Where to Eat Chinese Food in Chicago: Discover the Best Restaurants

Chicago, a city known for its culinary diversity, offers a wealth of options when it comes to Chinese food. Whether you're craving traditional dishes or something with a modern twist, the city's Chinese food scene has something for everyone. Over the years, Chicago has seen an influx of Chinese restaurants, ranging from hole-in-the-wall gems to upscale dining experiences. This article will guide you through the best places to eat Chinese food in Chicago, whether you're a local or just visiting.

When it comes to finding the best Chinese food in Chicago, several restaurants stand out for their quality, flavor, and unique approach to Chinese cuisine:

• Shanghai Terrace: Located in the prestigious Peninsula Hotel, Shanghai Terrace offers an elegant dining experience with a menu that showcases classic Shanghai flavors. Known for their Peking duck and dim sum, Shanghai Terrace combines the art of traditional Chinese cooking with a luxurious atmosphere.
• Little Three Happiness: A Chicago favorite for over 40 years, Little Three Happiness serves up hearty portions of Chinese comfort food. Known for its Cantonese-style dishes, the restaurant is a staple for those in the mood for familiar, flavorful dishes like crispy pork and flavorful chow mein.
• Sun Wah BBQ: Famous for its mouth-watering BBQ duck, Sun Wah BBQ is one of the best spots for traditional Chinese BBQ in Chicago. Located in the Albany Park neighborhood, the restaurant also offers other favorites like roast pork and duck soup, making it a must-visit for Chinese food enthusiasts.
• Chi Café: A gem in Chinatown, Chi Café specializes in traditional Cantonese dishes and offers an expansive menu that includes dim sum, seafood, and noodles. With its homey atmosphere and consistent quality, Chi Café is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner outing.

For those seeking authentic Chinese cuisine in Chicago, there are a few standout restaurants that deliver both tradition and quality:

Han 202: Known for its focus on northern Chinese dishes, Han 202 brings the flavors of Beijing, Shanxi, and Xi'an to Chicago. Their hand-pulled noodles, spicy lamb skewers, and signature lamb dumplings offer a true taste of China’s northern regions.

Beijing BBQ House: A restaurant specializing in northern Chinese cuisine, Beijing BBQ House serves hearty and flavorful dishes like grilled skewers, sizzling meats, and spicy hot pots. It’s the ideal spot for those craving robust, authentic flavors.

Chicago’s dining scene is constantly evolving, and Chinese food is no exception. Many restaurants in the city have modernized traditional dishes, adding their unique twists to create a new dining experience. Here are some spots where you can find creative takes on Chinese cuisine:

Yang’s Kitchen: A modern Chinese restaurant that blends traditional flavors with contemporary cooking methods, Yang’s Kitchen offers a variety of creative dishes such as truffle dumplings and chili crab. The restaurant’s focus on high-quality ingredients and beautiful plating makes it a perfect spot for a more upscale dining experience.

Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings: Specializing in dumplings, Qing Xiang Yuan puts a modern spin on this Chinese classic. From lamb dumplings to vegetarian options, their handmade dumplings are served in a variety of sauces, making it a unique destination for dumpling lovers.

Here are a few more must-try spots to satisfy your Chinese food cravings in Chicago:

• Fung’s Kitchen: Offering a wide selection of authentic Chinese dishes, Fung’s Kitchen is especially known for its flavorful seafood options. The restaurant’s Szechuan-style dishes, including mapo tofu and spicy chicken, are popular among those who enjoy bold flavors.
• Joy Yee’s Noodle Shop: A staple in Chicago’s Chinatown, Joy Yee’s serves up a variety of Chinese and pan-Asian dishes, from noodle soups to stir-fries and bubble teas. Their extensive menu and quick service make it a popular choice for both locals and tourists.
• New Imperial Lamian: For a truly modern twist on traditional Chinese cuisine, New Imperial Lamian specializes in hand-pulled noodles, which are made fresh daily. With their variety of noodle dishes and flavorful broths, this restaurant brings authentic northern Chinese street food to Chicago’s dining scene.

For more recommendations and to discover other top Chinese food spots, visit Chinese Food.