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A plate of crab rice.
Triple Crown is a fixture in Chicago’s Chinatown.
Jack X. Li/Eater Chicago

Chicago’s Best Chinese Restaurants

Explore the various regional flavors of China without leaving town

by Ashok Selvam and Eater Staff Updated
View as Map
Triple Crown is a fixture in Chicago’s Chinatown.
| Jack X. Li/Eater Chicago
by Ashok Selvam and Eater Staff Updated

From hot pot to dim sum to barbecue, many Chinese restaurants contribute to Chicago’s culinary world. It’s also good news that quality options have never been limited to Chinatown, which has recently transformed with new additions, even expanding past neighborhood borders to Pilsen and Bridgeport. Diversity is in full display with these 26 spots.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

3 Little Pigs (3LP)

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Chicago native Henry Cai’s father worked in Chinese restaurants, and thus Cai is a student of the game, picking up cooking tips from a variety of chefs through the years until he launched a pandemic to-go-only restaurant. 3 Little Pigs is a Chinese American wonderland with porky fried rice, dumplings, barbecue pork, and fried chicken sandwiches. Cai has moved his restaurant a few times, and now it’s next to Maria’s Community Bar in Bridgeport (there’s also a River West ghost kitchen).

964 W 31st St (Morgan St), Chicago, IL 60608
An assortment of Chinese food from 3 Little Pigs. Aliya Ikhumen/Eater Chicago

Da Mao Jia

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Diners may be familiar with Sichuan cuisine but Da Mao Jia explores new territory, focusing on the street food of Chengdu. There’s an exciting selection of offal bites alongside regional dishes like spare ribs, Zhong dumplings, handmade sweet and spicy noodles, and diced rabbit. Just be ready for the bold and spicy flavors that pack a punch. Place orders for pickup and delivery online.

2621 S Halsted St Ste 1, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 929-2088
(312) 929-2088

Also featured in:

Chiu Quon Bakery & Dim Sum

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Chicago’s oldest traditional Chinese bakery is home to a world of sweet and savory delights. Fill a box up with barbecue pork buns, egg tarts, sesame balls, cookies, cakes, and much more. The budget-friendly menu also features dim sum items.

2253 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-6608
(312) 225-6608
A close up of egg tarts.
Chi Quon is the city’s oldest Chinese bakery.
Jack X. Li/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Slurp Slurp Noodles

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Noodles are on virtually every Chinese menu but very few do it like Slurp Slurp. The kitchen hand-pulls and shaves its noodles in-house and offers them in soup or stir-fried. The homey dish is rounded out with protein options such as beef spare ribs, pork belly, brisket, lamb, seafood, some offal cuts, and more. Orders can be placed online.

2247 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 982-2969
(312) 982-2969
A bowl of noodle soup.
Slurp Slurp makes its noodles from scratch every day.
Slurp Slurp Noodles

Also featured in:

Triple Crown Restaurant

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Triple Crown is a Chinatown go-to for dim sum, Cantonese, and Chinese American dishes. It’s an extensive menu that will please nearly everyone along Wentworth. This family-owned restaurant has leaped forward in recent years, trying new endeavors including brewing a beer with Marz Community Brewing.

2217 S Wentworth Ave (at Cermak), Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 842-0088
(312) 842-0088
Jack X. Li/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Dolo Restaurant and Bar

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Highly regarded for its made-to-order dim sum and fresh seafood, Dolo is an essential dining destination. Stop in during the day for shareable buns and dumplings or dine at night and enjoy Cantonese staples and Cajun-style boils. As a bonus, customers don’t have to worry about finding parking since there’s a private lot. Order carryout and delivery through Dolo’s website.

2222 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 877-5117
(312) 877-5117

Also featured in:

Haidilao Hot Pot Chicago

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On the ground floor of 88 Marketplace, a location of the largest hot pot chain in China is thriving. Haidilao is a high-end restaurant that’s always bustling on weekends. The occasional robot will bring out ingredients like wagyu. The dancing noodles, pulled tableside, are a highlight. 

