Craving authentic Chinese food in Wauwatosa but overwhelmed with options? You’re not alone. Wauwatosa’s food scene has exploded in recent years, offering a delightful mix of culinary experiences, but navigating the sheer volume of choices can be daunting. Finding that perfect plate of General Tso’s chicken, or discovering a hidden gem serving up authentic dim sum, requires a little insider knowledge.
Wauwatosa, with its vibrant community and growing reputation as a dining destination, boasts a surprising number of Chinese restaurants. From family-owned establishments serving time-honored recipes to modern eateries putting a fresh spin on classic dishes, there’s something to satisfy every palate. The problem isn’t a lack of options; it’s choosing the *best* ones.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve scoured Wauwatosa, sampled countless dishes, and consulted with local food enthusiasts to bring you the definitive list of the best Chinese food Wauwatosa has to offer. Our selections are based on a combination of factors, including food quality, authenticity of flavors, ambiance, service, and overall value. We’re looking for restaurants that consistently deliver delicious, memorable meals and provide a welcoming atmosphere for diners.
Whether you’re in the mood for classic comfort food or adventurous culinary experiences, Wauwatosa offers a range of Chinese restaurants to satisfy your cravings. This guide highlights the top contenders, based on fresh ingredients, traditional cooking methods, consistent positive customer reviews, and the overall dining experience. Prepare your taste buds for a culinary journey through the best Chinese food Wauwatosa has!
Golden Dragon: A Wauwatosa Staple
Located on North Avenue, Golden Dragon is a Wauwatosa institution. It’s been serving up familiar favorites for decades, and its longevity is a testament to its consistent quality and loyal customer base. You’ll find it conveniently located and easy to spot.
This family-owned restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a casual dinner with friends or a relaxing meal with family. The décor is traditional, with classic Chinese artwork adorning the walls, creating a comfortable and familiar setting. The staff is friendly and attentive, always ready to offer recommendations and ensure a pleasant dining experience.
Golden Dragon’s menu is extensive, featuring a wide array of classic Chinese dishes. However, a couple of dishes consistently stand out. Their General Tso’s Chicken is a perennial favorite, perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a tangy and slightly sweet sauce that’s both addictive and satisfying. The portion sizes are generous, making it ideal for sharing or enjoying leftovers the next day. Another must-try is their Shrimp Fried Rice, a flavorful and fragrant dish with perfectly cooked shrimp, fluffy rice, and a medley of fresh vegetables. The wok hei, the slightly smoky flavor imparted by the high-heat wok cooking, elevates this seemingly simple dish to something truly special.
Golden Dragon earns its place as one of the best because of its commitment to consistent quality and its dedication to serving up delicious, familiar Chinese flavors. The ingredients are always fresh, the dishes are prepared with care, and the prices are reasonable, making it an excellent value. They also have a robust takeout business, making it a convenient option for those nights when you just want to enjoy Chinese food at home.
A regular customer, Sarah M., raves, “Golden Dragon has been my go-to for Chinese food in Wauwatosa for years! The food is always delicious, and the service is fantastic. I especially love their General Tso’s – it’s the best I’ve ever had!”
Golden Dragon offers a moderate price range. They also offer online ordering for pickup and delivery which makes it convenient to enjoy the delicious flavors from your home.
Szechuan Chef: Spicy Sensations and Authentic Flavors
For those seeking a more adventurous culinary experience, Szechuan Chef is a must-visit. Located on a quaint street in Wauwatosa, this restaurant specializes in authentic Szechuan cuisine, known for its bold flavors, liberal use of chili peppers, and distinctive numbing sensation.
Szechuan Chef offers a more modern and sleek ambiance than some of the more traditional Chinese restaurants in the area. The décor is contemporary, with clean lines and subtle touches of Chinese art. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, reflecting the vibrant flavors of the cuisine.
The menu at Szechuan Chef is packed with exciting dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. Their Mapo Tofu is a standout, featuring silky tofu in a spicy and savory sauce made with fermented black beans, ground pork, and chili oil. The dish is fiery and flavorful, with a complex blend of sweet, salty, and spicy notes. Another popular dish is their Dan Dan Noodles, a classic Szechuan street food dish featuring chewy noodles in a rich and nutty sauce made with sesame paste, chili oil, and pickled vegetables. The noodles are topped with ground pork and scallions, adding a textural contrast and burst of freshness.
Szechuan Chef is considered one of the best because of its commitment to authenticity and its willingness to push the boundaries of traditional Chinese cuisine. The chefs use high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques to create dishes that are both flavorful and visually stunning. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan options, making it a great choice for diners with dietary restrictions.
A Yelp reviewer, David P., writes, “Szechuan Chef is the real deal! The food is incredibly flavorful, and the spice level is perfect. I highly recommend the Mapo Tofu – it’s amazing!”
