Yelp Just Named Its Top 100 Chinese Restaurants of 2024—See If One of Them is Near You

While many people are making prime rib and roasted potatoes for a Christmas Day feast, others are gearing up to dine out with Chinese food, which has become a beloved choice in the United States and dates back to the early 20th century when Jewish communities in New York City often found themselves excluded from Christmas celebrations. Seeking a way to gather and enjoy the day, many turned to Chinese restaurants, which were among the few establishments that remained open on Christmas.

Over time, this practice expanded beyond Jewish communities and became a widespread tradition for many families. It's so popular, it was even featured in one of the most beloved holiday moves, A Christmas Story. Chinese food on Christmas represents a laid-back, enjoyable way to spend the holiday, free from the pressures of cooking.

If you want to jump on the trend, you may be wondering about the best Chinese restaurants in your area. Yelp, the online restaurant review platform, can help! The site just released its annual Top 100 Chinese Restaurants 2024 list to help you decide where to eat this Christmas (or any other day).

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How Yelp Created Their List of the Top 100 Chinese Restaurants in America

According to the company, "Yelp searches for Chinese restaurants typically spike every December, as people look for cozy meals. In 2023, the highest number of searches were on Christmas Day."

Yelp ranked these by identifying businesses in the Chinese category that are not part of a national chain, then they ranked those spots "using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews. When available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of October 2, 2024."

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The Top 10 Chinese Restaurants in America, According to Yelp

1. Maxi’s Noodle, Flushing, New York

Reviewers rave about the “massive” wontons at this noodle house, and some Yelpers have said this is "as authentic as it gets."

2. Jayd Bun, South Kingstown, Rhode Island

This popular takeout spot topped Yelp’s list of Best New England Restaurants in 2022. Yelpers recommend the signature Spicy Yo Po Noodles and Pork Buns.

3. Dumpling Yo!, Sacramento, California

This restaurant has more than 400 5-star reviews, and Yelpers love the Shanghainese-style soup dumplings. Some reviews call them "the best soup dumplings I’ve ever had."

4. Lili’s Restaurant, Amherst, Massachusetts

This is a small, six-table restaurant, but several Yelpers recommend dining in to enjoy the fresh-made food. One Yelp review calls it a “humble little noodle shop, but [the food is] so authentic, so handmade, and full of flavor."

5. Chang Lai Fishballs & Noodles, New York, New York

This is a "grab-and-go place” with “just a couple of barstools," but Yelpers can't get enough of the rice noodles, which they say are "the highlight—so soft, chewy, and soaked in that savory/sweet soy sauce."

6. Mama Chow’s Kitchen, Portland, Oregon

This food truck uses a lot of garlic and love to make their food, and it shows. Yelpers say the “Food is unbelievably good. Love the garlic noodles with the dumplings." Unfortunately, you can't go here for Christmas because the truck is shut down until January, but when it reopens, it's a must-stop!

7. Wagyu House by The X Pot, Rowland Heights, California

If you want something more upscale, this is the place! Reviewers say “The hotpot experience is incredible," so if you want to try this type of DIY soup, don't pass up the chance to do it at one of the best locations in the country.

8. China Mama – Shanghai Plaza, Las Vegas, Nevada

Yelpers love the “huge portions” at this pan-Chinese spot, which makes a lot of its ingredients on-site. For example, the Honey Walnut Shrimp is a favorite menu item and the walnuts are candied in-house. Yelpers say “Every visit is an experience."

9. Tian Fu DIY Hotpot, Corvallis, Oregon

If you want a cook-your-own hotpot experience, you'll need to go elsewhere because this restaurant has only has six tables. Instead, you can enjoy malatang—where you choose your own broth and a variety of fresh vegetables and meats, then let the kitchen cook it for you. Reviewers call this an "authentic Chinese meal."

10. Oyama BBQ, Newark, California

This restaurant is open until midnight and Yelpers love the beef skewers, which they say are “super-juicy, tender, and the perfect combination of fat and lean meat.” This popular spot also features live music from a guzheng (a traditional Chinese plucked instrument). Yelp reviews say the food is "perfectly seasoned with a deliciously smoky, slightly spicy kick..."

You can find the other restaurants in the Top 100 list on Yelp and check if your favorite Chinese restaurant made the cut.

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