9 Best Chinese Food in DC: Delicious Discoveries

Are you looking for the absolute best Chinese food in DC? Then, check out our list of the top nine, evaluated and ranked by locals and tourists!

When finding the best Chinese food in DC, don’t confine yourself to the city alone. Venture beyond the limits and explore the culinary delights in Rockville, Falls Church, and Fairfax County. While DC’s Chinatown may have fewer Chinese restaurants nowadays, there are still a few gems worth visiting for authentic dim sum, dan dan noodles, and Cantonese barbecue. These places preserve the traditional flavors and culinary techniques that make Chinese cuisine unique. Whether you’re craving fiery Sichuan noodles or savory soup dumplings, these areas have you covered. From spicy and bold dishes to comforting and flavorful delights, there’s a wide range of options to satisfy your taste buds. So, take a short trip outside the city and discover a new world of delectable Chinese cuisine waiting to be explored.

1. Shanghai Taste

Regarding the best Chinese food in DC, Shanghai Taste is a strong contender, especially for its mouthwatering soup dumplings. Highly regarded for its delicious dumplings, Shanghai Taste offers a tempting selection of three varieties, including steamed options and a delectable pan-fried version exclusively available on weekends. Their menu goes beyond dumplings with enticing chef’s specials like pork with rice cakes, ensuring diverse flavors to satisfy every palate. With convenient services like call-in orders and curbside pickups, Shanghai Taste provides a hassle-free dining experience. A visit to their Rockville location is a must for all the best Chinese food in DC, as their well-deserved reputation for fantastic soup dumplings and delectable dishes is guaranteed to leave you wanting more. Don’t miss the opportunity to relish their delightful offerings—an experience you won’t want to miss!

2. Bob’s Shanghai 66

For those seeking the best Chinese food in DC, Bob’s Shanghai 66 is a fantastic place to try, especially if you’re a fan of soup dumplings. Their menu boasts two delicious variations: regular pork filling and pork with crab roe. However, their offerings don’t stop there—Bob’s Shanghai presents an extensive menu featuring a wide range of Shanghai specialties, from tantalizing spicy pig ears to sizzling flounder. Whether you prefer dining in, taking out, or utilizing third-party delivery services like Grubhub or Uber Eats, Bob’s Shanghai accommodates your preferences. With their delectable soup dumplings and diverse selection of Shanghai dishes, Bob’s Shanghai 66 deserves a spot on your list for the best Chinese food in DC. Whether you’re in the mood for a dine-in experience, takeout convenience, or doorstep delivery, Bob’s Shanghai is ready to fulfill your cravings and provide a memorable culinary experience.

3. A&J Restaurant (Multiple locations)

Regarding the best Chinese food in DC, A&J in Rockville is a must-visit for noodle lovers, dim sum enthusiasts, and those craving Northwest Chinese cuisine. With additional locations in Maryland and Annandale, Virginia, A&J offers lunch and dinner service every day, closing at 9 p.m. What sets them apart is their emphasis on noodles, dim sum, and Northwest Chinese cuisine, guaranteeing a diverse and flavorful dining experience. Whether you dine at their Rockville or Annandale branch, you can expect a satisfying meal that will leave you wanting more. To make it even more convenient, A&J provides contact-free takeout options with online ordering and delivery services through Uber Eats from Rockville and Annandale locations. Don’t miss the chance to savor the delicious dishes at A&J, a top contender for the best Chinese food in DC.

4. Joe’s Noodle House

Joe’s Noodle House in Rockville is a renowned and highly regarded restaurant in DC, especially for those seeking the best Chinese food. With over a decade of setting the standard for flavorful Sichuan cuisine, Joe’s Noodle House is primarily known for its spicy dishes that captivate diners. From dumplings with red hot sauce to mapo tofu and homemade bacon with leeks, their fiery and delicious offerings attract those craving authentic Sichuan flavors. What sets them apart is their willingness to accommodate spice preferences, so if you prefer even spicier food, just let them know, and they’ll happily oblige. Whether you choose pickup or dining in, Joe’s Noodle House allows you to experience their delectable dishes in a way that suits your preference. With its long-standing reputation for exceptional Sichuan cuisine, Joe’s Noodle House is a must-try for those searching for the best Chinese food in DC. Make sure to seize the opportunity to savor their flavorful offerings at their Rockville location.

