The 14 Best Chinese Food In San Antonio texas (2024)

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The 15 Best Chinese Restaurants In San Antonio

Exploring San Antonio’s Chinese dining scene reveals a blend of Sichuan favorites, Cantonese classics, and American-influenced dishes, reflecting a storied history of Chinese cooking in the United States. From the 1800s with the California Gold Rush to modern day, the evolution includes everything from beef and broccoli to General Tso’s chicken. This city boasts 14 spots offering a variety of flavorful cuisines, from numbing hot dishes to sweet and sour pork, showcasing the richness and diversity of Chinese food. Whether you’re after traditional dishes or Americanized favorites, San Antonio serves up delicious food with ease, promising an exciting culinary journey for happy eating.

Insider Tips for Dining at Chinese Restaurants in San Antonio

  1. Best Time to Visit: If you want to avoid the crowds, try visiting these restaurants during weekday lunches. Not only will you find it less crowded, but many places also offer great lunch specials.
  2. Try the Specials: Always ask about the chef’s specials. These dishes often highlight the restaurant’s best offerings and can provide a unique dining experience.
  3. Personal Favorites: One of my personal favorites is the Dim Sum at Golden Wok. It’s best enjoyed with a group so you can try a variety of small dishes.
  4. Spicy Dishes: If you love spicy food, don’t miss the Sichuan Spicy Fish at Sichuan House. It’s a fiery dish that’s full of flavor.
  5. Family Style Dining: Many Chinese restaurants serve dishes family-style, which means they are meant to be shared. This is a great way to try multiple dishes without over-ordering.

Finding the best Chinese restaurants in San Antonio can be a delightful culinary adventure. We’ve curated a list of the top 15 Chinese restaurants based on several specific criteria to ensure you have the best dining experiences.


Best Chinese Restaurants In San Antonio


1. Ding HOw Chinese Restaurant

In 2024, celebrating 41 years of serving San Antonio, Ding How Chinese Restaurant offers a unique dining experience on stilts. Known for its fast service, affordable lunch specials, and a comforting array of familiar dishes like lemon chicken, sweet and sour pork, and beef with mushrooms, Ding Hao has become a beloved staple. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a nostalgic dining experience, this Chinese eatery promises quality meals that cater to all tastes. For those also interested in exploring local dining beyond dinner, consider checking out the best brunch spots for a delightful morning treat.

2. Wah Kee Chinese Seafood Cuisine

Wah Kee Chinese Seafood Cuisine is a distinguished destination for Chinese seafood lovers in San Antonio, offering a vast array of dishes that spotlight the freshness and flavor of the ocean’s bounty. Renowned for its meticulous preparation and presentation, Wah Kee serves everything from traditional favorites to innovative creations, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate. Their menu, accessible online, invites diners to explore a world of exquisite seafood selections in a welcoming and sophisticated setting. For those seeking to delve deeper into local seafood dining, exploring Seafood Markets, Seafood spots to eat could offer additional culinary adventures.

3. Hung Fong

In the realm of Chinese cuisine in San Antonio, Hung Fong stands out as a historic gem, serving the community for over 80 years. This family-owned restaurant is celebrated for its Hong Kong-style chow mein, Hunan fried rice, and family-style plates like walnut shrimp with a sweet and spicy sauce. Hung Fong offers a dining experience that combines tradition with the comfort of familiar dishes, making it a cherished spot for both locals and visitors alike. After enjoying a meal at this storied establishment, families might be interested in activities that cater to their youngest members. For an afternoon of fun and play, explore Playgrounds for kids below, where little ones can expend energy and parents can relax, knowing their children are enjoying themselves in a safe and engaging environment.

4. Lucky Noodle House

Lucky Noodle House is a haven for noodle lovers in San Antonio, known for its fresh, hand-pulled noodles that are served in a variety of ways – soup, stir-fried, or cold. Their dumplings are also a hit, offering 20 tasty food pods for just $8.99. Highly recommended are the pork and mushroom dumplings alongside the stir-fry noodles with shrimp. This spot is my go-to order when craving authentic, flavorful Chinese food. For the full experience, dining in is a must.

