Best of 11 fast food restaurants in Chinatown
Fast food restaurants in Chinatown offer a unique blend of traditional Chinese cuisine and quick service. These establishments provide a convenient dining option for those seeking a taste of China in a bustling, urban environment. Whether you're looking for classic dishes like dumplings or lo mein, or something more adventurous, fast food restaurants in Chinatown have something for everyone. With a variety of options to choose from, these eateries are a must-visit for food lovers and tourists alike.
1. New Gold Medal Restaurant in Chinatown
Family-owned and operated, generous portions, caters to vegetarians

New Gold Medal Restaurant is a well-known establishment in Chinatown, open late and serving classic American Chinese food. The menu is extensive, offering a variety of options such as Peking duck and Mongolian beef. One of the standout dishes is the Wor Wan Ton soup, which is a customer favorite. The restaurant is popular for its take-out service, making it a convenient option for a quick and delicious meal.
As a go-to spot for late night dining, New Gold Medal Restaurant is a staple in the Chinatown area. The Wor Wan Ton soup is a must-try, known for its delicious flavor. The restaurant offers a wide range of options on its menu, from Peking duck to Mongolian beef. Whether dining in or taking out, New Gold Medal Restaurant is a reliable choice for satisfying your Chinese food cravings late into the night.
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- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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2. Shan Dong
Homemade, authentic, and diverse Chinese dishes

Shan Dong is a well-known restaurant that specializes in Chinese cuisine, particularly handmade dumplings. Their noodles are a standout feature, being handmade and delicious. The menu includes dishes such as chicken and dumplings that are highly praised.
Shan Dong is popular for good reason. Their handmade dumplings and a variety of Chinese dishes have garnered a reputation for excellence. The green beans and hand-pulled noodles are not to be missed, though some customers prefer thinner noodles. In summary, Shan Dong is a great option for those looking to enjoy delicious and authentic Chinese food.
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- Chinese Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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3. Lounge Chinatown
Authentic Chinese cuisine in a modern, relaxed setting.

The Taiwanese cuisine served at this restaurant is delicious and authentic, with the stinky tofu being a standout dish that tastes just like the real thing from a Taiwan night market. The restaurant is also vegetarian-friendly, with a variety of options.
During our first visit to this restaurant in Oakland, we discovered that it offers flavorful food, friendly staff, and stays open until midnight. The restaurant also features a karaoke area, providing a fun and entertaining atmosphere. I highly recommend giving this place a try.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Fusion Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Celebrations
4. Gum Kuo in Chinatown
Catering service available, offers gift cards, diverse vegetarian options

If you're looking for a place to enjoy traditional meals in a cozy setting, this restaurant is a great choice. They offer a variety of dishes, with a particular emphasis on curry dishes that have received positive reviews. While the interior is simple, it adds to the charm of the place.
This restaurant is a hidden gem that serves delicious congee and gai lan. Although English is not widely spoken there, they provide menus in English for your convenience. The restaurant can get quite crowded, and it's not uncommon to share a table with other diners. Despite the crowded and somewhat noisy environment, and the less-than-ideal cleanliness, the food is well worth the visit. Their won ton noodle soups and greens are highly recommended, and with prices under $5, you're sure to leave satisfied and happy.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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5. Imperial Soup
Authentic Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine in the heart of Oakland

The business specializes in serving tasty and filling noodle soups that are sure to satisfy. Customers can choose from various types of noodles and meats to create their perfect soup. The soup options are varied, flavorful, and nourishing, making it the main draw for many visitors.
Chinese soups are a highlight of the menu, including herbal ginseng chicken soup, lamb noodle soup, and beef noodle soup. Each soup is carefully crafted to provide a satisfying and delicious dining experience. The soups are not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a healthy and tasty meal.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Fusion Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
6. Vien Huong Restaurant
Family-owned, authentic recipes, generous portions

This Vietnamese restaurant offers delicious and affordable food, although some may find it a bit greasy. Their fish cakes are a standout dish, and beef lovers will enjoy their satay sauce. However, be prepared to wait outside or share a table with other diners, as seating is limited and often crowded.
The Vietnamese eatery is known for its great value and mouth-watering dishes, despite being slightly greasy. The fish cakes are a must-try, and the beef satay sauce is a hit among customers. It is important to note that seating can be a challenge, as there may be a line outside and the only available seating is at a long community table. Nonetheless, the delicious and reasonably-priced food makes it worth the wait.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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7. Yung Kee
Specialized in Hong Kong-style roasted meats.

Yung Kee is a well-known restaurant in Oakland's Chinatown, specializing in Hong Kong Cantonese cuisine. The menu features a variety of dishes such as BBQ, won ton noodle soups, clay pot rice, and fried rices. They are famous for their Tomato Beef Pan Fried Noodles and also offer delicious fried chicken and sweet and sour chicken. Despite the high prices, customers receive generous portions, leaving them satisfied. The ambiance is cozy, but the space is small, and tables can be sticky. Service can be slow, but the food is worth the wait. Yung Kee also offers BBQ duck and pork to go, making it a popular choice for those seeking authentic Hong Kong dishes in the area.
The restaurant tends to get busy during lunch hours, with a line out the door. With only 598 restaurants in Oakland, Yung Kee ranks #303, making it a decent choice for Chinese and Asian food. The establishment has 9 reviews praising the tasty dishes and authentic experience. While it is pricier than other options, the servings are generous, and the dishes are delicious, leaving customers wanting more. Yung Kee's Tomato Beef Pan Fried Noodles is a must-try and has earned the restaurant its high ranking in Oakland's culinary scene.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Dinner
- Mid-Range
8. Ming's Tasty
Family-owned with homemade recipes

Ming's Tasty, a restaurant situated in Oakland Chinatown, provides an authentic dim sum experience with a variety of delicious dishes. The food offerings include succulent shrimp dumplings, tasty siu mai, and other popular choices like Lotus Rice, Chinese Broccoli, Thousand Shrimp Ball, Egg Custard Buns, and Taro Coconut Milk Pear Cake. Patrons appreciate the great taste, reasonable prices, and generous serving sizes.
The atmosphere of Ming's Tasty is unpretentious and quaint, adding to the overall authentic dining experience. The restaurant's charm is enhanced by its location in Oakland Chinatown, providing a unique and cultural backdrop for visitors. The positive feedback about Ming's Tasty consistently highlights the quality of its food, making it a recommended destination for those seeking an authentic dim sum meal.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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9. Best Taste

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- Social Gatherings
- Chinese Cuisine
- Mid-Range
10. Shooting Star Cafe
Supporting local farmers and communities, sustainable practices, artisanal ingredients

The dessert menu at this establishment is noteworthy, offering an impressive variety of Chinese desserts that can be enjoyed either hot or cold. Diners often rave about the late-night option to indulge in these sweet treats.
In addition to the dessert menu, the food at this establishment is also worth mentioning. The menu is varied, and the service is fast, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a quick and satisfying meal. The quality of the food is consistently good, adding to the overall positive dining experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Dinner
- Downtown Spots
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11. Big Dish
Uses locally sourced ingredients, supports sustainable agriculture

Baked pork buns are a popular menu item, known for their affordability, warmth, and satisfying nature. Customers rave about the quality of both the filling and dough, which combine to create a delicious and enjoyable experience.
The dim sum at this Oakland Chinatown location is highly regarded, with everything freshly prepared and perfectly seasoned. The baked pork buns are just one example of the many standout items available. The customer is excited to return and try even more of the delicious offerings.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots