While Tucson doesn’t have the Chinese population of many west coast cities, the Chinese population here has a lengthy history spanning back to the 1860s. The University of Arizona has also contributed significantly to the Chinese population.
As a result, we actually have a nice selection of restaurants from a few regions of China. Cantonese and Sichuan restaurants are the most prominent here, so hopefully, we’ll see the other regions rise to prominence in the near future as well.
Here’s our list of some of the best Chinese restaurants in Tucson.
Learn how we create our guides here.
Asian Spice in northwest Tucson brings celebrated Cantonese-style Chinese American cuisine to a casual, modest interior. The dining room sits in a Marana strip mall with only a handful of tables, making the space feel cozy and intimate. Local diners often wait for a seat, and many others prefer takeout or catering for their meals. Furthermore, Asian Spice was named one of the ‘Top 100 Chinese Restaurants’ in the U.S.
Patrons rave about honey walnut shrimp with crisp cabbage and creamy, honey-sweet sauce. The menu also features fried rice with butter nuances, and beef ho fun noodles cooked in Cantonese tradition. Classic options like shrimp chop suey and crab rangoon draw regulars and visitors alike.
Bamboo Noodle House serves noodle soups, dumplings, and dishes drawn from generations of family cooking by owners Lenny and Blanca Mark. The concept grew out of the Mark family’s long history in local Chinese dining, including Bamboo Terrace and past ties to China Palace, with a menu shaped by home recipes and customer favorites.
Noodle soups anchor the menu with offerings like shrimp and pork won ton, lo mein, chow fun, and house-made dumplings alongside ribs and chef’s specials. The dining space reflects Chinese American heritage and Tucson roots.
View video of our visit here.
Despite the multipage menu, Chef Wang cooks up a variety of dishes delightfully.
The massive menu features an extensive list of regional dishes from areas such as Sichuan, Dongbei, and Xinjiang. Sichuan cuisine is most famous for its fiery numbing cuisine. The northeastern region of Dongbei is known for its pickled cabbage akin to sauerkraut. The northwestern region of Xinjiang is famous for its flatbreads and use of lamb and cumin.
Avoid the Americanized dishes here; stick to the regional Chinese specialties for the best experience. Tip: the “steam buns” are actually soup dumplings.
China Pasta House holds the honors of being one of the most affordable restaurants in Tucson.
The owners are from Dandong, China, located in northeast China just across the river from North Korea. A signature dish from the area is “Chinese sauerkraut,” which is more like a stripped-down, mild cabbage kimchi — eat it with pork on top of rice or in soup with house-made noodles.
“I have three favorite dishes I’m always ordering: Sweet and Sour Tofu, Mongolian Tofu, and Chong Qi Spicy Tofu! All crispy and incredibly tasty.”
While China Szechwan has one of the most generic restaurant names, its Sichuan cuisine stands out. Just make sure to order off the Sichuan menu. The Water-Boiled Fish also has a boring misleading name. The fish is poached, and it’s not just water — it’s a spicy, aromatic broth with napa cabbage, celery, and copious amounts of garlic.
Pro tip — take home the leftover broth and use it as a vessel for instant ramen noodles.
“Fatman got me through the pandemic. Get the Xian Oil Splashing Noodles (made in-house) and the Eggplant with Garlic Sauce.”
With a combination of Sichuan and Shaanxi specialties, Fatman Kitchen has quickly become one of the hottest new restaurants in Tucson. The Xian Oil Splashing Noodle features house-made biang biang noodles the length of your arm in garlicky, spicy chili oil with scallions and bean sprouts. For one of the best soups in town, order the Spicy Lamb Noodle Soup.
“Although it’s not listed on the menu, I highly recommend asking for the lemon tofu! I usually order it with the Mongolian tofu to enjoy the perfect sweet and savory combination.”
Chef Chan, head chef, brings over 25 years of culinary expertise to the table, crafting authentic Chinese dishes with precision and flair. Hailing from China, Chef Chan’s upbringing infuses his cooking with a deep-rooted understanding of genuine Chinese flavors and culinary traditions, ensuring each dish is a culinary masterpiece.
Jewel’s Noodle Kitchen offers an unpretentious atmosphere with its simple décor.
Don’t expect the saucy Americanized Chinese dishes here — this barebones eatery showcases hearty Northern Chinese meat pies and buns. Popular dishes included hand-pulled noodle soups like the Tomato Egg Noodle and Noodle with Pork Bean Sauce. Other favorites are the Pork & Scallion Pie, Triple Dumplings filled with pork, shrimp, and chives, and the Cold Cucumber Salad.
Sichuan dishes intermingle with the American Chinese dishes on the menu, but you’ll want to go for the Sichuan specialties. The Cumin Lamb here is outstanding — fragrant with floral, citrus notes from the abundant use of tongue-tingling Sichuan peppercorns and cumin. Chopped onions provide sweetness. Don’t be fooled by the dish’s simple appearance.
“I think Kung Fu Noodle is the best Chinese restaurant in Tucson. A Chinese friend who grew up in China says it’s the most authentic food she’s found here. The owners are great. They will make vegetarian versions of many dishes (like Mu Shu Vegetables instead of Mu Shu Pork). Try the cucumber salad and Mongolian Tofu.”
While you should really visit for the Northern China-influenced specialties such as the Chinese Beef Burrito (beef slices and herbs wrapped in a scallion pancake) and Jingdong Meat Pie (think a savory empanada, but Chinese Muslim-style and with chopped meat), they also offer a selection of Sichuan dishes. The house-made noodles and dumplings are the main selling point.
Noodleholics offers authentic Chinese noodle dishes in a casual, contemporary space on East Grant Road. The dining room features simple modern design with counter ordering and comfortable seating for small groups. Natural light from street-facing windows brightens the clean interior and highlights house-made noodle bowls.
The menu centers on house-made wheat noodles and regional Guilin rice noodles. Signature bowls include the Sizzling Garlic Noodles and the Guilin Spicy & Sour with choice of meats and tangy broth. Garlic cucumbers and salt and pepper fried wings complete popular orders. If you enjoy pork, order the Chaoshou Dumplings in a vinegary chili oil with garlic and scallions.
View footage of our visit here.
“I couldn’t possibly choose between the Spicy and Salted Fish Fillet and the Salted and Spicy Tofu. Which means that they both hold the top spot of ‘Favorite Chinese Food Dish’ in my book.”
It’s fun to dine-in at the restaurant on Speedway Boulevard but try takeout when you’re looking for some fun in the sun. Luckily, there’s a beautiful spot nearby to enjoy your food: Himmel Park.
