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Where to Get the Comfort of Chinese Food in DC

Chinese food is often considered to be one of the greatest comfort foods, ever! We often associate grabbing takeout Chinese food on the way home from a long day of work, or to enjoy a low key night alongside loved ones, binge watching your favorite show. 

group of friends having a great time eating Chinese take out in Washington DC

In Washington, D.C., there are so many options of where to get Chinese takeout from, or where to dine in for a laid back and delicious meal. When considering Chinese food in the District, we are also lucky enough to have restaurants that focus on specializing in food from certain regions in China. We have done all of the research for you. Make sure to save this list and be ready to refer to it the next time you are searching for your next great Chinese food meal in Washington, D.C. Check out my list below!


Tiger Fork 

922 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-733-1152
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Located in Blagden Alley, Tiger Fork joins some other favorite restaurants in this not-so-hidden culinary gem of an area in Washington, D.C. The decor at Tiger Fork has been beautifully thought out with a striking red interior, and features bamboo and elaborate artwork throughout the restaurant. Featuring their take on street food from Hong Kong, they are well known in the District for their classic Chinese dishes. Your best move at Tiger Fork is to order a number of dishes and share with your group. While their menu changes regularly, be sure to order their Spicy Sesame Noodles if it is offered. Make sure you save room for dessert, as well! Their Bubble Waffle is an insanely oversized ice cream sundae that will have your Instagram followers in awe!

Tiger Fork is such a beautiful restaurant, from their entrance that extends into the interior, so make sure to have your camera ready. Outside the restaurant, just across the way, you will find a well known mural in Washington, D.C., the “Love” mural – so make sure you grab photos of that, as well. Reservations are required at Tiger Fork, and they currently have a 90 minute time limit for diners. 


Yunnan by Potomac 

814 N Fairfax St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 571-699-3935
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Focused on serving delicious cuisine from the Southwest Yunnan region of China, Yunnan by Potomac is located in the Alexandria, Virginia area of Washington, D.C. Yunnan by Potomac is a family owned casual dining restaurant where the vibe is inviting and the food is comforting. At the core of their menu is the infamous Mixian noodle – this fluffy and light noodle is featured in their bowls and the team at Yunnan by Potomac does not skimp on portion sizes! You will leave home with lunch for the next day. Try one of these Mixian Noodle bowls with their Garden Party or Garlic Butter Crab dumplings. Keep an eye out for the tasting menu at Yunnan by Potomac which is slated to begin soon. You will be able to make a reservation for that unique experience on their website. 

See also  12 Best Chinese Food Restaurant Chains

Mama Chang 

3251 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 703-268-5556
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Mama Chang is a family owned restaurant that is located in the Fairfax, Virginia area of Washington, D.C. From the well known chef and restaurateur Peter Chang, Mama Chang pays hommage to all of the women in his family. This upscale casual dining restaurant is loved by the community and focuses on home cooked Chinese recipes from the Hunan, Szechuan, and Hubei recipes. Mama Chang’s menu is as diverse as it is delicious. The star of the show is Chang’s Roast Duck with sides to accompany it, including the Dry Fried Cauliflower and Green Beans. Unsurprisingly, Mama Chang has received accolades from many media outlets including receiving a nod from the Washington Post. Mama Chang’s also offers a Dim Sum brunch, which is absolutely worth checking out. 


Peking Gourmet Inn

6029 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041
Phone: 703-671-8088
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Peking Gourmet is located in the Falls Church area of Northern Virginia of Washington, D.C. 

As an upscale restaurant with white tablecloths covering the tables, Peking Gourmet has been open for business since the late 70’s. A family owned restaurant, they also have a farm in Virginia where they cultivate the freshest ingredients to serve to diners. Of course, the Peking Duck is an absolute favorite, and always has been at this beloved restaurant. This is the dish to order. Your duck will be cut tableside for you, so many sure you have your cameras ready! 

You cannot miss the walls of Peking Gourmet Inn lined with photographs of famous guests – from the stars to former presidents, part of the dining experience at this Washington, D.C. area restaurant is to spot as many celebrities that have dined at Peking Gourmet before you. 


Peter Chang

2503 N Harrison St, Arlington, VA 22207
Phone: 703-538-6688
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Peter Chang is located in the North Arlington area of Washington, D.C. Peter Chang is a casual dining restaurant that is loved by locals and visitors alike. Often, when you ask someone in the Washington, D.C., area their favorite restaurant, one of the places they list will most assuredly be Peter Chang. Their most loyal customers know to come for the Soup Steam Pork Buns, and they also have unique dishes including the Cilantro Lime Fish and Boneless Whole Fish. Peter Chang has received much recognition, including receiving kudos from The Washington Post and The New York Times. While reservations are not required, Peter Chang can get busy quickly, especially on the weekends. 

See also  13 Best Chinese Food Dishes

Hunan Gate

4233 Fairfax Dr, Arlington, VA 22203
Phone: 703-243-5678
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Located across the street from the Ballston Metro in Arlington, Virginia, Hunan Gate is not only delicious, but very accessible to Washingtonians. While the interior is casual, Hunan Gate primarily services customers for takeaway orders. If you are looking for the most authentic Chinese food to enjoy after a long day, or to feast on with friends, Hunan Gate is the place you have been searching for. Hunan Gate offers combination meals which include an Egg Roll and Rice. Vegetarians should not worry – Hunan Gate offers a Spring Roll to substitute for this combination offer for a small upcharge. Try the Kung Pao Shrimp as your main pick – you will not regret it. Hunan Gate says they are the only Northeastern Chinese Restaurant in the Arlington/Fairfax area. They are also a family owned restaurant, which makes us love them even more! 


Bob’s Shanghai 66

305 N Washington St, Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: 301-251-6652
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Within the Rockville, Maryland area of Washington, D.C., you will Bob’s Shanghai 66, a favorite amongst those in the Montgomery County area. As a family owned business and casual dining restaurant, Bob’s Shanghai 66 is known for their fresh and fantastic menu items, especially their Soup Dumplings! While their most popular are the Pork XLB dumplings, give the Shrimp and Chicken dumplings a try as well. Bob’s Shanghai 66 has a plethora of small plates to choose from, so make sure to go with a group of friends and order a bit of everything. 


Chiko 

2029 P St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-331-3040
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Chiko is an Asian fusion restaurant that has several locations within the Washington, D.C., area including Dupont Circle, Capitol Hill, and Bethesda. Chiko is a casual dining restaurant that features a Chinese and Korean menu, creating an Asian Fusion restaurant that has gained tremendous popularity. Using traditional Chinese and Korean recipes, the restaurant is as unique as it is delicious. The Pork and Kimchi Potstickers and Soy Glazed Brisket are worth diving right into. Chiko also offers a takeaway Dim Sum brunch, which has been receiving some attention. Chiko is slated to open another location in the Shirlington area of Arlington, Virginia, and we are ready for it! 

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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