, and the cold spicy noodles are a revelation on a hot summer day.

Every dish carries that signature Sichuan numbing heat that keeps diners coming back for more.

Minnesota’s Chinese food scene is stronger because of restaurants like this one. Grand Szechuan proves that bold, regional Chinese cooking can thrive far from any coast.

Mr. Chen’s Authentic Chinese Restaurant – Jackson, Mississippi

Mr. Chen's Authentic Chinese Restaurant - Jackson, Mississippi
© Mr. Chen’s Authentic Chinese Restaurant

Mr. Chen’s Authentic Chinese Restaurant in Jackson stands out in Mississippi by offering flavors that go well beyond the standard American-Chinese playbook. Chef Chen’s commitment to using traditional techniques and real ingredients shows in every dish that leaves the kitchen.

The dumplings are made fresh daily, and the stir-fries have a wok-breath that cannot be faked.

Jackson diners have found a genuine treasure in this unassuming spot. Authenticity and warmth are the two things this restaurant never runs short on.

Corner 17 – University City, Missouri

Corner 17 - University City, Missouri
© Corner 17

Corner 17 in University City brings the flavors of a Taiwanese street corner to the heart of Missouri, and students and locals alike cannot get enough of it. The beef noodle soup is the anchor of the menu, rich and deeply satisfying in a way that makes cold weather feel manageable.

Bubble tea in every flavor imaginable keeps the line moving all day long.

The casual vibe makes it perfect for a quick solo lunch or a laid-back group dinner. University City is lucky to have this one.

Hong Kong BBQ – Billings, Montana

Hong Kong BBQ - Billings, Montana
© Hong Kong BBQ

Hong Kong BBQ in Billings brings the smoky, lacquered glory of Cantonese roast meats to Big Sky Country, and the result is outstanding. The char siu pork is sticky, sweet, and savory in that perfect Hong Kong way that is genuinely hard to replicate.

Roast duck glistens behind the glass with a mahogany skin that crackles when you bite into it.

Montana might seem like an unlikely place for this kind of culinary magic, but Hong Kong BBQ makes it feel completely natural. Billings is richer for having this restaurant in its community.

New Gold Mountain Restaurant – Omaha, Nebraska

New Gold Mountain Restaurant - Omaha, Nebraska
© New Gold Mountain Restaurant

New Gold Mountain Restaurant in Omaha has long served as the anchor of the city’s Chinese food scene, welcoming families for banquets and everyday dinners alike. The dim sum service on weekends draws a crowd that fills the spacious dining room to capacity.

Everything from the steamed pork ribs to the egg custard tarts is prepared with a consistency that builds real trust.

Omaha’s Chinese community has relied on this restaurant for decades, and the loyalty is entirely mutual. New Gold Mountain is a Nebraska institution in every sense of the word.

Chengdu Taste – Las Vegas, Nevada

Chengdu Taste - Las Vegas, Nevada
© Chengdu Taste

Las Vegas is full of spectacular restaurants, but Chengdu Taste earns its place among the city’s very best by delivering Sichuan food that is genuinely world-class. The boiled fish in chili oil is a theatrical dish that arrives at the table looking almost too dramatic to eat, and then turns out to be even better than it looks.

Numbing, spicy, and deeply satisfying, every dish here fires on all cylinders.

Even surrounded by celebrity chef restaurants, Chengdu Taste holds its own without breaking a sweat. Nevada’s food scene has a gem hiding in plain sight.

Chen’s Garden – Manchester, New Hampshire

Chen's Garden - Manchester, New Hampshire
© Chen’s Garden

Chen’s Garden in Manchester has earned its reputation as New Hampshire’s go-to Chinese restaurant through years of consistent, honest cooking. The menu covers the full range of Chinese-American classics while also offering more authentic preparations for diners who know to ask.

Egg rolls here are the real deal: crispy, stuffed generously, and nothing like the frozen variety.

The family-run atmosphere gives every meal a warmth that chain restaurants simply cannot replicate. Manchester is proud of this one, and rightfully so.

Hunan Taste Chinese Restaurant – Denville, New Jersey

Hunan Taste Chinese Restaurant - Denville, New Jersey
© Hunan Taste Chinese Restaurant

Hunan Taste in Denville is the kind of suburban Chinese restaurant that earns its reputation entirely through the quality of the food. The Hunan cuisine here is distinct from Sichuan: smokier, tangier, and with a different kind of heat that builds slowly and lingers pleasantly.

The smoked pork with chili peppers is a standout dish that regulars order every single time.

New Jersey has no shortage of Chinese restaurants, but Hunan Taste punches well above its weight class. Denville diners know they have something special right in their neighborhood.

