Best Chicago Chinatown Restaurants To Satisfy Your Cravings

Chicago is one of the crown culinary cities of the U.S. Divided into distinct neighborhoods that might as well be their own cities, the city offers flavors from countries like Mexico, Poland and Italy.

Then there’s, of course, Chinatown, where you’ll find everything from authentic roast duck to fusion Asian BBQ. If you’re craving amazing Chinese food, these are the best Chicago Chinatown restaurants you’ll definitely want to try.

Rating: 37 (out of 100 based on Tripadvisor reviews)

Chicago natives looking for an affordable dim sum place love Cai. Located in the Chinatown Square Mall, the banquet hall–like restaurant is typical of Chinese places in the U.S. Make sure to order a warm cup of tea, which you can sip as you glance through the gigantic selection of dim sum.

Accompany them with a variety of meats and vegetables, and expect very generous portions.

Rating: 39.6

If you ever find yourself wandering Chinatown late at night, stop by Chi Cafe. Providing ultimate comfort food to those roaming the streets after the bars close, this cafe will bring you back to life with its congee soup, crab rangoon and deep-fried dough fritters.

The menu is very extensive, so you’ll likely find whatever it is your late-night self is craving.

Rating: 40.5

A casual place in Chinatown Square, BBQ King House is known for its perfectly crispy barbecue duck. As you go in, you’ll see the whole ducks hanging over the counter, which is how you know this place is the real deal. 

The duck is, of course, the best thing to order, but there are also some other delicious dishes, like the whole roasted pig and fried vegetables.

Rating: 41

The Michelin Guide recognizes MingHin Cuisine as a Bib Gourmand restaurant, meaning it serves high-quality food at affordable prices. Dim sum is usually what people come here for, with options for any taste. We recommend the taro roll, the green chive shrimp dumplings and the spare ribs with black bean sauce. 

The lunch and dinner menus also offer other dishes like pork hock with wine rice, duck salad and — for those wanting to try something not usually found in the U.S. — eel with honey sauce.