107 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 363-3888
(312) 363-3888

Also featured in:

Yao Yao

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Yao Yao specializes in seafood in broth served with pickled veggies. In 2023, the Chinatown restaurant earned a place on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list, which recognizes quality food for good value. This is Sichuan food presented in a way that’s unique to the Chicago audience.

230 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 929-4279
(312) 929-4279
A plate of pickled fish. Michelin/Yuchen Li

Also featured in:

Golden Bull

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Tucked away on a quieter section of Cermak Road, Golden Bull delivers no-frills homestyle cooking. Pan-seared beef and the enormous steamed oysters are terrific, and those needing late-night sustenance will find salvation in the rice casseroles. Place orders online.

242 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 808-1668
(312) 808-1668
A pot of rice casserole.
The rice casseroles are Golden Bull’s signature dish.
Golden Bull

Also featured in:

Moon Palace Express/Nine Bar

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Moon Palace Express is a family-owned takeout specialist that was recently revamped. In the back, the team has added cocktail spot Nine Bar, a sleek lounge with a tremendous bar snack menu. The one-two punch of Moon Palace’s kung pao chicken and Nine Bar’s fun drinks is tough to beat.

216 West Cermak Road, IL 60616
(312) 225-4081
(312) 225-4081
A close-up of a pack of 2 egg rolls and sweet and sour sauce.
Moon Palace Express delivers great egg rolls.
Jack X. Li/Eater Chicago

MingHin Cuisine

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Now with six locations, MingHin is one of Chicagoland’s most well-known Chinese restaurants. Dim sum is always solid and served all day, and the dinner menu boasts intriguing delicacies like braised bird’s nest soup and seared foie gras. Pro tip: The Macau-style roasted pork belly is a must-order. Carryout and delivery orders can be placed online.

2168 S Archer Ave (at S Princeton Ave), Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 808-1999
(312) 808-1999

Also featured in:

Phoenix Restaurant

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Considered by some to be Chinatown’s premier restaurant, Phoenix has it all. The neighborhood stalwart treats diners to dim sum served from pushcarts and multi-course, family-style meals consisting of all of the essential Cantonese dishes. Carryout and delivery orders can be placed online.

2131 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 328-0848
(312) 328-0848
A large carpeted dining room with round tables surrounded by chairs with slip covers.
Phoenix is one of Chicago’s most traditional dim sum experiences.
Jack X. Li/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

BBQ King House

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Devour a variety of meats at this Chinese barbecue favorite. The popular Beijing duck dinner feeds three to four people and comes with additional courses like fried shrimp and duck bone soup. Other menu highlights include soy sauce chicken, barbecued pork, and roasted pork.

2148 S Archer Ave (at Cermak Rd), Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 326-1219
(312) 326-1219

Also featured in:

Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings

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Arguably the finest dumplings in Chicago can be had at this Chinatown restaurant. QXY specializes in soup dumplings filled with everything from pork and lamb to premium ingredients like lobster and sea urchin. Barbecue skewers are popular as well. Visit the website to place an order.

2026 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 799-1118
(312) 799-1118
Dumplings, side dishes, a teapot, utensils, and more laid out on a table.
Diners have a seemingly endless amount of dumpling options at QXY.
Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings

Also featured in:

Xi'an Cuisine

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With locations in Chinatown and West Loop, Xi’an Cuisine is not just about the menu, but the talent in the kitchen to properly execute it. That means fried dishes are crispy, not scorched. Sauces are seasoned appropriately and chicken isn’t served overcooked and stringy. There’s both a more traditional X’ian menu section with noodles and an American Chinese section. Curiously, there’s a special stir-fried beef dish called the Moshe Moshe, named after the True West Loop Facebook group moderator. It’s a crispy, sweet, savory mix that’s worth ordering. Owners say it’s more labor-intensive than other dishes, hence the extra few dollars. It’s worth it.