5. Royal Inn

Royal Inn in San Antonio is a local treasure, renowned for its American-style Chinese food, with a menu rich in classic dishes such as sweet and sour pork, almond chicken, and pepper steak. What truly shines is their selection of soups, offering everything from pork with pickled vegetables to seafood hot and sour, catering to a variety of tastes. Another must-visit is Golden Wok, known for its authentic Chinese cuisine, including dim sum, Peking duck, and a variety of stir-fry dishes. For those seeking comfort in food, both Royal Inn and Golden Wok blend tradition with a homey ambiance, providing culinary excellence.

  • Address: 5440 Babcock Road, San Antonio, TX 78240.
  • Website: Royal Inn

6. China Stix

China Stix stands out as a favorite among locals for its authentic and delicious Chinese cuisine, offering a wide range of dishes that cater to various tastes. Known for its friendly atmosphere and consistent quality, it’s a go-to spot for anyone looking to satisfy their cravings for traditional Chinese food. From classic favorites to unique specialties, each dish is prepared with care to ensure a memorable dining experience.

  • Address:  22100 Bulverde Rd # 102, San Antonio, TX 78259
  • Website: China Stix

7. China Inn

Nestled in the heart of Castle Hills, China Inn stands as a beacon for those seeking the best Chinese takeout in San Antonio. This esteemed establishment offers an expansive menu that includes everything from savory Mongolian beef to the classic sesame chicken, egg foo young, and lo mein, making it a haven for lovers of both traditional and contemporary Chinese cuisine. With dozens of options to choose from, China Inn ensures that every visit is a delightful journey through the rich flavors of China. Whether you’re in the area for a quick lunch or planning a dinner feast, the best of Chinese cuisine awaits you here. For those also curious about Japanese cuisine, the Best Sushi Places offer an equally exquisite culinary adventure.

Address: 2241 NW Military Highway, San Antonio, TX 78213
Website: China Inn

8. Dashi Sichuan Kitchen + Bar

In 2021, Chef-owner Kristina Zhao unveiled Dashi Sichuan Kitchen + Bar, a sister restaurant to the beloved Sichuan House. Dashi effortlessly bridges the gap between casual and fine dining, serving an elevated array of Sichuan offerings such as spicy cumin lamb lollipops, crispy striped bass, and garlicky cold noodles drenched in chili oil. Located in a relaxed, elegant setting, its bar program stands out with impressive, unique cocktails like the Purple Moon, a vodka-based drink with elderflower, ube, ginger, lemon, and sparkling sake. This culinary gem in San Antonio invites you to experience the warmth of its hospitality and the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine. After indulging in the rich flavors here, you might be curious to explore other tastes the city has to offer. Check out the Burger Spots below for a delightful twist on American classics, blending perfectly with your culinary adventure.

Address: 2895 Thousand Oaks Drive, San Antonio, TX 78232

9. Tiger Chinese Cuisine

Tiger Chinese Cuisine is renowned for having the best soup dumplings in town, with xiaolongbao being a must-order. When you dine in, you’re presented with an endless selection of offerings from their menu, showcasing Sichuan specialities like mala dry pot, sliced beef maocai, and Chengdu grilled whole fish. This restaurant offers a comprehensive exploration of Sichuan cuisine, inviting diners on a flavorful journey.

10. Ming’s Things

At Ming’s Things in San Antonio, founded by Ming Qian in 2011, the food business has transformed into a culinary destination for those in pursuit of unique flavors. Ming’s restaurant is celebrated for its coconut curry rice bowls, both hot and cold noodle bowls, noodle soups, and an assortment of smaller bites like steamed buns and crispy dumplings. A must-try for the adventurous palate is their century eggs, a delicacy that perfectly embodies the restaurant’s dedication to authenticity and innovation. Ming’s Things is a testament to the rich culinary diversity found in San Antonio, offering a memorable dining experience. For those also interested in exploring the vibrant flavors of local Mexian food, San Antonio boasts an array of options that promise to satisfy your cravings.

