We Picked 10 Classic Chinese Restaurants In Washington That Belong On Your Food Bucket List
Bruce Lee once ate at a Seattle Chinese restaurant that opened back in 1935. That same place still serves oyster sauce beef and wonton soup today.
I love knowing a meal can connect you to almost a century of history.
That old-school spirit shows up in more corners of Washington than you might guess. Some dining rooms still have booths, retro decor, and menus packed with chow mein and egg foo young.
One even has cowboy doors.
I can’t imagine a better excuse for a road trip. You get comfort food, a little local history, and leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.
That’s a pretty great deal.
So which spots deserve a place on your food bucket list? I rounded up ten classics, from dim sum halls to neighborhood favorites.
Which one will you try first?
1. Tai Tung Restaurant
Few restaurants can say Bruce Lee pulled up a chair, but this one can. Tai Tung has been feeding Seattle since 1935.
That makes it one of the oldest Chinese restaurants in the city. It sits in the heart of the Chinatown-International District, and it wears its age proudly.
The room feels rustic and old-school, complete with cowboy doors. You can grab a table or slide up to the counter, which makes solo meals easy.
So what should you order first? Crispy oyster sauce beef is the famous pick, and it has a long fan base.
Roasted duck, lemon chicken, and beef chow fun also earn plenty of love. If you want something soothing, try the wonton soup with shrimp-and-meat wontons.
The menu covers lots of ground beyond the big hits. You’ll spot pot stickers, fried chicken wings, Mongolian beef, and egg foo young.
Vegetarians aren’t stuck with plain rice here. There’s a full vegetarian menu, so mixed groups can share without fuss.
Weekends get busy, especially Saturday afternoon into evening and Sunday evening. Weekday mornings and Monday are calmer, so plan around that if you dislike crowds.
Parking nearby can be tricky in this neighborhood. Takeout and curbside pickup are options when you just want that beef at home.
The kitchen closes earlier than many places, at 7:30 PM daily. Show up in time, because a meal here is a slice of Washington history.
Address: 655 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104
2. Cathay Inn
Retro charm is the main event on Spokane’s north side. Cathay Inn has been around a long time, and it leans into a quaint, vintage look.
The setting feels elegant without being stuffy. Think classic dining room style that brings back the golden age of Chinese-American restaurants.
Portions come big here, so pace yourself. The menu mixes familiar Chinese dishes with American comfort plates.
Pork subgum chow mein or chop suey is a classic place to begin. Egg foo young also gets serious praise, and it suits this old-school spot perfectly.
Feeling fancy? Cathay Pecan Shrimp is a house specialty with a fun twist on the usual nut-and-shrimp combo.
Group outings call for the Bo Bo Platter. Pineapple chicken and beef kabobs round out a sampler-style feast nicely.
Soup fans can order egg flower soup in a full size. Iced tea is on the menu too, which pairs well with salty, crispy bites.
Families will like the kids’ menu and high chairs. A private dining room also helps for birthdays or bigger gatherings.
Parking is easy, with a free lot and street spaces. That alone makes Division Street a little friendlier.
The doors open at noon and close at 9 PM daily. Monday and Friday evenings run busiest, while weekday afternoons stay calm.
Address: 3714 N Division St, Spokane, WA 99207
3. Hong Kong Restaurant
Art on the walls and duck on the menu make a strong first impression. Hong Kong Restaurant on Pacific Avenue keeps things simple and classic.
The room has a calm, traditional feel with beautiful artwork. It’s the kind of Tacoma spot that skips trends and sticks with what works.
Beef with oyster sauce is a smart opening move. Honey walnut prawns bring the sweet, crunchy side of the menu.
Roast duck and noodles appear here too, along with plenty of chicken dishes. General Tso chicken and pot stickers cover the comfort-food basics.
Hungry for a full spread? BBQ pork egg foo young, almond chicken, and pork chow mein all get strong praise.
Portions are generous, so a take-home box is likely. Lunch tomorrow, sorted.
Diet needs? The kitchen offers full vegetarian and vegan menus.
The Hong Kong Special Soup comes in a vegetarian version as well.
Service moves quickly, which helps on a busy weeknight. Tuesday and Friday evenings fill up, along with weekend afternoons into evening.
Mondays are off, so don’t make that mistake. Hours run 11 AM to 8 PM Tuesday through Friday and noon to 8 PM on weekends.