769 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 624-8852
(312) 624-8852
A pile of noodles with julienned cucumbers and cilantro. Xi’an Cuisine

Also featured in:

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Lao Sze Chuan (Downtown)

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Lao Sze Chuan can get lost in the shuffle, but the restaurant is a pioneer, showcasing Sichuan cuisine to Chicagoans at a time when the mainstream was fixated on Cantonese food. There’s plenty of room for the many delicious regions of China, but Lao Sze Chuan ignited interest in Chicago as diners grew more comfortable with spicy food. From the dry-chili chicken (named after founder Tony Hu) to the cumin lamb, the greatest hits are worth a visit at any one of the chain’s locations.

520 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 595-0888
(312) 595-0888

Also featured in:

Shang Noodle Chicago Streeterville

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Chicago doesn’t have as many hand-pulled noodle shops as diners might expect in a city this large. But in Streeterville, a minichain, Shang Noodle, sates those starchy cravings. It’s from the owners of Niu, a popular sushi spot. The noodle soups, headlined by Taiwanese beef, are great on cold days. The chow fun is also excellent.

215 East Grand Avenue, IL 60611
(312) 285-2218
(312) 285-2218

Also featured in:

Gangnam Market

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In River West, Gangnam Market fills a niche for locals as a grocery store. It offers some Chinese and Korean supplies mixed with a selection of Western goods and a smattering of Mexican items. But the store’s crown jewel is its food court, which offers pan-Asian delights. Matt Bakes has stellar breakfast sandwiches with Chinese pineapple buns and char siu. Workout Rice serves some of the best Hainanese chicken rice around. There’s lots to discover, but Chinese food fans would miss out by underestimating this spot.

1001 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60642
(312) 929-2204
(312) 929-2204
A food court with neon signage. Gangnam Market

Also featured in:

Shanghai Terrace

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Proper tea is difficult to find, but Shanghai Terrace, up in the Peninsula Hotel, takes the beverage seriously. Some diners love to hate on the fact that an upscale Chinese restaurant with prices more than their neighborhood delivery joint exists. Don’t let that deter you: Shanghai Terrace with its ambience and attention to detail is worth every penny. Their selection of seafood dim sum — and the Beijing duck service — make this spot worth a visit for a special occasion. 

108 E Superior St (The Peninsula), Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 573-6744
(312) 573-6744

Also featured in:

Lao Peng You

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Brothers Daniel and Eric Wat opened this small West Town restaurant in late 2019 and quickly earned recognition for their handmade specialties. Drawing inspiration from childhood memories and family recipes, the two have created exceptional dumplings swimming in hot and sour broth and noodles available two ways — cold or in soups. Be sure to save some room for the lamb-cumin flatbread, too. Lao Peng You accepts orders for pickup and lunch delivery.

2020 W Chicago Ave (N Damen Ave), Chicago, IL 60622
(872) 206-8624
(872) 206-8624
A circular plated filled with Chinese dumplings.
Lao Peng You’s fresh dumplings arrive in a hot and sour broth.
Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Chengdu Impression

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Set taste buds on fire with copious amounts of chiles and peppercorns. Lincoln Park’s Sichuan expert satisfies mala — the province’s famous mouth-numbing flavor — cravings with choices like mapo tofu, dan dan noodles, and dry chili chicken. They provide warming comfort during the cold season and leave a lasting impression. Orders can be placed online. There are also locations in Edgewater and Wicker Park. A sibling location in Bucktown called Chengdu Bistro focuses on dumplings and noodles.

2545 N Halsted St (btwn W Lill Ave & W Wrightwood St), Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 477-6256
(773) 477-6256
A plate of dry chili chicken.
Clear the sinuses with Chengdu Impression’s dry chili chicken.
Chengdu Impression

D Cuisine

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The North Side is a relative desert for dim sum but this Lincoln Park space gives Chicagoans a reason to venture beyond Chinatown for their fill of buns and dumplings. D Cuisine makes its dim sum in-house and offers a full lineup all day long. Munch on classics like siu mai, chicken feet, and congee or go with the Guangzhou-style roasted chicken for an impeccable large course. D Cuisine accepts online orders.

2723 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 360-7239
(773) 360-7239
A variety of dim sum spread out on a table.
D Cuisine provides the North Side with another dim sum option.
D Cuisine

Also featured in:

Friendship Chinese

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Friendship’s menu isn’t as long as many Chinese American menus. The team curates the selections with an emphasis on quality ingredients served with Western-style plating. Don’t take that as being snobbish or overpriced. Friendship, as the name implies, is a welcoming place for top-notch noodles, dumplings, and other Cantonese greats. Logan Square is lucky to have such wizardry.

2830 N Milwaukee Ave (btwn Diversey & Wolfram), Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 227-0970
(773) 227-0970

Also featured in:

Furama

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There are many places to get dim sum in Chicago but very few are still doing it like Furama. On weekends, servers push carts of food around the room for guests to choose from. The iconic dining experience features baskets of shrimp dumplings, barbecue pork buns, egg tarts, and more. To-go orders are accepted online.

4936 N Broadway St (at Argyle St), Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 271-1161
(773) 271-1161
A dim sum spread at Furama. Furama

Also featured in:

Honeymoon Cafe

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This unassuming family-owned Chinese restaurant in Uptown, on Argyle — traditionally more of a Vietnamese enclave — cranks out some of the more unique Cantonese food in the city. The short ribs, which come wrapped in aluminum foil at the table, are one of the best dishes for meat eaters. Other selections are solid. This restaurant is no fuss.

1138 West Argyle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60640
(773) 271-6668
(773) 271-6668

Sun Wah BBQ

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Guests are greeted by the sight of hanging meats like barbecued pork and salt-baked chicken at this beloved Uptown restaurant. But the main attraction here is the Beijing duck feast. A whole roasted duck is carved tableside and served with steamed bao, garnishes, and hoisin sauce. The remains are then used to make duck soup and fried rice. Call ahead to reserve the duck; alcohol is BYO. Sun Wah is a James Beard Award winner.

5039 N Broadway St (at W Argyle St), Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 769-1254
(773) 769-1254
Three duck bao on a plate.
Sun Wah is renowned for its Peking duck.
Sun Wah BBQ

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3 Little Pigs (3LP)

964 W 31st St (Morgan St), Chicago, IL 60608

Chicago native Henry Cai’s father worked in Chinese restaurants, and thus Cai is a student of the game, picking up cooking tips from a variety of chefs through the years until he launched a pandemic to-go-only restaurant. 3 Little Pigs is a Chinese American wonderland with porky fried rice, dumplings, barbecue pork, and fried chicken sandwiches. Cai has moved his restaurant a few times, and now it’s next to Maria’s Community Bar in Bridgeport (there’s also a River West ghost kitchen).

964 W 31st St (Morgan St), Chicago, IL 60608
An assortment of Chinese food from 3 Little Pigs. Aliya Ikhumen/Eater Chicago

Da Mao Jia

2621 S Halsted St Ste 1, Chicago, IL 60608

Diners may be familiar with Sichuan cuisine but Da Mao Jia explores new territory, focusing on the street food of Chengdu. There’s an exciting selection of offal bites alongside regional dishes like spare ribs, Zhong dumplings, handmade sweet and spicy noodles, and diced rabbit. Just be ready for the bold and spicy flavors that pack a punch. Place orders for pickup and delivery online.

2621 S Halsted St Ste 1, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 929-2088
(312) 929-2088

Chiu Quon Bakery & Dim Sum

2253 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Chicago’s oldest traditional Chinese bakery is home to a world of sweet and savory delights. Fill a box up with barbecue pork buns, egg tarts, sesame balls, cookies, cakes, and much more. The budget-friendly menu also features dim sum items.

2253 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-6608
(312) 225-6608
A close up of egg tarts.
Chi Quon is the city’s oldest Chinese bakery.
Jack X. Li/Eater Chicago

Slurp Slurp Noodles

2247 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Noodles are on virtually every Chinese menu but very few do it like Slurp Slurp. The kitchen hand-pulls and shaves its noodles in-house and offers them in soup or stir-fried. The homey dish is rounded out with protein options such as beef spare ribs, pork belly, brisket, lamb, seafood, some offal cuts, and more. Orders can be placed online.

