Best of 18 Chinese restaurants in Chinatown
Chinese restaurants in Chinatown are a cultural and culinary highlight, offering a wide range of authentic dishes that showcase the rich flavors and techniques of Chinese cuisine. From steaming dumplings and savory noodle soups to stir-fries and Peking duck, these restaurants are a must-visit for food lovers seeking an immersive and delicious experience. Whether you're a tourist or a local, the Chinese restaurants in Chinatown are sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to the heart of China's vibrant food scene.
- 1. Dim Sum Garden
- 2. Sang Kee Peking Duck House
- 3. EMei 峨嵋
- 4. Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House
- 5. David's Mai Lai Wah
- 6. Ocean Harbor in Chinatown
- 7. Nom Wah Philadelphia
- 8. BAI WEI (Sakura Mandarin)
- 9. Ting Wong in Chinatown
- 10. Ho Sai Gai Restaurant
- 11. Heng Feng Hand Drawn Noodles
- 12. Jade Harbor
- 13. Tai Lake in Chinatown
- 14. Chu Shang Spicy 厨尚麻辣
- 15. M Kee
- 16. Lee How Fook
- 17. Lau Kee Restaurant
- 18. Siu Kee Duck House
1. Dim Sum Garden
Offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options

The food at this establishment is truly exceptional. Highlights of the menu include delicious soup dumplings, flavorful scallion pancakes, and a delicious garlic chicken dish. Reviewers have raved about the quality of the food and the care that goes into its preparation.
Moving on to the service, reviewers have described it as good, with some even going so far as to call it excellent and great. While a few mentioned that the service was slightly stiff, the overall consensus is that it meets the standards expected of a Chinese restaurant. The staff is attentive, efficient, and dedicated to ensuring that customers have a positive dining experience.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
Relate link
2. Sang Kee Peking Duck House
Family-owned and operated since 1980, extensive menu
Sang Kee Peking Duck House is a well-established restaurant in Philadelphia, known for its traditional Chinese cuisine. The restaurant has been serving the local community since 1980 and was the first to introduce Peking Duck to the city. Over the years, Sang Kee Peking Duck House has built a reputation for its delicious noodle soups, stir fry dishes, seafood, and vegetarian options, which have all contributed to its status as a local favorite.
The restaurant's menu features a wide variety of dishes that reflect the rich and diverse flavors of Chinese cuisine. From the signature Peking Duck to the savory stir fry dishes, each item is carefully prepared using high-quality ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques. The noodle soups are a highlight of the menu, with flavorful broths and tender noodles that are perfect for a satisfying meal. The seafood and vegetarian options are also popular choices, offering a range of delicious and healthy options for diners with dietary restrictions. Overall, Sang Kee Peking Duck House is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of traditional Chinese cuisine in Philadelphia.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
Relate link
3. EMei 峨嵋
Beautiful traditional Chinese decor, excellent service

E Mei Restaurant is known for its generous portion sizes, often leading to leftovers for customers to take home. Among the popular menu items are the spring rolls and beef with broccoli. The service at the restaurant is efficient and prompt, although it may not be overly friendly.
The food at E Mei Restaurant is described as delicious, authentic, and well-priced with a focus on spicy dishes. Some of the most popular menu items include lamb chops, scallion pancakes, pork dumplings, Chongqing Spicy Chicken and Dan Dan noodles. Diners can expect a range of flavorful and spicy options to choose from at this restaurant.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Budget-Friendly Eats
4. Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House
Offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options

Noodle soups, such as beef, seafood, duck, and brisket versions, are a popular choice among customers at this establishment. The hand-drawn noodles are made fresh and provide a delicious and satisfying meal. In terms of value, this restaurant offers exceptional deals on their noodle soups. The meat and seafood soup options are priced under $7, while the vegetarian soup is even more affordable at $4. This means that customers can enjoy a delicious, fresh, and satisfying meal at a very reasonable price.
The quality of the noodle soups at this restaurant is excellent, and the value is hard to beat. With meat and seafood soup options priced under $7 and a vegetarian soup option available for just $4, customers can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without breaking the bank. The hand-drawn noodles are a particular highlight, as they are fresh and full of flavor. Overall, this restaurant is an excellent choice for anyone looking for high-quality noodle soups at affordable prices.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Happy Hours
Relate link
5. David's Mai Lai Wah
Cash-only, long-standing family business with recipes passed down through generations

