Denver’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors from around the globe, and among its most beloved threads is Chinese cuisine. While many are familiar with Americanized Chinese dishes, Denver is also a treasure trove for those seeking authentic and traditional Chinese flavors. If you’re on a quest for the Best Chinese Food Denver has to offer, you’re in for a delightful journey. This guide will navigate you through some of the top Chinese restaurants in and around Denver, where you can discover dishes that go beyond the usual takeout fare and delve into the rich regional culinary traditions of China.
From fiery Sichuan spices to delicate Cantonese dim sum and hearty Shandong noodles, Denver’s Chinese restaurants offer a diverse spectrum of tastes and experiences. Many establishments boast hidden menus featuring chef-driven specialties that truly represent the breadth of Chinese gastronomy. Whether you are a seasoned foodie or just beginning to explore, prepare to be amazed by the authentic tastes awaiting you in the Mile High City. Here are some of the best spots to find exceptional Chinese cuisine in Denver, guaranteed to expand your palate and leave you craving more.
New Best Chinese Additions
Bronze Empire
Bronze Empire, part of the One Concept Restaurant Group, is quickly becoming a Denver favorite for hot pot and authentic Chinese dishes. While known for its individual-style hot pot experience, Bronze Empire also offers a curated menu of Chinese specialties that are worth exploring. Located on South Colorado Boulevard, this spot is often bustling with diners eager to create their personalized hot pot meals, but don’t overlook the appetizers and entrees that showcase traditional Chinese culinary artistry.
Eat this: Begin your culinary adventure with the scallion pancake, praised for its flaky layers, and the Sichuan-style cold chicken, a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken slices drenched in a sauce infused with chile oil, black vinegar, and sesame oil. For the hot pot, choose from a wide array of broths, including unique options like butter and chicken maw, and an extensive selection of over 80 ingredients. For a balanced and satisfying hot pot, we suggest the veggie combo and the ribeye.
1591 S. Colorado Blvd. 720-599-8888
Dating Yumy
Aurora is home to many of the best Chinese food Denver vicinity has to offer, and Dating Yumy is a standout example. Taking over from Uncle Zoe’s Chinese Kitchen in 2021, Dating Yumy has quickly established itself as a go-to eatery for delectable buns and dumplings. The restaurant’s bright and welcoming atmosphere complements its menu of comforting and expertly prepared dishes.
Eat this: While the pork buns are incredibly popular and often sell out, the pork wontons in chile oil are a must-try unique dish. These delicate wontons are coated in a vibrant, flavorful chile oil, but are also immersed in a sesame-based broth that adds a delightful nutty dimension and aroma, making it a distinctive and memorable dish.
12203 E. Iliff Ave., Suite D, Aurora, 303-755-8518
Happy Cafe
Located just a few doors down from Lao Wang Noodle House, Happy Cafe offers an expansive menu of traditional Chinese dishes, including Hong Kong and Cantonese cuisine, some of which are rarely found even in China. To make these diverse offerings accessible, Happy Cafe has adorned its walls with photos of many of its specialty dishes, aiding diners in their selections. For those seeking authentic best Chinese food Denver experiences, Happy Cafe is a must-visit.
Eat this: Don’t be intimidated by the duck chins – they are a signature dish and highly recommended. These seemingly daunting V-shaped bones are surprisingly delightful, with skin that resembles chicken wings in texture and is seasoned with umami-rich Maggi sauce. They are the perfect savory finger food to enjoy with a beer. The braised wild pork, a comforting hot pot of fatty pork cubes, tofu skin, and onion, is another excellent, yet less adventurous, choice.
945 S. Federal Blvd., Suite D, 303-922-2226
Meet & Eat Bistro
Situated near the Denver-Aurora border, Meet & Eat Bistro excels in delivering bold flavors through its authentic Sichuan menu. Taking over the space of Mr. Hao Grill, Meet & Eat Bistro features a robust selection of meat dishes such as Sichuan boiled fish (shui zhu yu) and chile-infused sliced beef and ox tongue. However, this Hampden restaurant truly shines with its expertly prepared vegetable dishes, making it a standout for best Chinese food Denver.