2247 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 982-2969
(312) 982-2969
A bowl of noodle soup.
Slurp Slurp makes its noodles from scratch every day.
Slurp Slurp Noodles

Triple Crown Restaurant

2217 S Wentworth Ave (at Cermak), Chicago, IL 60616

Triple Crown is a Chinatown go-to for dim sum, Cantonese, and Chinese American dishes. It’s an extensive menu that will please nearly everyone along Wentworth. This family-owned restaurant has leaped forward in recent years, trying new endeavors including brewing a beer with Marz Community Brewing.

2217 S Wentworth Ave (at Cermak), Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 842-0088
(312) 842-0088
Jack X. Li/Eater Chicago

Dolo Restaurant and Bar

2222 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Highly regarded for its made-to-order dim sum and fresh seafood, Dolo is an essential dining destination. Stop in during the day for shareable buns and dumplings or dine at night and enjoy Cantonese staples and Cajun-style boils. As a bonus, customers don’t have to worry about finding parking since there’s a private lot. Order carryout and delivery through Dolo’s website.

2222 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 877-5117
(312) 877-5117

Haidilao Hot Pot Chicago

107 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616

On the ground floor of 88 Marketplace, a location of the largest hot pot chain in China is thriving. Haidilao is a high-end restaurant that’s always bustling on weekends. The occasional robot will bring out ingredients like wagyu. The dancing noodles, pulled tableside, are a highlight. 

107 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 363-3888
(312) 363-3888

Yao Yao

230 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616

Yao Yao specializes in seafood in broth served with pickled veggies. In 2023, the Chinatown restaurant earned a place on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list, which recognizes quality food for good value. This is Sichuan food presented in a way that’s unique to the Chicago audience.

230 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 929-4279
(312) 929-4279
A plate of pickled fish. Michelin/Yuchen Li

Golden Bull

242 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616

Tucked away on a quieter section of Cermak Road, Golden Bull delivers no-frills homestyle cooking. Pan-seared beef and the enormous steamed oysters are terrific, and those needing late-night sustenance will find salvation in the rice casseroles. Place orders online.

242 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 808-1668
(312) 808-1668
A pot of rice casserole.
The rice casseroles are Golden Bull’s signature dish.
Golden Bull

Moon Palace Express/Nine Bar

216 West Cermak Road, IL 60616

Moon Palace Express is a family-owned takeout specialist that was recently revamped. In the back, the team has added cocktail spot Nine Bar, a sleek lounge with a tremendous bar snack menu. The one-two punch of Moon Palace’s kung pao chicken and Nine Bar’s fun drinks is tough to beat.

216 West Cermak Road, IL 60616
(312) 225-4081
(312) 225-4081
A close-up of a pack of 2 egg rolls and sweet and sour sauce.
Moon Palace Express delivers great egg rolls.
Jack X. Li/Eater Chicago

MingHin Cuisine

2168 S Archer Ave (at S Princeton Ave), Chicago, IL 60616

Now with six locations, MingHin is one of Chicagoland’s most well-known Chinese restaurants. Dim sum is always solid and served all day, and the dinner menu boasts intriguing delicacies like braised bird’s nest soup and seared foie gras. Pro tip: The Macau-style roasted pork belly is a must-order. Carryout and delivery orders can be placed online.

2168 S Archer Ave (at S Princeton Ave), Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 808-1999
(312) 808-1999

Phoenix Restaurant

2131 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Considered by some to be Chinatown’s premier restaurant, Phoenix has it all. The neighborhood stalwart treats diners to dim sum served from pushcarts and multi-course, family-style meals consisting of all of the essential Cantonese dishes. Carryout and delivery orders can be placed online.

2131 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 328-0848
(312) 328-0848
A large carpeted dining room with round tables surrounded by chairs with slip covers.
Phoenix is one of Chicago’s most traditional dim sum experiences.
Jack X. Li/Eater Chicago

BBQ King House

2148 S Archer Ave (at Cermak Rd), Chicago, IL 60616

Devour a variety of meats at this Chinese barbecue favorite. The popular Beijing duck dinner feeds three to four people and comes with additional courses like fried shrimp and duck bone soup. Other menu highlights include soy sauce chicken, barbecued pork, and roasted pork.