The food quality at the Chinese restaurant in question has been a topic of mixed reviews. Some guests have raved about the meals, stating that it was the best Chinese food they have ever had. Unfortunately, there has been an equal amount of criticism directed towards the food, with some guests finding it to be disappointingly bland and unappetizing.
One dish that has received a fair amount of praise is the salt and pepper chicken. This popular item has been lauded for its flavor and texture, becoming a favorite among many guests. However, the overall experience with the food at the restaurant has been uneven, leaving some patrons satisfied and others wanting more.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Mid-Range
6. Ocean Harbor in Chinatown
Offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes

The food served at the establishment has received mixed reviews, with some guests praising it as delicious and others finding it mediocre. Popular items among positive reviews include the pork-taro puffs and siu mai, while the char siu bao has been criticized for being too sweet.
In terms of service, the establishment has also received mixed feedback. Some guests have praised the service as accommodating and quick, while others have criticized it for being slow and intrusive.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
7. Nom Wah Philadelphia
Cash-only, family-owned, retro ambiance
The food offered at this establishment is highly rated by customers, with popular dishes including Shrimp Siu Mai, Pork Siu Mai, Steamed bean curd skin rolls, and Sticky rice with lotus leaf. The kitchen prepares each order fresh, ensuring a high quality dining experience.
In terms of service, the staff is generally described as polite, efficient, and fast. Customers enjoy a pleasant atmosphere while they dine, making for an enjoyable experience overall. The service team works hard to ensure that orders are fulfilled quickly, contributing to the positive feedback from patrons.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
- Budget-Friendly Eats
8. BAI WEI (Sakura Mandarin)
Live seafood flown from around the world, traditional Chinese tea service
The restaurant offers a fresh and natural tasting experience with a diverse range of dishes, all of which are passable. The atmosphere is pleasant, quiet, making it a suitable location for small gatherings of family and friends. After a late night out at the lantern festival, I stopped by for a snack and was impressed by the delicious food. The restaurant is also clean and has nice service.
This restaurant is highly recommended if you're in the area. The food served is incredibly tasty and fresh, with a diverse menu that ensures there's something for everyone. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful, making it a great place to spend time with family and friends. Even after a late night out, this restaurant was a welcome sight, and the food did not disappoint. The cleanliness of the establishment and the friendly service only added to the overall positive experience.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
Relate link
9. Ting Wong in Chinatown
Hand-made noodles, traditional recipes
The restaurant is a popular spot for hungry visitors seeking a quick and delicious meal, offering a variety of fresh and tasty meats for carry-out. During a recent visit, I ordered roast pork, spare ribs, pig, and three rice dishes to go. Despite a two-hour drive home, the food remained warm and ready to eat.
This eatery is not only a favorite among tourists, but also a go-to spot for locals. The menu boasts an impressive selection of dishes, including hanging ducks, succulent pig, and other mouth-watering options. Our meal consisted of hot tea, Shrimp Wong Tong Soup, and Succulent Pig with a savory brown sauce. Additionally, we enjoyed a roast duck on rice and beef low mien, all for an affordable price of $32.94.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
Relate link
10. Ho Sai Gai Restaurant
Family-owned and operated, established for over 30 years
The service provided by the establishment is highly regarded by guests, with many praising it as fast, friendly, and efficient. The wait staff are a particular highlight, being described as super nice and able to minimize wait times for customers.
Guests have consistently reported being very satisfied with the level of service they received, citing the wait staff's ability to provide quick and efficient service while still being friendly and approachable. The wait times have also been minimal, contributing to the overall positive experience of guests.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Cheap Eats
Relate link
11. Heng Feng Hand Drawn Noodles
Hand-drawn noodles made to order, traditional Chinese ambiance

Heng Feng Hand Drawn Noodles is a Chinese restaurant famous for its hand-drawn noodles and authentic flavors. The restaurant's service is known to be friendly, and the atmosphere is welcoming. They offer a range of delicious Shanghainese and Taiwanese dishes that leave customers wanting more.
Two must-try dishes at Heng Feng Hand Drawn Noodles are the soup dumplings and beef noodle soup. These dishes are packed with flavor and are highly recommended for those looking to experience the best of Shanghainese and Taiwanese cuisine. The soup dumplings are a popular choice, bursting with delicious soup and meaty filling, while the beef noodle soup is the perfect comfort food, with tender beef and flavorful broth.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Vegetarian Options
Relate link
12. Jade Harbor
Family-owned for over 30 years, uses traditional cooking techniques

