A longtime neighborhood staple since 2001 just north of Myers Park, satisfies American Chinese cravings with balanced and straightforward sa cha chicken (the crispness of the broccoli is what makes the dish), a not-too-greasy-or-salty shrimp fried rice, and crispy scallion chicken with fried bite-sized chicken pieces. Prices are reasonable, and the minimal, cozy, and casual dining room is popular among the work lunch crew.

This new, modern, and elegant dim sum restaurant (no rolling carts) in Matthews is barely two months old, yet is making its name as one of few fine Chinese dining establishments in the city. It reminds one of the white tableclothed dim sum dining rooms in Hong Kong, Vancouver, and London, and the mostly well-dressed clientele would agree. Beat the weekend queues (and slower service) by arriving before 11:30 a.m. But if you have to wait, you can watch the staff folding and rolling the xiao long bao (soup dumplings) in an ante-waiting room. Also on the menu are huge portions of hot and sour or West Lake beef soup, chewy and tender spicy wontons, and an array of regional and mainstream favorites. If you want to make a splash, pre-order a half or whole Beijing roast duck ($39.95/$74.95), which is served tableside.

This reliable longtime South Park establishment is a fave among locals and the Chinese for its basil tofu, eggplant chicken, and Singapore rice noodles, with just the right balance of curry and spice. Classic faves like General Tso’s chicken ($16.95) appear, too. A mostly white and warmly-lit dining room makes it the designated spot to bring friends in town or for a quiet, casual dinner. However, its takeout business is just as popular.

Tucked next to a scuba shop in Fort Mill just five minutes from Pineville is where you’ll find Szechuan cuisine, traditional favorites, and even sushi (it’s fresh) every night except Wednesday. The brightly-lit dining room is pleasant enough to eat in but not so comfortable to linger past the fortune cookies. Must-try dishes include a Szechuan spicy fish filet with bite-sized fried fish chunks garnished with red chili peppers and oil. Also on the menu are diverse greens like snow pea tips and Taiwan or Shanghai bok choy, all lightly salted and sauteed with garlic. The beef chow fun is everything people love about chow fun — hot, chewy, and sticky— or go off-piste for mala beef tendons or pork intestines.

Popular among both Westerners and the mainland Chinese community, this Weddington destination is worth the drive for a full dim sum menu (soup dumplings, radish turnip cakes, and pork and shrimp shu mai, between $8 to $13 each) and other specialty dishes like hearty clay pot options, thick and saucy mapo tofu, lobster covered in ginger and scallion, and cold-cut chicken. Traditional dishes like sesame chicken are also on the menu, with many under $20 for dinner and $14 for lunch. A casual, comfortable, bright dining room with a full bar is inviting enough for a friend or work group dinner or the whole family.