Since its savory introduction in the middle of the 19th century, Chinese food has left an enduring impression on the rich fabric of American history and culture. When the first Chinese immigrants arrived in America, it was during the fervor of California Gold Rush that this gastronomic adventure began. With time, these trailblazers cleverly modified their traditional recipes to suit American tastes, giving rise to well-known favorites like Mongolian Beef and General Tso’s Chicken —delicious concoctions that would astound people on the mainland.
American Chinese food has evolved into a unique category that proudly exists today, combining innovation and tradition. Chefs continue to add their own regional and personal touches to these dishes from coast to coast, and Americans are once again exposed to the wide range of flavors found throughout China’s provinces thanks to a growing interest in real Chinese cuisine.
Our carefully chosen collection features a wide range of businesses, each pushing the limits of how America based Chinese food can be: from modest family-run restaurants to stylish dim sum parlors and premium dining venues. Our selection of the top 16 Chinese restaurants in America includes everything from classy old banquet halls in San Francisco to modest strip malls in Las Vegas and little nearby noodle restaurants in Chicago.
- Mister Jiu’s in San Francisco, CA
Since its opening in 2016, Mister Jiu’s—the only Chinese restaurant with is Michelin- starred in the United States—has had a profound impact on the fine dining scene in the nation. With his inventive Chinese American cuisine, chef and owner Brandon Jew revitalized the famed Four Seas banquet hall. He served a delectable five-course tasting menu that featured standout items like the roast duck prepared in the Peking style from Liberty Farms. - Din Tai Fung in Los Angeles, CA
A haven for lovers of xiao long bao, Din Tai Fung has spread across the country, delighting patrons with its assortment of Taiwanese dumplings, which includes the well-known for wok-fried noodles and pork dumplings - Xi’an Foods in New York City, NY
With meals like “lamb burgers” with cumen and sour liang pi cold noodles, Xi’an Famous Foods transports the flavors of Xi’an to the busy streets of New York City, delivering a culinary tour through North Central China. - Yank Sing in San Francisco, CA
Tucked away in a busy office building, Yank Sing delights diners with its fried and steamed dumplings. It serves excellent dim sum that comes with a trolley service, so patrons may savor specialties like stuffed crab claws and Shanghai dumplings. - Facing East in Bellevue, WA
Facing East is special among the many chains because of its owner Yu-ling Wong’s extremely particular selection of Taiwanese street food. Every dish, from tender pig belly stew to crispy Tainan shrimp rolls, showcases Wong’s skill in the kitchen and modern sensibilities. - Chengdu Taste in Los Angeles, CA
Chengdu Taste, well-known for its spicy Szechuan cuisine, entices customers with its potent flavors and enticing fragrances. Every item, from boiling fish with pepper sauce to cold mung bean noodles, exemplifies the ferocity of Szechuan cuisine. - Noodlebird in Chicago, IL
Previously known as Fat Rice, Noodlebird showcases a blend of Portuguese and Chinese cuisines influenced by Macau. Chef Abraham Conlon’s innovation and prowess are evident in dishes like the distinctive “fat rice” and soothing tofu and pig belly. - Dim Sum Garden in Philadelphia, PA
With origins dating back to the creators of xiao long bao the Dim Sum Garden provides a true taste of Shanghai-style dim sum, with flavorful noodles and delicate dumplings that are expertly prepared. - Lao Sze Chuan in Chicago, IL
Renowned for its captivating tastes, Lao Sze Chuan tempts customers with delicacies like mapo tofu and Chengdu dumplings. This restaurant, which has locations in the suburbs and downtown, offers a delicious Szechuan-style dining experience. - Peking Gourmet Inn in Falls Church, VA
Peking Gourmet Inn, which has been upholding tradition since the late 1970s, continues to be a stronghold of traditional Chinese food, dishing up classic dishes such as Peking duck alongside delicate pancakes plus home made sauce, thus safeguarding Shandong cuisine’s characteristics for future generations.
These ten Chinese eateries, which can be found coast to coast, welcome customers on a gastronomic adventure that crosses national boundaries and honors the rich legacy of Chinese culinary traditions. They represent the varied and colorful dishes of American Chinese cuisine.