The first dining experience was just adequate, with certain aspects falling short of expectations. The vegetables were skillfully prepared and had a delightful taste, while the seafood entree was attractively presented. However, the seafood was overly tough, making it difficult to enjoy. The level of professionalism and courteousness displayed by the staff was also lacking, which added to the overall dissatisfaction.
On the other hand, the second dining experience was far more enjoyable and satisfying. The Chinese cuisine was authentic, and the service was exceptionally quick. The Beef Chow Fun dish stood out, as the noodles were cooked to perfection and the beef was bursting with flavor. Overall, the second restaurant succeeded in providing a positive and enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Hidden Gems
- Budget-Friendly Eats
Relate link
13. Tai Lake in Chinatown
Offers private dining rooms, extensive menu selection

I have had the pleasure of dining at a Chinese restaurant in Philly for the past four years and it remains my go-to spot. The shrimp dumplings are a standout menu item, renowned for their delicious taste. While some customers have praised the server's friendliness, others have reported abrupt service and unclean conditions.
Despite the occasional issues with service and cleanliness, the restaurant's shrimp dumplings keep me coming back. The food is consistently good, and the service, while sometimes brusque, is efficient. However, it's worth noting that some customers have reported less than satisfactory experiences with the restaurant's cleanliness and service.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
14. Chu Shang Spicy 厨尚麻辣
Offers a variety of spice levels, Sichuan-style cuisine

Spicy, delicious, and plentiful, the food at this establishment is highly regarded for its flavor and extensive variety, which includes vegetarian options. The menu offers a range of dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate, with each dish prepared and presented in a way that is both visually appealing and incredibly tasty.
The noodles, in particular, are a standout feature of the menu. Whether you prefer your noodles in soup or dry, there are five different types to choose from, each one delicious in its own right. You can customize your noodles with a variety of ingredients, allowing you to create a dish that is tailored to your specific tastes and preferences. With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find a dish that you'll love.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
15. M Kee
Family-owned, hand-pulled noodles, fresh seafood

The weight of the BBQ meat offerings was approximately 30% less than the stated charge. Two of the most sought-after dishes are Peking duck and HK-style BBQ pork pan-fried noodles. The Peking duck, in particular, is a highlight, with praises lauding it as amazing and the best duck the reviewer has ever tasted. In addition to their excellent poultry, the restaurant also excels in other areas, including roast meat, rice, and noodle dishes, all available at affordable prices.
Moving forward, the review featured two prominent dishes: Peking duck and HK-style BBQ pork pan-fried noodles, with the former regarded as a remarkable and unparalleled dining experience. The restaurant is not only celebrated for its exceptional fowl but also for its delectable roast meat, rice, and noodle dishes. These offerings come at a reasonable cost, solidifying the establishment's reputation for quality and affordability.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
Relate link
16. Lee How Fook
Family-owned and operated since 1937, extensive menu offering dim sum and traditional dishes

Most customers consider the prices at this establishment to be reasonable, and some even find them to be great. The food is generally viewed as decent by patrons. A few reviewers have gone as far as to say that the Chinese food served here is the best they have ever had.
Two specific dishes that have received high praise are the shrimp pad Thai and the sweet & sour chicken. These options are highly recommended for those looking to try some of the best dishes the restaurant has to offer.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
Relate link
17. Lau Kee Restaurant
Cash-only, no reservations, family-owned since 1950
The prices at the establishment are reasonable, offering customers a fair and generous value for their money. The portions and quality of food served are commensurate with the cost, making it an affordable option for those seeking delicious and authentic cuisine.
The food is cooked to perfection, offering a taste of authenticity that is sure to delight. The meat is juicy, and the skin is crunchy, providing a satisfying texture in every bite. The staff are friendly, adding to the overall positive dining experience. They provide excellent service, ensuring that customers' needs are met in a timely and efficient manner.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
18. Siu Kee Duck House
Family-owned and operated for over 30 years
The Chinese BBQ pork, also known as Char Siu, is a delicious and popular dish that is a must-try. The restaurant's BBQ meats, in general, are highly recommended for takeout lunch or to go. The quality of the meat is excellent, with the right amount of seasoning and flavor that will surely satisfy your cravings.
The price of the food at this restaurant is reasonable and varied, making it a great option for those looking for a fair deal. When compared to other restaurants in Chinatown, this restaurant stands out for its worthwhile prices. Whether you're in the mood for BBQ pork or other dishes, this restaurant offers excellent value for your money.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
Relate link