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Best Chinese Restaurants in Tucson

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Best Chinese Restaurants in Tucson

by Tucson FoodieFeb 16, 20266 min read
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.
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14 spots

Beef Ho Fun at Asian Spice (Photo by Jackie Alpers)

Asian Spice

7850 N Silverbell Rd #144Marana

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.

Shrimp & Pork Won Ton Noodle Soup at Bamboo Noodle House (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Bamboo Noodle House

2920 N Oracle RdMidtown

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.

Chili Oil Wontons at Chef Wang (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Chef Wang Chinese Restaurant

356 E Grant RdMidtown

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.

China Pasta House

430 N Park AveDowntown

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.

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Fatman Kitchen

2610 N 1st AveMidtown

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.
“Fatman got me through the pandemic. Get the Xian Oil Splashing Noodles (made in-house) and the Eggplant with Garlic Sauce.”
— Shane Reiser’s favorite

(Photo courtesy of Go Dim Sum)

Go Dim Sum

3504 E Grant RdMidtown

Jo Jo Chan, the owner of Go Dim Sum, is also one of the creative forces behind Jun Dynasty and Noodleholics. At Go Dim Sum, they've streamlining service by moving away from traditional steaming carts in favor of a more fast casual experience with a to-go form factor.

Golden House

9431 E 22nd St #127Eastside

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.
"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."
— Hannah Hernandez’s favorite

Jewel's Noodle Kitchen (Photo by Jenn Teufel Schoenberger)

Jewel's Noodle Kitchen

5683 E Speedway BlvdMidtown

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.

(Photo courtesy of Jun Dynasty)

Jun Dynasty

2933 E Grant RdUniversity & 4th Ave

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.

Lo mein and wontons at Kung Fu Noodle (Credit: Taylor Noel Photography)

Kung Fu Noodle

3122 N Campbell Ave #100Midtown

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.
“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."
— Andrew Weil’s favorite

(Photo by Jackie Tran)

Noodleholics

3502 E Grant RdMidtown

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.

Old Peking Chinese Restaurant

2522 E Speedway BlvdUniversity & 4th Ave

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.
"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."
— Sam Jump’s favorite

Toss Fried Chicken & Ramen

1800 E Fort Lowell RdMidtown

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.
"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."
— Hannah Hernandez’s favorite
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ESPRESSO MARTINI SOFT SERVE IS HERE😍

Starting TODAY, Oct. 3, you can try the new flavor at @sisterstucson!

🌞Made with @yellowbrickcoffee
📍800 N Country Club Rd

Margarita and Piña Colada soft serve are also available. Which one are you picking?

21+ESPRESSO MARTINI SOFT SERVE IS HERE😍 Starting TODAY, Oct. 3, you can try the new flavor at @sisterstucson! 🌞Made with @yellowbrickcoffee 📍800 N Country Club Rd Margarita and Piña Colada soft serve are also available. Which one are you picking? 21+
Tucson Meet Yourself is back! The 53rd annual festival runs Oct. 16-18 in downtown Tucson, free and open to everyone, with about 50 food vendors representing cultures from across Southern Arizona and well beyond.🎉

Visit tucsonfoodie.com for the vendor list + more detailsTucson Meet Yourself is back! The 53rd annual festival runs Oct. 16-18 in downtown Tucson, free and open to everyone, with about 50 food vendors representing cultures from across Southern Arizona and well beyond.🎉 Visit tucsonfoodie.com for the vendor list + more details
Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed during September!

Not only are these reminders of the dishes we ate, but they can also be a guide for your own decisions on what to eat here in Tucson.❤️

- @Addiewankenobi: Mesquite Half Chicken and soup @sawmillrun, French Toast @sunshine_wine_tucson, Steak & Tacos @asadataqueria, Wild Game Trio @corktucson 

- @Thebigdaneenergy: Bulgogi Beef Pizza @sisterstucson, Nom Nom Balls @uncorked_bar, Chipotle Braised Short Rib @tubacgolfresortandspa, Taste of Havana Main Course and Summer Heritage Bean Salad @mojocubankitchen 

- @Deathfreefoodie: Vegan bean pupusas @asaditoszulmyta, Vegan buffet @delcielotamal 

- @Jackie_tran_: @odddogshotdogs, @bisouburger, Catering order of canelés and cream puffs @okashi_ice_cream_confections, Kale Salad @timemarket 

- @Shanereiser: Molcajete @ameliastucson 

More on Tucsonfoodie.comHere’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed during September! Not only are these reminders of the dishes we ate, but they can also be a guide for your own decisions on what to eat here in Tucson.❤️ - @Addiewankenobi: Mesquite Half Chicken and soup @sawmillrun, French Toast @sunshine_wine_tucson, Steak & Tacos @asadataqueria, Wild Game Trio @corktucson - @Thebigdaneenergy: Bulgogi Beef Pizza @sisterstucson, Nom Nom Balls @uncorked_bar, Chipotle Braised Short Rib @tubacgolfresortandspa, Taste of Havana Main Course and Summer Heritage Bean Salad @mojocubankitchen - @Deathfreefoodie: Vegan bean pupusas @asaditoszulmyta, Vegan buffet @delcielotamal - @Jackie_tran_: @odddogshotdogs, @bisouburger, Catering order of canelés and cream puffs @okashi_ice_cream_confections, Kale Salad @timemarket - @Shanereiser: Molcajete @ameliastucson More on Tucsonfoodie.com
@Pueblovida is closing its original downtown taproom this fall, 12 years after opening, and moving next door to a larger space at 121 E. Broadway Blvd.

The new taproom will seat 100+ guests and feature 14 taps, a curated wine program and, for the first time, a restaurant. Chef Scott Girod of @Anello_pizzeria will open a new restaurant in the shared space, expected to follow the taproom’s late fall 2026 opening in early 2027.

“This taproom has always been more than four walls. It’s where we’ve celebrated milestones, introduced hundreds of new beers, watched friendships grow and built a community we’re incredibly grateful for. While we’re excited about what’s next, it’s impossible not to feel sentimental about saying goodbye to the place where it all happened.” — @Pueblovida Co-founder Linette Antillon 

Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com@Pueblovida is closing its original downtown taproom this fall, 12 years after opening, and moving next door to a larger space at 121 E. Broadway Blvd. The new taproom will seat 100+ guests and feature 14 taps, a curated wine program and, for the first time, a restaurant. Chef Scott Girod of @Anello_pizzeria will open a new restaurant in the shared space, expected to follow the taproom’s late fall 2026 opening in early 2027. “This taproom has always been more than four walls. It’s where we’ve celebrated milestones, introduced hundreds of new beers, watched friendships grow and built a community we’re incredibly grateful for. While we’re excited about what’s next, it’s impossible not to feel sentimental about saying goodbye to the place where it all happened.” — @Pueblovida Co-founder Linette Antillon Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com