Delivery and curbside pickup are available if the couch wins. Still, dining in lets you enjoy that art.
Address: 8843 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98444
4. Shang Hai Restaurant | Chinese
Booths, big plates, and a quaint 80s vibe? Kennewick has you covered.
Shang Hai Restaurant feels like a trip back to classic family dinners.
The space is unfussy and old-school, with booth seating that invites long meals. It’s a Tri-Cities favorite that keeps things relaxed.
Portions are famously gigantic here. Splitting a few plates is a smart move, unless you love leftovers.
Start with the appetizer plate for a little of this and that. Crispy fried wontons and pork egg rolls also make great openers.
Noodle lovers have choices. BBQ pork lo mein and subgum chicken chow mein are menu highlights worth a look.
Vegetable lo mein comes in a vegan version too. A full vegetarian menu means plant-based eaters won’t feel left out.
Takeout fans, take note. Many folks consider this a top choice in the Tri-Cities for food to go, and curbside pickup is available.
Parents get practical perks like high chairs and changing tables. That makes a family night out much easier.
Hours stretch late on weekends, until 10:30 PM on Friday and Saturday. Other days close at 9:30 PM.
Friday evening is the busiest stretch. Weekday mornings stay quiet if you want an early lunch with room to breathe.
Address: 3013 W Clearwater Ave, Kennewick, WA 99336
5. Szechuan Brothers Chinese Restaurant
Heat seekers, your table is ready in Vancouver. Szechuan Brothers specializes in bold, spicy Szechuan cooking and fish entrees.
The restaurant sits along Mill Plain Boulevard in a clean, tidy space. It’s become a standout pick for Chinese food in southwest Washington.
Wontons in chili oil make a fiery first bite. Mapo tofu with ground pork is another classic that shows off the kitchen’s style.
Craving something brothy? The Szechuan beef noodle soup and hot and sour soup both deliver comfort with a kick.
Pork belly gets plenty of attention here. You’ll find versions sliced or paired with garlic sauce.
Not into spice? Honey walnut shrimp and combination chow mein offer gentler options.
The tofu hot and spicy pot is another fun order for sharing. Mongolian chicken also makes a solid pick for the table.
Portions run large enough for several days of leftovers. Your fridge will thank you, or maybe complain.
Full vegan and vegetarian menus make group orders easier. Free wi-fi is a bonus if you’re dining solo.
Timing matters because the kitchen takes an afternoon break. It’s also closed on Tuesdays.
Lunch runs 11 AM to 2:45 PM, and dinner starts at 4 PM. Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings get busiest.
Address: 13503 SE Mill Plain Blvd B5, Vancouver, WA 98684
6. Xing’s Panda Palace
New York style spare ribs in Bellingham? That’s the claim to fame at Xing’s Panda Palace, and egg rolls get similar praise.
The restaurant sits in a strip mall on East Sunset Drive. Don’t judge it by the parking lot, because the menu is huge.
Hearty Chinese-American classics are the focus. Think Hunan chicken, orange chicken, and kung pao chicken.
Like heat? Those chicken dishes can be made extra spicy on request.
Sharing with a friend? The Pu Pu Platter for two makes a fun opener.
Crab rangoon is another crowd-pleaser.
Comfort classics fill out the rest. Egg drop soup, lo mein, fried rice, and egg foo young all get regular love.
House special fried rice and Singapore rice noodles come in vegetarian versions. Crispy bean curd is a vegan pick worth trying.
Prices stay friendly, which makes this an easy weeknight choice. The setting is relaxed and quiet too.
A private dining room works well for bigger groups. Free wi-fi helps if you’re lingering over tea.
Here’s the timing catch. Xing’s is closed Tuesdays and takes a break between 3 PM and 4 PM.
Weekend lunch starts at noon instead of 11 AM. Friday and Saturday evenings bring the biggest crowds.
Address: 1145 E Sunset Dr #115, Bellingham, WA 98226
7. Yen Ching Restaurant
Sizzling rice soup is basically dinner with a sound effect. At Yen Ching, it’s one of the dishes people come back for.
This Lakewood restaurant feels polished but unpretentious. It’s a go-to for families across the greater Tacoma area.
Custom combos are a big part of the appeal. A full spread might include pot stickers, sizzling rice soup, sweet and sour pork, Mongolian beef, and fried rice.
House specialties carry the restaurant’s name. Look for Yen Ching chicken, Yen Ching beef, and Yen Ching fried rice.
