From shrimp fried rice to egg foo young, Americans love Chinese food. It’s hard to imagine there are many towns in the entire country that don’t have their own go-to spot for fried wontons, egg drop soup, and pork lo mein — and try as we may to recreate our favorite take-out dishes at home, its never quite the same as going out. Just as common as Chinese restaurants, however, are arguments about which one is best. All 50 of these local favorites can easily make an argument for tops in their respective states.
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Alaska | Charlie’s Bakery and Chinese Restaurant
Anchorage If you find it odd to eat Chinese food in a bakery, it’s best to get over that hang-up to experience one of the most unique Chinese joints in all of Alaska. Charlie’s Bakery and Chinese Restaurant is known for its service as much as its outrageously good food and baked treats. Try the pot stickers and Mongolian beef, then leave with a custard bun for later.
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Arizona | Chou’s Kitchen
Chandler Anyone who’s been to China will tell you that much of the Chinese food served in America isn’t what’s eaten there. That’s not the case in Chou’s Kitchen, which is well-known and loved for its authentic cuisine from Northeastern China. Suan cai clay pot, cumin and caraway lamb, and pork and chive dumplings are just a few fan favorites.
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Arkansas | Three Fold Noodles and Dumplings
Little Rock At Three Fold Noodles and Dumplings, both the menu and the space itself embrace a minimalist philosophy — but that doesn’t mean that anything is lacking. Steamed buns, hot dumplings, and endless noodles keep the crowds coming back, as do the fair prices and quick, friendly service.
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California | Ma’s House
Anaheim In a state with as many legendary Chinese restaurants as California, it’s hard to pick just one. Those in the know, however, choose Ma’s House (previously known as Ma’s Chinese Islamic Restaurant). Halal Chinese food at its very finest, a visit to Ma’s often comes with a wait, but it’s well worth the time thanks to delicacies like lamb noodle soup and hand-cut chow mein. There’s no pork or alcohol on the menu, however.
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Connecticut | Great Taste
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Delaware | Confucius Chinese Cuisine
Rehoboth Beach Known for traditional fare from the Hunan region, Confucius is stellar all year round, but specializes in seasonal cuisine. Traditionalists rave about the authentic offerings, but there’s also plenty of “Americanized” Chinese food for anyone seeking something familiar.
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Florida | Leanh’s Chinese Restaurant
South Daytona A time-tested local favorite, Leanh’s is all about quality, made-to-order Chinese food. There is, an impressive variety of options, as the pan-Asian menu includes an array of Korean, Thai and Vietnamese dishes.
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Georgia | Peking Chinese Restaurant
Suwanee Peking might have a strip mall exterior, but inside it’s all elegance. Known for authentic Hunan, Cantonese, and Szechuan fare, loyalists keep coming back for the consistently excellent food. Try a Cass beer with Mongolian beef and make sure to order the hot tea — the beverages are as good as the food. Due to the pandemic, they are offering pickup and delivery only right now.
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Hawaii | Char Hung Sut
Honolulu A brilliant fusion of Hawaiian and Chinese cuisine, Char Hung Sut offers up legendary dim sum, but the real specialty is ono manpua. That’s a Chinese-Hawaiian pork bun that’s rarely done right outside of Honolulu’s Chinatown.
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Idaho | Red Pavilion Mandarin Cuisine
Meridian The entire menu at Red Pavilion comes in gargantuan portions at fair prices.The honey almond shrimp is a fan favorite, but the soup is the real game changer. Try the wor wonton or the egg flour soup. Even better, nearly everything on the menu can be made gluten-free. Curbside pickup, carry out, and delivery are available.
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Illinois | Big Bowl
Lincolnshire Cocktails and craft beer complement classic Thai and Chinese dishes at Big Bowl. The glazed salmon over fried rice and pad Thai are part of the reason the place stays packed, but another reason for the crowds is the staff’s reputation for going the extra mile.
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Indiana | Egg Roll No. 1
Indianapolis Good luck finding better pho anywhere in Indianapolis than what’s served up at the low-key Egg Roll No. 1. Even though a winding line is standard operating procedure, service is fast at the lauded Vietnamese/Chinese fusion joint.
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Iowa | Dumpling Darling
Iowa City Open late and fawned over by locals, Dumpling Darling started at a farmers market in 2014. Since then, the dumpling specialists have expanded their menu to include dumplings from around the world and a full menu of Asian fusion. At Dumpling Darling, it’s all about real ingredients and real food in a fun, warm and inviting space. There’s also a Des Moines location. Currently inside dining is closed due to the pandemic, but pickup and delivery is available.
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Kansas | Blue Koi Noodles and Dumplings
Kansas City Brightly-colored with a laid-back vibe, Blue Koi Noodles and Dumplings is known for its bubble tea, although it also boasts a full bar and a nice selection of loose teas. Try the pork dumplings and don’t be shy about mixing and matching sauces and dips. Indoor dining is closed, but the restaurant is open for pickup and delivery.