Eat this: The dry pot (ganguo) cauliflower, a brothless version of Sichuan hot pot, is a must-try. This dish combines cauliflower florets, leek, carrot, and green bell pepper in a savory and smoky sauce, served piping hot over a flame. Complement this with the hot and sour shredded potato, featuring julienned potatoes sautéed with black vinegar and dried red chiles to achieve a delightful, slightly crunchy texture.
10021 E. Hampden Ave., 303-379-9627
NBX Asian Cuisine
NBX Asian Cuisine provides a relaxed dining experience with its casual setting, complete with wooden park benches and practical waterproof tablecloths. Despite its Shandong province roots in eastern China, the Cao family presents a menu that leans towards western Chinese cuisine, characterized by red meat and spices like cumin. For those seeking diverse and flavorful options for best Chinese food Denver, NBX is a great choice.
Eat this: The pan-fried pork buns are a crowd-pleasing favorite, boasting a juicy filling that is flavorful enough on its own, though soy sauce or black vinegar are available for dipping. Also, sample the cumin lamb and the liangpi – cold, wide wheat noodles served with julienned cucumber, carrot, wood ear mushroom, cilantro, and a rich sesame-based sauce.
9064 Forsstrom Drive, Suite B15, Lone Tree, 303-643-6464
Old Town Hot Pot
Opened in 2021, Old Town Hot Pot in Aurora occupies a large space that once housed a Chinese buffet. Despite its size, it’s frequently packed, especially during weekend dinners. This popular spot on South Havana Street manages the crowds efficiently with a two-hour dining limit, ensuring a steady flow of diners eager for best Chinese food Denver.
Eat this: The all-you-can-eat hot pot experience is priced at $29 per person, allowing each diner to select their preferred broth from eight options, ranging from the classic pork-based stock to tomato or tom yum. Choose from a wide selection of sliced meats, seafood, vegetables, and noodles for dipping. Start with smaller portions to avoid waste, as there is a surcharge for excessive leftover ingredients.
2852 S. Havana St., 303-658-0870
Pepper Asian Bistro
Pepper Asian Bistro is a well-known fixture on East Colfax, popular for takeout, but equally rewarding for dining in. The City Park eatery offers a comfortable and refined setting to enjoy American Chinese classics. (Note: Pepper Asian Bistro II in LoHi is under different ownership.) For those in search of familiar yet well-executed best Chinese food Denver style, Pepper Asian Bistro is a solid choice.
Eat this: Begin with the crab cheese wontons, served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce with a hint of Chinese hot mustard to balance the rich, creamy filling. Follow this with the yuxiang eggplant, served sizzling in a hot clay pot. This presentation imparts a smoky flavor to the dish and creates delightful caramelized bits of eggplant that are extra flavorful.
2831 E. Colfax Ave., 303-388-8377
Ten Seconds Yunnan Rice Noodles
Ten Seconds Yunnan Rice Noodles, a franchise with over 750 locations in China, has expanded to American cities, including Aurora. Opened in 2019, this Aurora location specializes in mixian, thin rice noodles in soup, a staple in China’s Yunnan province but less common in Denver. For those seeking unique and authentic options for best Chinese food Denver, Ten Seconds offers a regional specialty.
Eat this: While traditionally served hot-pot-style, Ten Seconds now serves fully cooked noodle soups with all ingredients included. The pickled pepper mixian with beef is highly recommended, especially for those who enjoy hot and sour soup flavors.
2000 S. Havana St., Aurora, 720-583-2839
Our Old Favorites
Hong Kong Station
Located in a strip mall in Centennial, Hong Kong Station specializes in Cantonese-inspired dishes from Hong Kong and other regions of China. This long-standing favorite is a reliable destination for those seeking quality best Chinese food Denver south area.
