Best Places To Eat In Chinatown Chicago

Discover the Best Dining Spots in Chicago’s Vibrant Chinatown District 🥢

Chicago’s Chinatown is a bustling neighborhood in the heart of the city, rich in culture, history, and most importantly, delicious food. From traditional dim sum to contemporary fusion cuisine, Chinatown offers a wide range of dining experiences that cater to every palate. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in this vibrant neighborhood. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best places to eat in Chinatown Chicago, so read on and get ready to indulge in some culinary delights!

Opening Statement

Chicago’s Chinatown is a must-visit destination for foodies and anyone seeking an authentic cultural experience. With its colorful streets, bustling markets, and historic landmarks, Chinatown is a feast for the senses. But the neighborhood is perhaps best known for its incredible food scene. From classic Cantonese dishes to modern fusion cuisine, Chinatown is home to some of the best restaurants in Chicago. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top places to eat in Chinatown, so you can plan your next culinary adventure with confidence.

The Best Places to Eat in Chinatown Chicago

Chinatown Chicago is home to a diverse range of restaurants, each with its unique charm and flavor. Here are some of the best places to eat in Chinatown:

1. MingHin Cuisine

MingHin Cuisine is a Hong Kong-style restaurant that serves up traditional dim sum, seafood, and a wide range of Cantonese dishes. The restaurant has won numerous awards for its food and has become a favorite among both locals and tourists alike.

2. Chi Cafe

Chi Cafe is a casual cafe that serves up delicious Chinese food, including congee, noodles, and rice dishes. The restaurant also offers vegetarian options and has a cozy ambiance that makes it a popular spot for lunch or a quick snack.

3. Triple Crown Restaurant

Triple Crown Restaurant is a beloved Chicago institution that has been serving up Cantonese-style dishes since 1996. The restaurant’s signature dish is the Peking duck, which is roasted to perfection and served with steamed buns and hoisin sauce.

4. Won Kow Restaurant

Won Kow Restaurant is the oldest restaurant in Chinatown, dating back to 1928. The restaurant specializes in traditional Cantonese cuisine, including seafood, dumplings, and stir-fried dishes. The decor is old-school and charming, making it a great spot for a nostalgic dining experience.

5. A Place by Damao

A Place by Damao is a modern Chinese restaurant that offers a contemporary twist on classic dishes. The restaurant is known for its flavorful hot pot and noodle dishes, as well as its creative cocktail menu. The ambiance is sleek and stylish, making it a great spot for a date or a night out with friends.

6. MingHin Bakery

MingHin Bakery is a bakery and cafe that serves up delicious Chinese pastries, cakes, and bubble tea. The bakery is known for its egg tarts, which are a classic Hong Kong-style dessert. The cafe has a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it a great spot for a sweet treat or a quick coffee break.

7. Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings

Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings is a popular spot for dumpling lovers, serving up a wide range of dumplings, buns, and noodles. The restaurant’s signature dish is the xiao long bao, or soup dumplings, which are filled with a flavorful broth and tender pork filling.

8. Lao Sze Chuan

Lao Sze Chuan is a Szechuan-style restaurant that serves up spicy and flavorful dishes, including mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, and dry chili chicken. The restaurant has won numerous awards for its food and has become a go-to spot for anyone craving some heat.

9. Chiu Quon Bakery

Chiu Quon Bakery is a Chinatown institution that has been serving up delicious Chinese pastries and cakes since 1986. The bakery is known for its mooncakes, which are a traditional Chinese pastry filled with lotus seed paste and egg yolk. The bakery also offers a wide range of savory buns and pastries, making it a great spot for a quick snack.

10. MingHin To-Go

MingHin To-Go is a quick and convenient spot for anyone looking for delicious Chinese food on the go. The restaurant offers a wide range of dim sum, noodle dishes, and rice plates, all at affordable prices. The restaurant also has a mobile app for easy ordering and pickup.

11. Cafe Hoang

Cafe Hoang is a Vietnamese restaurant that offers a wide range of traditional dishes, including pho, banh mi, and spring rolls. The restaurant also has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great spot for a casual meal with friends.

12. Joy Yee Noodle

Joy Yee Noodle is a casual restaurant that specializes in Asian fusion cuisine, including noodle dishes, sushi rolls, and bubble tea. The restaurant has a fun and lively atmosphere, with colorful decor and a menu that caters to all tastes.

13. The Duck Inn

The Duck Inn is a contemporary American restaurant that offers a fusion of Chinese and American flavors. The restaurant’s signature dish is the Peking duck, which is served with a variety of accoutrements, including hoisin sauce, pancakes, and scallions. The restaurant also has an extensive cocktail menu, making it a great spot for a night out.

Best Places To Eat In Chinatown Chicago – A Complete Guide

Chinatown Chicago is a vibrant neighborhood that’s full of amazing food, culture, and history. If you’re planning a visit, here’s everything you need to know about the best places to eat in Chinatown Chicago:

1. What are the most popular dishes in Chinatown?

Chinatown is known for its diverse range of dishes, but some of the most popular include dim sum, Peking duck, hot pot, and soup dumplings. You’ll also find plenty of noodle dishes, rice plates, and seafood specialties.

2. What’s the best time to visit Chinatown?

Chinatown is a bustling neighborhood that’s busy year-round, but the best time to visit is during the Chinese New Year celebrations. The neighborhood comes alive with lion dances, fireworks, and other festive events that showcase the rich culture of the Chinese community.

3. Are there any vegetarian or vegan options in Chinatown?

Yes, many of the restaurants in Chinatown offer vegetarian and vegan options. Chi Cafe, for example, has a wide range of vegetarian dishes, including tofu and vegetable stir-fries, while A Place by Damao offers a variety of vegetable-based hot pot options.

4. Is it possible to find authentic Chinese food in Chinatown?

Yes, many of the restaurants in Chinatown serve authentic Chinese cuisine. MingHin Cuisine, for example, specializes in traditional Cantonese dishes, while Triple Crown Restaurant is known for its classic Peking duck.

5. What’s the best way to explore Chinatown’s food scene?

The best way to explore Chinatown’s food scene is to take a food tour. Several companies offer guided tours that take you to some of the neighborhood’s best restaurants and food shops, so you can sample a variety of dishes and learn about the history and culture of the area.

6. What’s the dress code for Chinatown restaurants?

Most of the restaurants in Chinatown have a casual dress code, so you don’t need to dress up too much. However, it’s always a good idea to check with the restaurant beforehand if you’re unsure.

7. Is it necessary to make reservations at Chinatown restaurants?

It depends on the restaurant and the time of day. Some of the more popular restaurants, like MingHin Cuisine and Triple Crown Restaurant, can get very busy on weekends and holidays, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation if you can. For smaller cafes and bakeries, reservations usually aren’t necessary.

8. What’s the average price range for Chinatown restaurants?

The price range for Chinatown restaurants varies depending on the restaurant and the type of cuisine. Some restaurants, like MingHin To-Go and Chi Cafe, offer affordable options, while others, like The Duck Inn and A Place by Damao, are more upscale and expensive.

9. What’s the best way to get to Chinatown?

Chinatown is easily accessible by public transportation. You can take the CTA Red Line to the Cermak/Chinatown stop, or take the #62 Archer bus to Chinatown Square. If you’re driving, there are several