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Kentucky | KungFood Chu’s AmerAsia
Covington A small restaurant that seats about 30, the decor at KungFood Chu’s AmerAsia is almost as perfect as the food. Kung fu posters adorn the walls as diners sip craft beers and enjoy Taiwanese delicacies like the spicy dynamite egg roll. Daring souls should try the beef and broccoli at spice level two. Pickup and delivery is available.
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Louisiana | China Doll
Harvey You can expect a wait at China Doll, but it’s popular for a reason. Warm and dimly lit, the restaurant is known for second-to-none service, amazing shrimp fried rice, and arguably the finest crab rangoon in town. Face masks are required for entry.
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Maine | Empire
Portland Known locally for its live music and events as much as for its food, Empire serves authentic dishes from all over China. The duck fried rice and kung pao chicken are unforgettable, and the cocktail list is worth a visit in and of itself. Vegetarians and vegans will have trouble choosing from all the options available to them. It’s currently open for pickup only.
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Maryland | Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant
Hagerstown Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant is worthy of a best-in-state mention just on portion-size-to-price ratio alone. The famously friendly staff only adds to the experience. The familiar Americanized Chinese cuisine is widely considered among the best in the region — and the state.
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Massachusetts | Sichuan Gourmet
Framingham Casual but bustling, Sichuan Gourmet is upscale but affordable. The Sichuan specialties that made it locally-famous are spiced to order. The drinks are hot, the tea is gourmet, and the twice-cooked bacon and dry pepper beef are as good as the service.
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Michigan | Rainbow Restaurant
Farmington You’ve had lo mein, but never like this. Chinese-style crispy lo mein is just one reason to stop at Rainbow Restaurant next time you’re in or near Farmington. Nothing is frozen, everything is made fresh to order, and gluten-free options abound.
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Minnesota | Weng’s Kitchen
Farmington The egg rolls are crispy, not greasy. The staff is warm, inviting, and fast. The fried dumplings are massive and flavorful. It’s Weng’s Kitchen, you’d really have to try hard to find a bad review. Currently the restaurant is pickup only due to the pandemic.
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Mississippi | Mr. Chen’s Authentic Chinese Restaurant
Jackson Mr. Chen’s, is much more than just a locally-famous Chinese restaurant. Sure, there’s a dining area, but it’s tucked inside a bustling Asian market. Fans rave about the owner and supporting staff as much as they rave about the food.
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Missouri | Wan Fu
Des Peres Wan Fu is famous for its rice soup and Hong Kong-centric seafood dishes, but the deliciousness doesn’t stop there. The Mongolian beef and the moo shoo pork get rave reviews, as well. No matter what you order, expect to bring some home. Prices are fair and portions are huge. Currently the restaurant is open for pickup and carry-out only.
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Montana | Pagoda Thai and Chinese Restaurant
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Nebraska | Ming’s House
Lincoln Locals often stop into Ming’s House to enjoy the unusual triangular crab rangoon. For others, it’s the wide selection of vegetarian fare. Either way, portions are big, and prices are not.
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New Hampshire | North Garden Restaurant & Lounge
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New Jersey | Han Dynasty
Cherry Hill Philadelphians know Han Dynasty from the central location in the city. But New Jerseyans flock to the suburban satellite outlet, which is as good or better than the larger city locations. Expect the same giant portions of authentic spicy Sichuan dishes like pepper shrimp and dan dan noodles that you’d find at Han in Philly. It’s pickup and delivery only due to the pandemic.
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New Mexico | Ming Dynasty
Albuquerque Ming Dynasty claims to be “the only restaurant in Albuquerque serving authentic Chinese dim sum, Szechwan and Cantonese cuisine.” It’s certainly among the very best not just in the city, but in all of New Mexico. The restaurant serves up fantastic classic Chinese fare and follows up every meal with an especially nice touch — a warm towel.
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New York | Xi’an Famous Foods
New York City There are more than a dozen Xi’an Famous Foods locations scattered across New York City — and every single one of them has earned reviews higher than 4.5 stars. Family owned since it first appeared as a stall at a shopping mall in Queens, the restaurant is known throughout the city for its dishes from Xi’an, China. Try the cold skin noodles, lamb pao mo soup and housemade flat bread.
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North Carolina | Red Pepper Asian
Raleigh Chinese dishes are only part of the reason Red Pepper Asian remains such a favorite for locals and tourists alike. There are plenty of Thai and Malaysian options, and the owner is known for kindness to both her customers and staff alike. The steamed pork dumplings and drunken noodles can compete with any served up anywhere.
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North Dakota | Huhot Mongolian Grill
Bismark Head to HuHot and don’t leave until you’ve plated a creation all your own. The theme is stir-fry, and the name of the game is unlimited create-your-own dinners. While Mongolian in name, the style of cooking here is largely considered to have originated in China and has little to do with techniques and ingredients of Mongolia. It’s a regional chain, but the quality, price, and atmosphere can compete with any mom-and-pop restaurant you’ll find. During the pandemic, the restaurant is offering contactless pickup.
