Best Food in Chinatown Seattle

Discover the Tastiest Delights in Seattle’s Chinatown

Seattle’s Chinatown is brimming with culinary gems that you won’t find anywhere else in the city. From traditional dim sum to fusion dishes, the food scene in Chinatown is diverse, exciting, and definitely worth exploring. In this article, we’ll guide you through some of the best dishes and eateries in Seattle’s Chinatown, so you can discover the tastiest delights this neighborhood has to offer.

🍲 Dim Sum at Jade Garden 🍲

Jade Garden is a popular spot for dim sum in Chinatown, and with good reason. Their dim sum is fresh, flavorful, and served in a bustling and convivial atmosphere. Be sure to try their barbecue pork buns, shrimp dumplings, and pan-fried turnip cakes.

🍢 Skewers at Xi’an Noodles 🍢

Xi’an Noodles is a casual eatery that specializes in the cuisine of China’s Shaanxi province. One of their standout offerings is their skewers, which come in a variety of flavors and are grilled to perfection. We recommend trying the lamb skewers, seasoned with cumin and chili flakes.

🍜 Noodles at Shanghai Garden 🍜

Shanghai Garden is a beloved establishment for Shanghai-style cuisine in Chinatown, and their noodles are a must-try. The noodles here are handmade and come in a range of styles, from thick and chewy to delicate and silky. Try their signature dish of Shanghai-style soup dumplings, which are filled with a savory pork filling and a rich broth.

🍗 Taiwanese Fried Chicken at Facing East 🍗

Facing East is a Taiwanese restaurant that serves up some of the best fried chicken in town. Their chicken is crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned with a blend of spices. Pair it with a side of sweet potato fries for the ultimate comfort food meal.

🥟 Dumplings at Dough Zone 🥟

Dough Zone is a local chain that has made a name for itself with its delicious dumplings. The dumplings here are handmade and filled with a range of ingredients, from pork and chive to shrimp and vegetables. Be sure to try their spicy wontons, which are served in a fiery chili oil sauce.

🌶️ Sichuan Cuisine at Spicy City 🌶️

For those who love spicy food, Spicy City is the spot for you. This restaurant specializes in Sichuan cuisine, which is known for its bold and spicy flavors. Try their mapo tofu, which is loaded with ground pork, chili oil, and Sichuan peppercorns, or their spicy fish hot pot, which is a comforting and fiery dish that’s perfect for a cold day.

🥡 Chinese Takeout at Tai Tung 🥡

Tai Tung is a Chinatown institution that has been serving up Chinese takeout since 1935. Their menu is extensive and has something for everyone, from chow mein to kung pao chicken. Don’t miss their barbecue pork, which is sweet and savory and pairs perfectly with a side of steamed rice.

🍜 Hand-Pulled Noodles at Lan Zhou La Mian 🍜

Lan Zhou La Mian is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant that specializes in hand-pulled noodles. These noodles are made fresh daily and are the perfect base for a hearty and flavorful bowl of soup. Try their beef noodle soup, which is loaded with tender beef and aromatic spices.

🥟 Taiwanese Dumplings at Din Tai Fung 🥟

Din Tai Fung is a world-renowned chain that originated in Taiwan and now has locations all over the world. Their dumplings are a must-try, with thin and delicate skins that are filled with juicy pork and a rich broth. Be sure to order a side of their famous truffle dumplings, which are filled with truffle oil and mushrooms.

🍲 Hot Pot at Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot 🍲

Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot is a popular spot for hot pot in Chinatown. Their hot pot is customizable, with a range of broths and ingredients to choose from. We recommend trying their spicy Sichuan broth, which is loaded with chili oil and peppercorns, and their lamb slices, which are thinly sliced and perfect for dipping in the broth.

🥡 Takeout Bento Boxes at Uwajimaya 🥡

Uwajimaya is a Japanese grocery store that also has a food court with a wide variety of bento boxes available for takeout. These boxes are filled with a range of Japanese specialties, from sushi to teriyaki chicken. Grab one to go and enjoy a picnic in nearby Hing Hay Park.

🌮 Fusion Tacos at Buddha Bruddah 🌮

Buddha Bruddah is a fusion taco truck that parks in Chinatown on weekends. Their tacos are a unique blend of Asian and Mexican flavors, with fillings like bulgogi beef and Korean-style fried chicken. Be sure to try their kimchi fries, which are loaded with crispy fries, spicy kimchi, and a tangy sriracha mayo.

🥡 Taiwanese Street Food at 85°C Bakery Cafe 🥡

85°C Bakery Cafe is a Taiwanese bakery chain that has gained a cult following thanks to its delicious baked goods and savory snacks. Try their brioche-like milk buns, which are soft and fluffy, or their savory egg tarts, which are filled with a creamy custard and topped with scallions.

🍜 Ramen at Ramen Danbo 🍜

Ramen Danbo is a popular ramen chain that has a location in Chinatown. Their tonkotsu ramen is a must-try, with a rich and creamy broth that’s made from simmering pork bones for hours. Customize your bowl with toppings like soft-boiled eggs, bamboo shoots, and pork chashu.

FAQs

1. What is Chinatown Seattle known for?

Chinatown Seattle is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse food scene. The neighborhood is home to many Chinese and Asian businesses, as well as landmarks like the Wing Luke Museum and Hing Hay Park.

2. How do I get to Chinatown Seattle?

Chinatown Seattle is located in the International District, which is easily accessible by public transportation. You can take the light rail to the International District/Chinatown station or take the bus to one of the many stops in the neighborhood.

3. What is dim sum?

Dim sum is a style of Chinese cuisine that involves small plates of food that are usually served on carts or trays. These plates can include things like dumplings, buns, and small dishes of meat or vegetables.

4. What is hot pot?

Hot pot is a style of Chinese cuisine that involves cooking raw ingredients in a simmering pot of broth at the table. The ingredients can include things like meat, vegetables, and seafood, and diners can dip them in sauces before eating.

5. What is ramen?

Ramen is a Japanese noodle dish that typically consists of wheat noodles served in a meat or fish broth. The broth can be flavored with things like soy sauce, miso, or pork bones, and the dish is often topped with things like sliced pork, seaweed, and soft-boiled eggs.

6. What is Taiwanese cuisine?

Taiwanese cuisine is a style of Chinese cuisine that’s heavily influenced by indigenous Taiwanese ingredients and flavors. Some popular Taiwanese dishes include beef noodle soup, lu rou fan (braised pork over rice), and bubble tea.

7. What is Sichuan cuisine?

Sichuan cuisine is a style of Chinese cuisine that’s known for its bold and spicy flavors. The cuisine originates from the Sichuan province in China and features dishes like mapo tofu, hot pot, and kung pao chicken.

8. What is fusion cuisine?

Fusion cuisine is a style of cooking that combines different culinary traditions and techniques to create new and unique flavors. Some examples of fusion cuisine include Korean tacos, sushi burritos, and Thai pizza.

9. What is a bento box?

A bento box is a type of Japanese lunch box that typically contains rice, vegetables, and meat or fish. The box is divided into compartments to keep the different items separate and is often used for takeout or to bring to school or work.

10. What is a food truck?

A food truck is a mobile kitchen that serves food from a vehicle. Food trucks can serve a wide variety of cuisines and are often found at festivals, events, and popular street corners.

11. What is a milk bun?