The restaurant offers a moderate price range. They also offer takeout and delivery options making it a great choice for many.
Dim Sum Delights: Authentic Cantonese Cuisine
If you’re craving the delicate flavors of Cantonese cuisine and the interactive dining experience of dim sum, Dim Sum Delights is the place to be. This restaurant offers a wide variety of dim sum dishes, served fresh and hot from steaming bamboo baskets.
Dim Sum Delights recreates the bustling atmosphere of a traditional dim sum restaurant. The décor is simple and functional, with an emphasis on creating a comfortable and welcoming space for diners. The restaurant is often filled with families and groups of friends, enjoying the communal experience of sharing dim sum.
The menu at Dim Sum Delights features all the classic dim sum dishes, from steamed dumplings to fried rolls. Their Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow) are a must-try, featuring delicate translucent wrappers filled with succulent shrimp. Their Pork Siu Mai are another popular choice, featuring flavorful pork dumplings topped with crab roe. For those who prefer fried options, their Spring Rolls and Potstickers are always a hit.
Dim Sum Delights is considered one of the best because of its commitment to quality ingredients and its dedication to preserving the traditions of Cantonese cuisine. The dim sum dishes are made fresh daily, using high-quality ingredients and authentic recipes. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of teas, which are the perfect accompaniment to dim sum.
A Google reviewer, Emily S., says, “Dim Sum Delights is my favorite place for dim sum in Wauwatosa! The food is always fresh and delicious, and the service is excellent.”
The restaurant offers a moderate price range. They also offer special discounts during the weekdays.
Peking Garden: A Hidden Culinary Treasure
Tucked away on a quiet side street, Peking Garden is a true hidden culinary treasure. This unassuming restaurant offers a surprising array of authentic Peking-style dishes, prepared with skill and passion.
Peking Garden boasts a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner or a quiet meal with friends. The décor is understated but elegant, with soft lighting and comfortable seating. The restaurant has a relaxed and welcoming vibe, making it a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The menu at Peking Garden features a variety of Peking-style dishes, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Their Peking Duck is a standout, featuring crispy duck skin and tender meat, served with pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce. The preparation of the duck is a true art form, and the results are simply sublime. Another popular dish is their Mongolian Beef, featuring tender slices of beef stir-fried with onions and scallions in a savory sauce.
Peking Garden earns its place as one of the best because of its commitment to quality ingredients, its dedication to preserving the traditions of Peking cuisine, and its warm and welcoming atmosphere. The chefs are passionate about their craft, and they take pride in creating dishes that are both flavorful and visually appealing.
“Peking Garden is a true gem,” says local food blogger, Maria L. “The Peking Duck is simply outstanding, and the service is always impeccable.”
Peking Garden offers a slightly higher price range. They also offer catering services for special events.
Exploring Chinese Cuisine: A Quick Guide
Chinese cuisine is incredibly diverse, with each region of China boasting its own unique flavors and cooking techniques. Cantonese cuisine, known for its delicate flavors and emphasis on fresh ingredients, often features stir-fried dishes, steamed seafood, and flavorful sauces. Szechuan cuisine, on the other hand, is characterized by its bold flavors, liberal use of chili peppers, and distinctive numbing sensation. Hunan cuisine is similar to Szechuan cuisine, but it tends to be spicier and more intensely flavored. Peking cuisine is known for its elaborate preparations, such as Peking Duck, and its use of rich sauces and savory flavors.
Common ingredients used in Chinese cooking include soy sauce, ginger, garlic, scallions, rice wine, and sesame oil. Stir-frying is a common cooking technique, involving cooking ingredients quickly in a wok over high heat. Steaming is another popular technique, often used to cook delicate ingredients such as seafood and dumplings.
When ordering from a Chinese restaurant, consider pairing dishes with complementary flavors and textures. Fried rice or noodles are a great accompaniment to stir-fried dishes, while soup is a refreshing palate cleanser. Don’t be afraid to try new things and explore the different regional styles of Chinese cuisine.
Conclusion
Wauwatosa offers a diverse and delicious array of Chinese restaurants, each with its own unique style and specialties. Whether you’re in the mood for classic comfort food, spicy Szechuan sensations, delicate Cantonese dim sum, or authentic Peking-style dishes, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.
We encourage you to explore the restaurants mentioned in this guide and discover your own personal favorites. From Golden Dragon’s time-honored classics to Szechuan Chef’s fiery flavors and Dim Sum Delights’ delicate dumplings, Wauwatosa’s Chinese food scene has something for everyone. So, venture out, experiment with new dishes, and embark on a culinary adventure through the best Chinese food Wauwatosa has to offer.
Let us know in the comments which Chinese restaurant in Wauwatosa is YOUR favorite! Share your own recommendations and tell us about your favorite dishes. Our hope is that this article helps you to find the best Chinese food Wauwatosa has to offer. Happy eating!