5. Gourmet Inspirations

When searching for the best Chinese food in DC, visiting this long-standing Wheaton establishment is necessary. The restaurant’s spacious dining room is always bustling, with customers eagerly ordering delicious dishes. Whether you’re craving har gow (shrimp dumplings), rice crepes, or beef chow fun noodles, the menu offers many options to satisfy your taste buds. One of the highlights of dining at this establishment is the experience of ordering from rolling carts that weave through the dining room, adding a fun and interactive element to your meal. If you prefer the convenience of pickup, you can easily place your order online for lunch or dinner until 8 p.m., six days a week (closed on Tuesdays). This Wheaton restaurant is a go-to destination for exceptional Chinese cuisine, boasting a diverse menu and lively atmosphere that ensures an enjoyable dining experience, leaving you wanting to return for more. Take advantage of the opportunity to indulge in their mouthwatering offerings.

6. Hollywood East Cafe

When it comes to finding the best Chinese food in DC, Hollywood East is a renowned dim sum spot that has satisfied customers since Janet Yu was established in 1996. Located in the Westfield Montgomery Mall, this restaurant has gained popularity over the decades for its authentic Hong Kong-style dim sum offerings. Hollywood East accepts online orders for takeout and delivery within a five-mile radius to cater to customers’ convenience. They provide indoor seating and a patio area if you prefer dining in. What sets them apart is that their delicious dim sum dishes are available all day, ensuring you can enjoy them at any time. However, please note that Hollywood East is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan your visit accordingly. Whether you indulge in their flavorful dim sum on-site or opt for the convenience of takeout or delivery, Hollywood East is an excellent choice for experiencing some of the best Chinese food in DC.

7. Northwest Chinese Food

When finding the best Chinese food in DC, this College Park restaurant specializing in dishes from the Shanxi province is a must-visit. Their menu offers various popular dishes guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. From flavorful cumin lamb burgers to spicy potato noodles and refreshing cold skin noodles, this establishment’s diverse selection keeps customers returning for more. Whether you prefer to dine in, get delivery, or opt for takeout, this restaurant caters to all three options. In addition, they ensure you have ample opportunities to indulge in their delectable offerings from Wednesday through Sunday. When you visit this College Park gem, try the dishes that showcase the unique flavors of the Shanxi province. With its diverse menu and convenient dining options, this restaurant promises an unforgettable experience for all the best Chinese food in DC.

8. Queen’s English

This Cantonese restaurant in Columbia Heights stands out as the best Chinese food in DC. It offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can indulge in Chef Henji Cheung’s modern, Hong Kong-style cooking. Notably, the restaurant boasts an impressive selection of natural wines curated by co-owner Sarah Thompson. What truly sets this restaurant apart is its ever-changing menu. Chef Cheung consistently introduces new dishes that showcase his culinary skills, such as cumin pork jowl or homemade silken tofu with fermented black bean sauce. Whether you prefer indoor dining, sitting at the chef’s counter, or enjoying the covered dog-friendly patio, the seating options cater to everyone’s preferences. To elevate your dining experience, the restaurant also offers creative wine tastings. If you’re seeking an exceptional Chinese dining experience in the DC area, take advantage of the opportunity to reserve a spot at this Cantonese gem. With its delicious dishes, cozy ambiance, and thoughtfully paired wines, it has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the best Chinese restaurants in town.

9. Han Palace

Tysons Corner now offers a new and exciting option for Cantonese dim sum enthusiasts with the recent opening of Han Palace. This restaurant serves made-to-order dishes rolled around on carts, showcasing a delectable array of steamed shrimp dumplings, baked barbecue pork buns, and sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves. Additionally, they offer a variety of crepes, noodle dishes, and rice dishes to satisfy different cravings. For dessert lovers, Han Palace presents a tempting deep-fried durian cake. Alongside its impressive food menu, Han Palace also strongly emphasizes cocktails and pours of Japanese whiskey. Owned by Chris Zhu, who also operates China Garden in Rockville, Han Palace has expanded its reach to include locations in Barracks Row and Woodley Park. Han Palace is a must-visit destination for those seeking the best Chinese food in DC to experience the delightful flavors of Cantonese dim sum.

No matter what your taste preferences are, DC’s Chinese food scene offers something for everyone. From the Shanxi-style dishes of Northwest Chinese Food to the modern Cantonese cooking of Queen’s English and Han Palace, these restaurants promise a unique dining experience every time. For those looking to find some of the best Chinese food in DC, these eateries are sure to satisfy. With their diverse menus, inviting atmospheres, and attention to detail, it’s no wonder why these establishments have earned the title of top Chinese restaurant in the area. If you’re ever craving some delicious Chinese cuisine in DC, be sure to check out these amazing locations for an unforgettable meal.