2148 S Archer Ave (at Cermak Rd), Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 326-1219
(312) 326-1219

Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings

2026 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60616

Arguably the finest dumplings in Chicago can be had at this Chinatown restaurant. QXY specializes in soup dumplings filled with everything from pork and lamb to premium ingredients like lobster and sea urchin. Barbecue skewers are popular as well. Visit the website to place an order.

2026 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 799-1118
(312) 799-1118
Dumplings, side dishes, a teapot, utensils, and more laid out on a table.
Diners have a seemingly endless amount of dumpling options at QXY.
Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings

Xi'an Cuisine

769 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661

With locations in Chinatown and West Loop, Xi’an Cuisine is not just about the menu, but the talent in the kitchen to properly execute it. That means fried dishes are crispy, not scorched. Sauces are seasoned appropriately and chicken isn’t served overcooked and stringy. There’s both a more traditional X’ian menu section with noodles and an American Chinese section. Curiously, there’s a special stir-fried beef dish called the Moshe Moshe, named after the True West Loop Facebook group moderator. It’s a crispy, sweet, savory mix that’s worth ordering. Owners say it’s more labor-intensive than other dishes, hence the extra few dollars. It’s worth it.

769 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 624-8852
(312) 624-8852
A pile of noodles with julienned cucumbers and cilantro. Xi’an Cuisine

Related Maps

Lao Sze Chuan (Downtown)

520 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Lao Sze Chuan can get lost in the shuffle, but the restaurant is a pioneer, showcasing Sichuan cuisine to Chicagoans at a time when the mainstream was fixated on Cantonese food. There’s plenty of room for the many delicious regions of China, but Lao Sze Chuan ignited interest in Chicago as diners grew more comfortable with spicy food. From the dry-chili chicken (named after founder Tony Hu) to the cumin lamb, the greatest hits are worth a visit at any one of the chain’s locations.

520 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 595-0888
(312) 595-0888

Shang Noodle Chicago Streeterville

215 East Grand Avenue, IL 60611

Chicago doesn’t have as many hand-pulled noodle shops as diners might expect in a city this large. But in Streeterville, a minichain, Shang Noodle, sates those starchy cravings. It’s from the owners of Niu, a popular sushi spot. The noodle soups, headlined by Taiwanese beef, are great on cold days. The chow fun is also excellent.

215 East Grand Avenue, IL 60611
(312) 285-2218
(312) 285-2218

Gangnam Market

1001 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60642

In River West, Gangnam Market fills a niche for locals as a grocery store. It offers some Chinese and Korean supplies mixed with a selection of Western goods and a smattering of Mexican items. But the store’s crown jewel is its food court, which offers pan-Asian delights. Matt Bakes has stellar breakfast sandwiches with Chinese pineapple buns and char siu. Workout Rice serves some of the best Hainanese chicken rice around. There’s lots to discover, but Chinese food fans would miss out by underestimating this spot.

1001 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60642
(312) 929-2204
(312) 929-2204
A food court with neon signage. Gangnam Market

Shanghai Terrace

108 E Superior St (The Peninsula), Chicago, IL 60611

Proper tea is difficult to find, but Shanghai Terrace, up in the Peninsula Hotel, takes the beverage seriously. Some diners love to hate on the fact that an upscale Chinese restaurant with prices more than their neighborhood delivery joint exists. Don’t let that deter you: Shanghai Terrace with its ambience and attention to detail is worth every penny. Their selection of seafood dim sum — and the Beijing duck service — make this spot worth a visit for a special occasion. 

108 E Superior St (The Peninsula), Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 573-6744
(312) 573-6744

Lao Peng You

2020 W Chicago Ave (N Damen Ave), Chicago, IL 60622

Brothers Daniel and Eric Wat opened this small West Town restaurant in late 2019 and quickly earned recognition for their handmade specialties. Drawing inspiration from childhood memories and family recipes, the two have created exceptional dumplings swimming in hot and sour broth and noodles available two ways — cold or in soups. Be sure to save some room for the lamb-cumin flatbread, too. Lao Peng You accepts orders for pickup and lunch delivery.