Nom Wah Tea Parlor – New York, New York

Nom Wah Tea Parlor - New York, New York
© Nom Wah Tea Parlor

Nom Wah Tea Parlor opened in 1920 and holds the title of New York City’s oldest dim sum restaurant, and it has never stopped earning that distinction. The egg rolls here are legendary: crispy, light, and stuffed with a filling that has remained unchanged for generations.

Walking through the door feels like stepping back in time, but the food feels timeless rather than dated.

New York City has countless Chinese restaurants competing for attention, but Nom Wah stands apart through history and heart. Every bite carries a century of tradition.

Brewery Bhavana – Raleigh, North Carolina

Brewery Bhavana - Raleigh, North Carolina
© Brewery Bhavana – Downtown

Brewery Bhavana in Raleigh is unlike any Chinese restaurant you have ever visited, combining a world-class dim sum program with a craft brewery, a bookstore, and a flower shop under one roof. It sounds like it should not work, but it absolutely does.

The har gow and siu mai are as precise and delicious as anything you would find in Hong Kong.

The creative environment attracts a diverse crowd that appreciates both great food and great beer. North Carolina’s dining scene leveled up significantly the day Brewery Bhavana opened.

Giant Panda Chinese Restaurant – Fargo, ND

Giant Panda Chinese Restaurant - Fargo, ND
© Giant Panda Chinese Restaurant

Giant Panda Chinese Restaurant in Fargo has been feeding North Dakota families for years with a menu that balances comfort and quality in equal measure. The lunch specials are famous in the local community, offering full meals at prices that make eating out feel guilt-free.

Sweet and sour chicken, fried rice, and egg drop soup all show up in forms that remind you why these dishes became classics.

Fargo winters are brutal, and Giant Panda’s warming soups and stir-fries provide genuine comfort. This restaurant is a true North Dakota staple.

Sun Tong Luck Asian Cuisine – Columbus, Ohio

Sun Tong Luck Asian Cuisine - Columbus, Ohio
© Sun Tong Luck Asian Cuisine

Sun Tong Luck in Columbus brings the energy of a Hong Kong roast meat shop to the heart of Ohio, and the results are absolutely worth celebrating. The roast pork belly has crackling skin that shatters satisfyingly, and the meat underneath is juicy and richly seasoned.

Cantonese-style rice plates here are a study in simplicity done right.

Columbus has a surprisingly vibrant Chinese food scene, and Sun Tong Luck sits near the very top of it. Ohio diners who have discovered this place count themselves genuinely lucky.

Golden Phoenix – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Golden Phoenix - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
© Golden Phoenix

Golden Phoenix in Oklahoma City has earned a devoted following by keeping things real: real flavors, real technique, and real hospitality. The menu is broad enough to please a whole table of different tastes, from milder Cantonese dishes to bolder Sichuan preparations.

Hot and sour soup here has a depth and complexity that reminds you this dish actually comes from a proud culinary tradition.

Oklahoma City diners have made Golden Phoenix a reliable favorite for good reason. Consistency like this is genuinely rare and worth celebrating.

Duck House Chinese Restaurant – Portland, Oregon

Duck House Chinese Restaurant - Portland, Oregon
© Duck House Chinese Restaurant

Duck House in Portland does exactly what its name promises, and it does it better than almost anyone else in the Pacific Northwest. The Peking duck arrives with that iconic lacquered skin, carved with precision and served with thin pancakes, cucumber, scallion, and hoisin sauce.

It is a dish that demands to be shared and savored slowly.

The rest of the menu is equally impressive, featuring Northern Chinese specialties that complement the signature duck beautifully. Portland’s food scene is world-famous, and Duck House belongs right in the conversation.

Han Dynasty – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Han Dynasty - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
© Han Dynasty University City

Han Dynasty brought authentic Sichuan cooking to Philadelphia and essentially changed the city’s Chinese food conversation forever. The dan dan noodles are the dish that launched a thousand cravings, balancing sesame, chili, and pork in a bowl that disappears far too quickly.

Dry pot is another showstopper, a customizable feast of vegetables, proteins, and spices cooked together in sizzling oil.

Philadelphia now has multiple Han Dynasty locations, which tells you everything you need to know about how the city feels about it. Sichuan food has a true home in Philly.

JAYD BUN – South Kingstown, Rhode Island

JAYD BUN - South Kingstown, Rhode Island
© JAYD BUN

JAYD BUN in South Kingstown brings a playful, street-food spirit to Chinese-inspired cuisine that Rhode Island has welcomed with open arms. Steamed bao buns arrive stuffed with creative fillings that blend traditional Chinese flavors with locally sourced ingredients.

Every bite has personality, and the menu changes often enough to keep regulars genuinely excited about each visit.

The casual, welcoming vibe makes it accessible to everyone from college students to families. Rhode Island’s food scene is small but mighty, and JAYD BUN is one of its brightest spots.