Eat this: The brisket and tendon pot is a must-order, featuring tender beef in a rich umami sauce, served bubbling in a clay pot with steamed rice. Pair it with yu choy (Chinese flowering cabbage) with garlic and the light and crispy shrimp toast. The shrimp toast is made of fried bread triangles topped with shrimp paste and served with sweet and sour sauce.
6878 S. Yosemite St., Centennial, 720-592-0861
Hop Alley
Chef Tommy Lee’s contemporary interpretations of classic Chinese dishes have made Hop Alley one of Denver’s most influential restaurants. After a recent renovation, Hop Alley in RiNo offers a sleek and stylish atmosphere. Named in remembrance of Denver’s historic Chinatown, Hop Alley continues to be a leader in innovative and high-quality best Chinese food Denver.
Eat this: Indulge in the whole Alamosa-raised bass, grilled and topped with a fennel, jicama, and kumquat slaw. The laziji, featuring tender chicken thigh nuggets with Sichuan peppercorn dust and scallions, and the Beijing duck roll with hoisin-slicked duck confit and cabbage in a scallion pancake, are also highly recommended.
3500 Larimer St., 720-379-8340
Huakee BBQ
Huakee BBQ, run by Hong and GuoHua Wu, specializes in Hong Kong and Cantonese-style barbecue. Located beside H Mart in Westminster, this small eatery offers roasted duck, pork, and chicken, along with delicacies like chicken feet with black bean sauce, spicy pig ears, and zong zi. For authentic Cantonese BBQ and best Chinese food Denver north, Huakee BBQ is a top choice.
Eat this: For first-timers, the Three Delicacy Combo is ideal, featuring crispy-skinned duck, juicy soy sauce chicken, and sweet char siu (barbecued pork) served over rice with vegetables.
5072 W. 92nd Ave., Westminster, 80031, 720-535-8871
KP Asian Cafe
While KP Asian Cafe in Aurora offers American-Chinese takeout favorites, chef-owner Kevin Chu and his wife excel in regional Chinese dishes from Cantonese, Sichuan, and Shandong cuisines. This versatile menu makes KP Asian Cafe a strong contender for best Chinese food Denver and Aurora area.
Eat this: The Hong Kong-style wonton noodle soup, with its rich broth, dumplings, pork, vegetables, and handmade egg noodles, is a standout. Enhance it with the juicy roasted duck. Also consider their hot pots, such as pork ribs and bitter melon or spicy braised brisket and tendon.
12201 E. Mississippi Ave., Suite 111, Aurora, 720-456-7745
Lao Wang Noodle House
For 23 years, the Wang family has served comforting Taiwanese cuisine at Lao Wang Noodle House in Westwood. Continuing the legacy of owner Tse-Ching, his family maintains the tradition of making dumplings and wontons from scratch. This enduring commitment to quality makes Lao Wang a cornerstone of best Chinese food Denver.
Eat this: You can’t go wrong with any of the handmade dumplings, from the xiaolongbao filled with pork and broth to the crispy pot stickers and wontons in a gently spicy soup.
945 S. Federal Blvd., Suite D, 303-975-2497
Meta Asian Kitchen
Chef Kenneth Wan and Doris Yuen draw on their East Coast and Hong Kong backgrounds to create a menu of Cantonese, American Chinese, and fusion dishes at Meta Asian Kitchen. While their Avanti location is closing, they are currently operating from Honor Farm and plan to open MAKfam soon. Meta Asian Kitchen offers a unique and modern take on best Chinese food Denver.
Eat this: The “chef’s favorite” wings, seasoned with house-made five spice and served with Thai basil ranch, are a must-try. For spice lovers, the sizzling spicy noodles with chile oil and Sichuan peppercorn are highly recommended (order with caution!).
Avanti Food & Beverage: 3200 N. Pecos St., 303-325-5384; Honor Farm: 1526 Blake St.