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Ohio | Lucky House
Westerville The Lucky House Restaurant is known for its heaping noodle dishes and amazingly friendly service. Even in the Chinese food mecca that Central Ohio has become, Lucky House stands out as top shelf. The Sunday brunch buffet is especially popular.
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Oklahoma | Szechuan Bistro
Oklahoma City Szechuan Bistro features standout potstickers, but that isn’t the only beloved dish. The boiled fish is another favorite, as is the egg drop soup and a variety of specialty dishes you won’t find on the standard Chinese menu. No matter what you order, expect speedy, friendly service. Currently the restaurant only offers takeout and delivery due to the pandemic.
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Oregon | Yuan Su Vegetarian
Portland Yuan Su is a vegetarian restaurant known for “modern interpretations of classic dishes.” Vegans, vegetarians and carnivores alike will delight in a huge array of unique offerings, all of which come in giant helpings with fast and friendly service. During the pandemic, they are only offering takeout.
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Pennsylvania | New Star
Bartonsville New Star has longtime residents claiming it’s the best Chinese food in the entire Pocono region. Ready to become a believer? Try the Singapore mei fun. During the pandemic, it’s takeout orders only.
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Rhode Island | Apsara Asian Restaurant
Providence The Thai, Cambodian, and Vietnamese offerings are as good as the Chinese dishes that keep the locals coming back to Apsara. With a huge selection of pork, beef, chicken, seafood, and vegetarian dishes, there’s definitely something for everybody. During the pandemic it’s takeout only.
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South Carolina | Yellow Ginger
Greenville Yellow Ginger is especially well known for its authentic Chinese offerings. It is, however, a local pan-Asian favorite that serves up an impressive variety of regional fare like roti canai, pad Thai, Thai red curry bowls and Singapore rice noodles. No matter what you order, you can expect fresh, quality ingredients and made-to-order dishes. They are open for limited inside dining during the pandemic, but they are also offering curbside pickup and takeout.
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South Dakota | Imperial Garden Chinese Restaurant
Sioux Falls Imperial Garden serves up world-class Chinese food at what the restaurant calls “throwaway prices.” The right side of the restaurant’s large menu displays some seriously low prices, especially considering the food is so good, the portions are so large, and the service is so reliably friendly and fast. Due to the pandemic, the restaurant is takeout only.
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Tennessee | China Cottage
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Texas | Ginger & Fork
Houston Billed as “authentic Chinese cuisine with a modern twist,” Ginger Fork serves up not just classic Hong Kong and Cantonese fare, but an impressive variety of exotic craft cocktails. The “food as medicine” philosophy is evident in their fresh ingredients. Masks are required.
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Utah | Mandarin
Bountiful The decor is luxurious and ornate, the reviews are fawning, and the food is exotic and original. It’s Mandarin, and if you stop there, try the tropical Thai tofu, the pepper tofu, the Mongolian pork, or the Singapore noodles. No matter what you decide, it’s hard to imagine that you’d be disappointed.
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Vermont | A Single Pebble
Burlington A family style restaurant known for Taiwanese cuisine, A Single Pebble serves up exotic specials steamed chili black bean wontons. The restaurants legions of loyal fans rave about the delightful overall experience. Right now, though, it’s takeout only due to the pandemic.
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Virginia | House of Dynasty
Alexandria Taiwanese specialities complement classic Chinese dishes in House of Dynasty. Soft music and low lighting make for a serene dining experience, and diners rave about authentic, high-quality dishes like Singapore rice noodles and broccoli and beef.
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Washington | Tai Tung Chinese Restaurant
Seattle Few Chinese restaurants in America boast a history and lineage comparable to Tai Tung. in Seattle. Tai Tung has more than three quarters of a century of family history dating back to the grandfather of the current owners, who opened for business in 1935. Neither the service nor the food needs any introduction to anyone in the Seattle area. When Bruce Lee, a frequent customer, came here, he always ordered the same thing: beef in oyster sauce. During the pandemic, it’s takeout only.
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West Virginia | China One
Sophia Staffed with friendly servers, China One offers a relatively small menu, but each item could be considered a specialty dish. The pristine environment (even the bathrooms are sparkling) is relaxing and inviting, and the buffet offers a nice spread made from the same high-quality ingredients as the menu items, all for a price that’s more than fair.
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Wisconsin | Taste of Sichuan
Madison Taste of Sichuan offers online ordering for delivery and takeout, but reviewers rave about the hot pot (which can be ordered half-and-half) and the option to add multiple meats to some dishes. The staff also gets praise for being very COVID-19 conscious and always wearing masks.
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Wyoming | Full House Chinese Restaurant
Mills When you head to Full House, leave some room in the fridge — gargantuan portion sizes all but guarantee leftovers. Between the amazing dinner specials and legendary crab rangoon, the Full House experience is beyond compare.
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