Red Bowl Asian Bistro – Columbia, South Carolina

Red Bowl Asian Bistro - Columbia, South Carolina
© Red Bowl Asian Bistro

Red Bowl Asian Bistro in Columbia offers South Carolina diners a broad and satisfying tour through Asian cuisine with a strong Chinese foundation. The wok-tossed dishes here carry that high-heat, smoky character that defines great Chinese cooking, and the kitchen executes them with real skill.

Crispy whole fish and kung pao shrimp are among the dishes that keep tables full night after night.

The modern decor and inviting atmosphere make it a natural choice for celebrations and casual nights out alike. Columbia is proud to call Red Bowl its own.

Golden Bowl Restaurant – Sioux Falls, SD

Golden Bowl Restaurant - Sioux Falls, SD
© Golden Bowl Restaurant

Golden Bowl Restaurant in Sioux Falls has been a South Dakota staple for years, serving Chinese food that feels like a warm hug after a long day. The menu hits all the beloved classics with a consistency that keeps families coming back week after week.

Beef with broccoli, lo mein, and egg drop soup are all executed with a care that elevates them above the ordinary.

The friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere make every visit feel genuinely pleasant. South Dakota may be landlocked, but Golden Bowl brings rich flavors from far away right to the table.

Mala Sichuan Bistro – Houston, Texas

Mala Sichuan Bistro - Houston, Texas
© Mala Sichuan Bistro

Mala Sichuan Bistro in Houston has become one of Texas’s most talked-about Chinese restaurants, drawing food lovers from across the state with its ferociously good Sichuan cooking. The name says it all: mala, meaning numbing and spicy, is the guiding philosophy of every dish.

Cold noodles dressed in chili oil and sesame paste are dangerously addictive, and the hot pot is a communal experience worth planning your evening around.

Houston’s food scene is one of America’s most diverse, and Mala Sichuan stands tall within it. Texas-sized flavors, Sichuan-style.

Red Maple Chinese Restaurant – Taylorsville, Utah

Red Maple Chinese Restaurant - Taylorsville, Utah
© Red Maple Chinese Restaurant

Red Maple Chinese Restaurant in Taylorsville has carved out a loyal following in Utah by offering Chinese food that feels genuine and carefully prepared. The menu features a range of regional Chinese dishes that go beyond the usual suspects, inviting diners to explore flavors they may not have encountered before.

Braised dishes here develop a depth of flavor that rewards patient, attentive cooking.

Utah’s dining scene has grown impressively in recent years, and Red Maple is part of that story. Taylorsville residents know they have a real gem right in their neighborhood.

A Single Pebble – Burlington, Vermont

A Single Pebble - Burlington, Vermont
© A Single Pebble

A Single Pebble in Burlington has been Vermont’s most celebrated Chinese restaurant for decades, blending traditional Chinese techniques with a thoughtful, farm-to-table ethos. The mock eel dish, made entirely from eggplant, is a famous signature that astonishes first-timers who cannot believe it is not actually seafood.

Chef Steve Bogart brings both scholarly knowledge and genuine passion to every plate.

Burlington’s food scene punches well above its size, and A Single Pebble has been a big reason why for many years. Vermont has never tasted so distinctly Chinese and yet so locally rooted at the same time.

China One – Charleston, West Virginia

China One - Charleston, West Virginia
© China One

China One in Charleston offers West Virginia diners a reliable and satisfying Chinese food experience that has made it a community favorite over the years. The menu covers the full spectrum of beloved dishes, from egg rolls and wonton soup to General Tso’s chicken and lo mein, all executed with a consistency that earns repeat visits.

Portions are generous and the prices keep the whole family happy.

Charleston may not be the first city that comes to mind for Chinese food, but China One makes it a destination. Honest cooking and warm service go a long way here.

Taste of Sichuan – Madison, Wisconsin

Taste of Sichuan - Madison, Wisconsin
© Taste of Sichuan

Taste of Sichuan in Madison has introduced Wisconsin diners to the full, thrilling depth of Sichuan cuisine in a way that has created devoted fans across the state. The fish-fragrant pork is a dish that sounds unusual but tastes absolutely extraordinary, a complex blend of sweet, sour, and savory that lingers long after the meal ends.

Spicy wontons in chili oil are a must-order on every visit.

Madison has a food-forward culture that embraces bold, authentic cuisine, and Taste of Sichuan fits right in. Wisconsin has found its Sichuan ambassador.

Good Friend’s Chinese Restaurant – Cheyenne, Wyoming

Good Friend's Chinese Restaurant - Cheyenne, Wyoming
© Good Friend’s Chinese restaurant

Good Friend’s Chinese Restaurant in Cheyenne lives up to its name in the most literal way: dining here feels like being fed by someone who genuinely cares about you. The menu is a greatest-hits collection of Chinese-American favorites, all executed with a level of care that sets this place apart from the competition.

