Best Chinese Restaurants In Chicago

Chinese restaurants abound in Chicago, and you'll find them well beyond the Chinatown neighborhood, too. There are so many fabulous options in part because Chinese cuisine itself can be so diverse; in fact, it's generally accepted that there are eight different kinds, largely influenced by the different Chinese regions. Menus at all of these restaurants are extensive, but, as to be expected, all are packed with rice, vegetable and noodle based dishes.

Sun Wah BBQ
5041 N. Broadway Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 769-1254
www.sunwahbbq.com

One of the biggest standouts at this family-run Uptown eatery is their Peking duck -- it's perfectly crisp and juicy, and comes with fried rice and soup to boot, in case you're still hungry. While the Peking duck can be ordered for carry out, the dining in experience is truly wonderful, as its carved tableside. In addition to duck, this long-time popular restaurant also offers a whole range of Hong Kong barbecue style eats that feature everything from pork to chicken.

For a casual dining experience, head to this Lincoln Square neighborhood restaurant. The institution is another family-run place where they've been serving authentic Chinese dishes for more than four decades. Start your meal off right with some pung pung chicken wings, and continue your meal with a piping soups (including chop suey), curries, chow fon, chow mein, and so so much more with plenty of meat, seafood and vegetarian options for everyone.

Minghin Cuisine
2168 S. Archer Ave.
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 808-1999
www.minghincuisine.com

For a Bib Gourmand experience in the heart of Chinatown -- in addition to another location in the loop -- check out Minghin Cuisine. This uber-popular restaurant is best known for its dim sun, small dishes often served in steamer baskets, and especially their seafood options.  Savor the bite-sized flavors of the curry cuttlefish. Satisfy your carnivore cravings with a siu mai (pork & shrimp dumpling). And the options go on and on, as the dim sun menu alone features more than 50 options! All of this is served up in a contemporary setting.

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This Chinese restaurant is an institution of sorts in Chinatown, as its largely considered one of the pioneers of dim sun in Chicago. After renovations to update the decor in the restaurant, Phoenix is always busy, especially on weekends. Dim sun after dim sun -- both steamed and deep fried -- is brought out to the table, or pushed by on a cart depending on the day of the week. But if you're looking for something more than bite-sized portions they offer that too, including Peking duck carved tableside.

For your late night cravings, head to Chi Cafe in Chinatown (although it's open for lunch too). The dishes here are hearty and substantial, and with traditional Chinese flavors -- rather than pan-Asian -- it's hard to go wrong. Plus, they have an incredibly extensive menu, featuring everything from seafood to pork. With the restaurant's recent renovations, it's also a spacious and comfortable space to dine for a quick meal in.

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Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not blogging about food, she's working part-time at a culinary vacation company, The International Kitchen, based in the Windy City, as well as repping Younique cosmetics and skincare products. Some of her writing can be found at Examiner.com.