2020 W Chicago Ave (N Damen Ave), Chicago, IL 60622
(872) 206-8624
(872) 206-8624
A circular plated filled with Chinese dumplings.
Lao Peng You’s fresh dumplings arrive in a hot and sour broth.
Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

Chengdu Impression

2545 N Halsted St (btwn W Lill Ave & W Wrightwood St), Chicago, IL 60614

Set taste buds on fire with copious amounts of chiles and peppercorns. Lincoln Park’s Sichuan expert satisfies mala — the province’s famous mouth-numbing flavor — cravings with choices like mapo tofu, dan dan noodles, and dry chili chicken. They provide warming comfort during the cold season and leave a lasting impression. Orders can be placed online. There are also locations in Edgewater and Wicker Park. A sibling location in Bucktown called Chengdu Bistro focuses on dumplings and noodles.

2545 N Halsted St (btwn W Lill Ave & W Wrightwood St), Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 477-6256
(773) 477-6256
A plate of dry chili chicken.
Clear the sinuses with Chengdu Impression’s dry chili chicken.
Chengdu Impression

D Cuisine

2723 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

The North Side is a relative desert for dim sum but this Lincoln Park space gives Chicagoans a reason to venture beyond Chinatown for their fill of buns and dumplings. D Cuisine makes its dim sum in-house and offers a full lineup all day long. Munch on classics like siu mai, chicken feet, and congee or go with the Guangzhou-style roasted chicken for an impeccable large course. D Cuisine accepts online orders.

2723 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 360-7239
(773) 360-7239
A variety of dim sum spread out on a table.
D Cuisine provides the North Side with another dim sum option.
D Cuisine

Friendship Chinese

2830 N Milwaukee Ave (btwn Diversey & Wolfram), Chicago, IL 60618

Friendship’s menu isn’t as long as many Chinese American menus. The team curates the selections with an emphasis on quality ingredients served with Western-style plating. Don’t take that as being snobbish or overpriced. Friendship, as the name implies, is a welcoming place for top-notch noodles, dumplings, and other Cantonese greats. Logan Square is lucky to have such wizardry.

2830 N Milwaukee Ave (btwn Diversey & Wolfram), Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 227-0970
(773) 227-0970

Furama

4936 N Broadway St (at Argyle St), Chicago, IL 60640

There are many places to get dim sum in Chicago but very few are still doing it like Furama. On weekends, servers push carts of food around the room for guests to choose from. The iconic dining experience features baskets of shrimp dumplings, barbecue pork buns, egg tarts, and more. To-go orders are accepted online.

4936 N Broadway St (at Argyle St), Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 271-1161
(773) 271-1161
A dim sum spread at Furama. Furama

Honeymoon Cafe

1138 West Argyle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60640

This unassuming family-owned Chinese restaurant in Uptown, on Argyle — traditionally more of a Vietnamese enclave — cranks out some of the more unique Cantonese food in the city. The short ribs, which come wrapped in aluminum foil at the table, are one of the best dishes for meat eaters. Other selections are solid. This restaurant is no fuss.

1138 West Argyle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60640
(773) 271-6668
(773) 271-6668

Sun Wah BBQ

5039 N Broadway St (at W Argyle St), Chicago, IL 60640

Guests are greeted by the sight of hanging meats like barbecued pork and salt-baked chicken at this beloved Uptown restaurant. But the main attraction here is the Beijing duck feast. A whole roasted duck is carved tableside and served with steamed bao, garnishes, and hoisin sauce. The remains are then used to make duck soup and fried rice. Call ahead to reserve the duck; alcohol is BYO. Sun Wah is a James Beard Award winner.

5039 N Broadway St (at W Argyle St), Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 769-1254
(773) 769-1254
Three duck bao on a plate.
Sun Wah is renowned for its Peking duck.
Sun Wah BBQ

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