Fried rice, chow mein, and sweet and sour pork are all done exactly right.

Cheyenne may be a small city, but Good Friend’s gives it a Chinese restaurant worthy of a much bigger stage. Wyoming has a real winner here.

Peking Gourmet Inn – Falls Church, Virginia

Peking Gourmet Inn - Falls Church, Virginia
© Peking Gourmet Inn

Peking Gourmet Inn in Falls Church is a Washington DC area institution that has fed presidents, diplomats, and ordinary diners with equal enthusiasm since 1978. The Peking duck is the undisputed reason to visit, roasted to a deep mahogany and served in the traditional style with pancakes and all the accompaniments.

Photos of famous guests cover the walls, giving the dining room a fascinating sense of history.

Virginia’s proximity to the nation’s capital means this restaurant has witnessed a remarkable amount of history being made over dinner. Some places are more than just restaurants, and Peking Gourmet Inn is one of them.

Imperial Palace – Indianapolis, Indiana

Imperial Palace - Indianapolis, Indiana
© Imperial palace

Imperial Palace in Indianapolis has long served as the anchor of Indiana’s Chinese dining scene, offering a menu that stretches from everyday favorites to elaborate banquet-style feasts. The dim sum service draws devoted weekend crowds who know that the kitchen takes every item seriously.

Lobster and whole fish preparations showcase the kitchen’s confidence with premium ingredients.

The grand dining room can accommodate large groups without losing its intimate feel, which makes it the natural choice for family celebrations. Indianapolis is fortunate to have a restaurant of this caliber calling it home.

Dough Zone Dumpling House Bellevue – Bellevue, WA

Dough Zone Dumpling House Bellevue - Bellevue, WA
© Dough Zone Dumpling House Bellevue

Dough Zone Dumpling House in Bellevue has earned a reputation as one of the best dumpling destinations in the entire Pacific Northwest, and the lines out the door on weekends confirm it. The xiaolongbao here rival those of far more famous establishments, with thin skins and intensely flavored broth that makes each one a tiny masterpiece.

Pan-fried dumplings with crispy lattice bottoms are equally irresistible.

Washington’s tech-savvy food community has embraced Dough Zone with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for product launches. Bellevue has a dumpling house worth traveling across the state to visit.

Steam Boys – Nashville, TN

Steam Boys - Nashville, TN
© Steam Boys

Steam Boys in Nashville has brought a fresh, modern energy to Chinese-inspired cuisine in a city better known for hot chicken and country music. The steamed bao buns here are stuffed with inventive fillings that nod to both Chinese tradition and Southern American flavors, creating combinations that feel genuinely original.

The casual, counter-service setup keeps things fun and accessible for everyone.

Nashville’s food scene has exploded in recent years, and Steam Boys has grown right along with it. Tennessee now has a bao destination that any city would be proud to claim.

Mister Mao – New Orleans, Louisiana

Mister Mao - New Orleans, Louisiana
© Mister Mao

Mister Mao in New Orleans is the kind of restaurant that defies easy description, blending Chinese culinary traditions with global influences and the unmistakable spirit of New Orleans itself. Chef Sophina Uong creates dishes that feel like they exist in their own joyful universe, where Sichuan spice meets Caribbean sunshine and Southern Louisiana earthiness.

Every plate is a conversation starter.

New Orleans has always been a city that celebrates culinary fusion, and Mister Mao fits that tradition perfectly. Louisiana’s most creative Chinese restaurant is also one of its most exciting dining experiences, full stop.

China Casa – Albuquerque, New Mexico

China Casa - Albuquerque, New Mexico
© China Casa

China Casa in Albuquerque has been a trusted name in New Mexico’s dining scene for years, offering Chinese food that satisfies on every level. The menu is comforting and familiar, with dishes like beef with black bean sauce and shrimp fried rice that hit the spot every single time.

New Mexico’s love of bold flavors finds a natural home in the kitchen’s confident seasoning.

The relaxed atmosphere and friendly service make China Casa the kind of place you return to without needing a special occasion. Albuquerque has embraced this restaurant, and the restaurant has clearly embraced Albuquerque right back.

Washington DC – Mott 32 – Washington, DC

Washington DC - Mott 32 - Washington, DC
© Mott 32 Las Vegas

Washington DC’s Chinese food scene has grown remarkably diverse, and Mott 32 stands at the top of it with a level of elegance and culinary ambition that sets it apart from the crowd. The signature applewood-roasted Peking duck is a theatrical experience that arrives at the table with all the ceremony it deserves.

Modern interpretations of Cantonese and Sichuan classics show a kitchen that respects tradition while pushing forward.

The nation’s capital attracts the world’s best everything, and its Chinese food is no exception. Mott 32 gives DC a Chinese dining experience worthy of its global stage.

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