Washington State is home to a diverse and thriving Chinese food scene, with influences from Cantonese, Sichuan, Hunan, and other regional Chinese cuisines. Whether you’re craving crispy Peking duck, fiery Sichuan hot pot, or hand-pulled noodles, Washington has something for every palate.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best Chinese restaurants, must-try dishes, street food markets, and tips for finding authentic flavors across the state. If you’re a food lover in Washington, this is your ultimate guide to enjoying Chinese cuisine!
A Brief History of Chinese Food in Washington
Early Chinese Immigration and Culinary Influence
Chinese immigrants arrived in Washington during the mid-19th century, primarily working in railroads, fishing, and mining. As communities grew, Chinese restaurants emerged, bringing Cantonese-style cooking to the region. Today, many restaurants offer flavors from Sichuan, Hunan, and Shanghai.
Evolution of Chinese Restaurants in Washington
Initially, Chinese food in Washington was tailored to American tastes, featuring dishes like chop suey and sweet-and-sour chicken. However, in recent decades, authentic Chinese cuisine has gained popularity, leading to more diverse regional offerings.
Influence of Regional Chinese Cuisines
Restaurants now serve a variety of regional dishes, from Sichuan’s spicy hot pots to Hong Kong-style dim sum. This evolution has made Washington a hotspot for both traditional and contemporary Chinese food.
Best Cities in Washington for Chinese Cuisine
Seattle: A Chinese Food Hub
Seattle’s Chinatown-International District is a haven for authentic Chinese food. Restaurants like Harbor City and Dough Zone draw food lovers from across the state.
Bellevue: Modern and Upscale Chinese Dining
Bellevue boasts high-end Chinese restaurants like Din Tai Fung, known for its exquisite soup dumplings and fine dining experience.
Spokane, Tacoma & Olympia: Hidden Gems
Smaller cities also offer great options. Spokane’s Gordy’s Sichuan Café is a must-visit, while Tacoma and Olympia feature underrated gems like Indo Asian Street Eatery.
Must-Try Chinese Dishes in Washington
Dim Sum Delights
- Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao): A must-try at Dough Zone.
- BBQ Pork Buns: Soft, fluffy, and filled with sweet-savory pork.
- Siu Mai: Open-faced dumplings packed with shrimp and pork.
Spicy Sichuan Specialties
- Mapo Tofu: Silky tofu in a spicy, numbing sauce.
- Dan Dan Noodles: Spicy noodles with ground pork and Sichuan peppercorns.
- Chongqing Chicken: Crispy chicken tossed in chilies and Sichuan spices.
Peking Duck & Hand-Pulled Noodles
- Peking Duck: Crispy skin, juicy meat, served with pancakes and hoisin sauce.
- Biang Biang Noodles: Thick, hand-pulled noodles with chili oil and garlic.
- Wonton Soup: Delicate dumplings in a flavorful broth.
Best Chinese Restaurants in Washington
| City | Restaurant Name | Specialty Dish |
| Seattle | Harbor City | Dim Sum |
| Bellevue | Din Tai Fung | Soup Dumplings |
| Spokane | Gordy’s Sichuan Café | Sichuan Hot Pot |
| Tacoma | Indo Asian Eatery | Fusion Dishes |
| Olympia | King’s Wok | Peking Duck |
Where to Find the Best Chinese Street Food & Markets
Uwajimaya Asian Market in Seattle
This iconic Asian market offers authentic Chinese ingredients, street food stalls, and specialty products.
Local Food Festivals Featuring Chinese Cuisine
- Seattle Night Market: Features Chinese street food vendors.
- Bellevue Lunar New Year Festival: Showcases regional Chinese delicacies.
Hidden Gems for Late-Night Eats
Several restaurants in the Chinatown-International District offer late-night options, perfect for night owls craving Chinese flavors.
Chinese Food Delivery & Takeout Options in Washington
Best Apps and Services
- UberEats
- DoorDash
- GrubHub
Top Takeout Restaurants
- Seattle: Dough Zone
- Bellevue: Facing East
- Spokane: Gordy’s Sichuan Café
Late-Night Chinese Food Options
- Seven Stars Pepper in Seattle offers late-night Sichuan dishes.
- Bamboo Garden in Bellevue is open past midnight.
Tips for Ordering & Enjoying Authentic Chinese Cuisine
How to Spot an Authentic Chinese Restaurant
- Look for Chinese-only menus.
- Notice large tables for family-style dining.
- Check for traditional dishes beyond Americanized options.
Key Menu Items to Look For
- Congee (Rice Porridge)
- Char Siu (BBQ Pork)
- Spicy Cumin Lamb
Understanding Chinese Cooking Styles
- Steamed: Healthier option for seafood and dumplings.
- Wok-Fried: High heat, intense flavors.
- Braised: Rich, slow-cooked dishes like Red Braised Pork.
Conclusion
Washington is a fantastic place to explore Chinese cuisine, from authentic regional dishes to innovative fusion flavors. Whether you’re dining in Seattle’s Chinatown or discovering a hidden gem in Spokane, there’s always something new to try. Don’t hesitate to step outside your comfort zone and experience the best Chinese food Washington has to offer!
FAQs
What is the best Chinese restaurant in Seattle?
Harbor City is a top choice for dim sum lovers.
Where can I find the best Peking duck in Washington?
King’s Wok in Olympia is highly rated for its crispy Peking duck.
What’s the best place for spicy Sichuan food?
Gordy’s Sichuan Café in Spokane serves authentic, fiery dishes.
Are there good vegetarian Chinese options?
Yes! Many places offer map tofu, Buddha’s Delight, and veggie dumplings.
Where can I find the best soup dumplings?
Dough Zone and Din Tai Fung are famous for their xiao-long bao.
What’s a must-try Chinese dish in Washington?
Dan dan noodles are a flavorful and popular option.
What are the best Chinese food delivery options?
Uber Eats, DoorDash, and GrubHub have great selections.
Where can I buy authentic Chinese ingredients?
Uwajimaya in Seattle has a fantastic selection.
What’s the best Chinese restaurant in Bellevue?
Din Tai Fung is the go-to spot for high-end Chinese dining.
Are there late-night Chinese food options in Washington?
Yes! Seven Stars Pepper in Seattle and Bamboo Garden in Bellevue stay open late.