Honey walnut prawns and spicy crispy chicken also earn attention. BBQ pork is another strong pick for the table.
Orange chicken and sweet and sour chicken cover the classic favorites. Egg drop soup offers a lighter start.
Vegans can order sizzling rice soup and Yen Ching fried rice in plant-based versions. Full vegan and vegetarian menus make planning simple.
Need room for a party? A private dining room is available for celebrations.
Hours run 11 AM to 9 PM most days. Friday and Saturday stretch to 9:30 PM.
Evenings get busy several nights a week. Mornings are much calmer if you want a quiet lunch.
Delivery is available, but the sizzle sounds better in person. Parking is easy, with a free lot on site.
Address: 8765 S Tacoma Way, Lakewood, WA 98499
8. Chen’s Good Taste
Roasted duck hanging around? That’s a very good sign, and Chen’s Good Taste knows its barbecue.
This Vancouver spot mixes Chinese-American favorites with more traditional dishes. Congee and whole duck share the spotlight with familiar takeout picks.
The barbecue meats draw plenty of fans. BBQ pork, roasted duck, and crispy pork belly are the stars here.
Dumplings and noodle soup also earn strong praise. Some fans call it a pioneer for these dishes in the Portland and Vancouver area.
Want something crunchy to start? Crab puffs are a menu highlight.
Sesame beef is another favorite with a sweet, savory style. It’s a nice bridge between classic and comfort food.
The dining room is quiet, clean, and simple. Booths are known for being ultra comfortable, so settling in is easy.
Food arrives fresh and nicely presented. Portions are large and prices stay budget friendly.
Vegetarians get a full menu of options. That helps when your group can’t agree on anything.
Hours are steady, from 11 AM to 9 PM every day. No need to memorize odd breaks.
Delivery and takeout make it easy to enjoy at home. Still, those comfy booths make a strong case for dining in.
Free parking keeps the visit stress free. Bring a friend so you can try more of the barbecue.
Address: 14930 SE Mill Plain Blvd #101, Vancouver, WA 98684
9. Red Dragon Northside
Chow mein and karaoke under one roof? Red Dragon in Spokane’s Hillyard area makes that combo happen.
The restaurant sits on East Diamond Avenue, just off Market Street. Generous portions are the norm here.
Almond chicken and BBQ pork are signature picks worth trying.
The menu is long and full of favorites. Sweet and sour pork, sesame chicken, and orange chicken all appear.
Mongolian beef brings a savory option for beef fans. Crispy teriyaki chicken adds a fun twist.
Soup lovers can choose hot and sour or wonton soup. Both come in vegan versions, which is a nice surprise.
Families will find a kids’ menu and high chairs. Full vegan and vegetarian menus help mixed groups too.
Some Spokane families have trusted this place for decades. That kind of loyalty says a lot about a neighborhood spot.
The staff aims to make you feel at home. The atmosphere stays comfortable and casual.
Hours run 11 AM to 9 PM on weekdays. Saturday opens at 11:30 AM, and Sunday closes at 8 PM.
Friday evening is busiest, so plan ahead. Delivery and curbside pickup are available when staying in sounds better.
Address: 3011 E Diamond Ave, Spokane, WA 99217
10. Jade Garden Restaurant
Breakfast at 9 AM can mean pork buns and egg tarts. Jade Garden makes that dream a daily habit.
This lively dim sum spot sits in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District. It’s one of the longtime favorites in the area.
Dim sum is the main draw, and the selection is wide. Steamed jumbo prawn dumplings, or ha gao, make a classic start.
Baked BBQ pork buns and egg custard tarts balance savory and sweet. Shumai and chicken feet are here for adventurous eaters.
Radish cakes and spare rib dishes add more variety. Chinese broccoli in oyster sauce brings some green to the table.
Beyond dim sum, the menu keeps going. Roasted duck, honey walnut prawns, and beef chow fun are big hits.
Congee, noodles, and hot pot also show up. Crab meat and fish maw soup is a more traditional pick.
The space is no-frills, and prices stay budget friendly. Food comes out quickly, which helps with the crowds.
Weekend mornings and afternoons get packed, and waits are common. Weekdays are calmer if patience isn’t your strength.
Street parking can be tough nearby. Hours run 9 AM to 9 PM every day.
It’s a fitting final stop on a Washington Chinese food bucket list. Dumplings make a fine finish line.
Address: 424 7th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104