  • Address: 914 E Elmira St, San Antonio, TX 78212
  • Website: Ming’s

11. Phoenix Chinese Cafe

Tucked away on the Northside of San Antonio, Phoenix Chinese Cafe is a cherished eatery known for its extensive menu featuring both traditional Chinese offerings and American Chinese favorites. From the soothing fish congee to the perfectly crispy duck, and from the flavorful moo shu pork to the beloved sesame chicken and shrimp with broccoli, there’s a dish for every palate. This cafe promises a culinary journey that marries classic tastes with comforting familiarity. For those exploring the area, Coffee Spots below offer a perfect segue to continue your culinary adventures, inviting you to discover local favorites that capture the essence of San Antonio’s vibrant coffee scene.

12. Sichuan Garden

Sichuan Garden, nestled in the north of San Antonio near Castle Hills, is a low-key restaurant celebrated for its authentic Sichuan favorites. Their menu features the fiery mala beef pot, classic kung pao chicken, and offers both takeout and dine-in options, known for generous portions and quick, kind service. It’s a go-to spot for those craving the authentic heat and flavors of Sichuan cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere.

  • Address: 2347 NW Military Highway, San Antonio, TX 78231
  • Website: Sichuan Garden

13. Sichuan House

Sichuan House, a best Chinese Restaurant on San Antonio’s Northwest Side, has become a fixture in the city for its impressive menu of Sichuan Chinese offerings. From home-style lo mein to spicy garlic eggplant and the unique Enlightened By Fungi dish, featuring a variety of mushrooms in a flavorful sauce, it’s a haven for those seeking authentic Sichuan flavors. The service is quick, ensuring a delightful dining experience for both new and returning patrons.

  • Address: 3505 Wurzbach Road, Suite 103, San Antonio, TX 78238.
  • Website: Sichuan House

14. La Chinita’s Restaurant

La Chinita’s Restaurant, one of the oldest Chinese restaurants on the Southside, serves a unique blend of Chinese and Mexican food. Its menu stands out with items like shrimp fried rice and noodle soup in a comforting, rich broth loaded with veggies. This fusion makes La Chinita’s a local favorite, offering a little bit of everything to its patrons. For those intrigued by the fusion on the menu and looking to explore further the variety of Asian cuisine available in the area, the exploration shouldn’t stop here. Discover the rich flavors and traditional dishes the city has to offer by checking out Korean Foods below, where you can dive deeper into another culture’s culinary delights.

  • Address: 1012 Avondale Ave., San Antonio, TX 78223

Criteria for Selecting the Best Chinese Restaurants

To ensure you experience the best Chinese cuisine in San Antonio, we selected these restaurants based on the following criteria:

  1. Quality of Food: The primary factor considered was the quality of food. We prioritized restaurants known for their authentic and delicious Chinese dishes, made with fresh and high-quality ingredients.
  2. Popularity and Reviews: We looked at customer reviews and ratings on platforms like Yelp, Google, and TripAdvisor to find restaurants that are highly rated and consistently praised by diners.
  3. Menu Variety: Restaurants offering a diverse menu that includes traditional Chinese dishes as well as modern interpretations were given preference.
  4. Service Quality: Excellent customer service enhances the dining experience. We selected places known for their friendly and efficient service.
  5. Ambiance and Atmosphere: The ambiance of a restaurant can significantly impact the dining experience. We chose places that provide a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
  6. Location and Accessibility: Convenient locations that are easily accessible and have ample parking were also considered.
  7. Value for Money: We considered the cost of dishes and selected restaurants that offer great value for money, ensuring that the dining experience is worth every penny.

By following these criteria, we have compiled a list of the best Chinese restaurants in San Antonio that promise exceptional dining experiences.