Noodles Express
Noodles Express in Belcaro is popular for its fiery Sichuan dishes, many seasoned with Sichuan peppercorns. This fast-casual spot is a go-to for those seeking an intense and authentic best Chinese food Denver spice experience.
Eat this: The dan dan mian, with noodles, minced pork, peanuts, pickled greens, chile oil, and cilantro, is a favorite. Also try the crispy fried Chongqing chicken with Sichuan peppercorns and chiles, and the refreshing spicy cucumber in chile oil.
703 S. Colorado Blvd., 303-736-8818
Shanghai Kitchen
Harry and Alice Zhou’s Shanghai Kitchen in Greenwood Village offers a taste of their native Shanghai. With Harry’s culinary training in Shanghai and Sichuan, and Alice managing the front, Shanghai Kitchen has been a Greenwood Village staple for 23 years, offering refined best Chinese food Denver south.
Eat this: The whole steamed sea bass, available Shanghai-style with ginger-wine sauce or Sichuan-style with hot chile oil, showcases traditional Chinese fish preparation. Other recommendations include eggplant with pork, tea-smoked duck with pickled vegetables, and twice-cooked pork belly.
4940 S. Yosemite St., Suite E-8, Greenwood Village; 303-290-6666
Star Kitchen
Star Kitchen in Athmar Park, operating for 14 years, features live seafood and Cantonese dim sum. Dim sum served from carts during lunch and brunch is a major draw, making it a beloved spot for best Chinese food Denver dim sum.
Eat this: For dim sum, enjoy the barbecued pork buns, braised chicken feet, fried shrimp balls, and Malay sponge cake (ma lai gao), alongside congee with pork and preserved eggs. For dinner, try the lobster with ginger-scallion sauce and salt-and-pepper squid.
2917 W. Mississippi Ave., 303-936-0089
Sunflower Asian Cafe
Sunflower Asian Cafe in Littleton is one of the few places in Denver to experience Huaiyang cuisine from eastern China. Wen Hu Xue and Annie Tang from Yangzhou present subtly seasoned dishes highlighting fresh, natural flavors. For a unique regional experience of best Chinese food Denver south, Sunflower Asian Cafe is essential.
Eat this: Explore the traditional Chinese menu for Huaiyang cuisine like Yangzhou fried rice, lion’s head meatballs, and braised pork belly with meigan cai (pickled mustard greens). Their Sichuan dishes are also excellent.
91 W. Mineral Ave., Suite 100, Littleton; 303-798-0700
Yum Yum Spice
Yum Yum Spice near the University of Denver is known for its customizable dry pot. This casual spot offers a separate menu for dry pot, allowing diners to create their own combination of proteins and vegetables. For a personalized and interactive best Chinese food Denver experience, Yum Yum Spice is ideal.
Eat this: Customize your dry pot with tofu skin or pork ribs, napa cabbage, enoki mushrooms, lotus root, and bok choy. Add shrimp, squid, or fish balls for extra flavor. For a truly authentic experience, order the Sichuan flavor and specify “extra hot.”
2039 S. University Blvd., Suite 4318; 720-542-9921
Yuan Wonton
2023 James Beard semifinalist Penelope Wong’s Yuan Wonton is famous for its dumplings, wontons, and buns influenced by her Thai-Chinese heritage. Find their food truck schedule on Instagram and order online in advance or be ready to queue. Yuan Wonton represents a modern and highly acclaimed approach to best Chinese food Denver.
Eat this: The xiaolongbao, chile wontons, and peanut sauce noodles are cult favorites. Also look for specials like vegan Sichuan eggplant dumplings and sheng jian bao (pan-fried pork buns).
In conclusion, Denver’s Chinese food scene is rich and diverse, offering everything from traditional regional dishes to innovative modern interpretations. Whether you’re craving spicy Sichuan, comforting Cantonese, or delicate Taiwanese flavors, the Mile High City has something to satisfy every palate. Explore these restaurants and discover your own favorites in the quest for the best Chinese food Denver has to offer.
