Where to find the best Chinese restaurants in San Antonio

Like any large country with a storied history, China is the source of a vast array of flavorful cuisines, from the numbing hot dishes of the Sichuan region to Cantonese classics like dim sum or sweet and sour pork.

Of course, what many folks are accustomed to in the United States is the American-influenced Chinese cooking that took root during the California Gold Rush of the 1800s. I’m talking about the beef and broccoli, the chop suey, and the ever-popular General Tso’s chicken.

Whatever style or dish you prefer, delicious Chinese food is plentiful across San Antonio, so I rounded up some of the greats for your dining ease. This list includes longtime staples as well as some promising newcomers, representing the wide variety of Chinese food in the city. Happy eating!

This Castle Hills establishment offers some of the best takeout in the San Antonio area. With dozens of options to choose from, China Inn’s menu has a little bit of everything, including Mongolian beef, sesame chicken, egg foo young, and lo mein. 

Find it: 2241 NW Military Highway, San Antonio, TX 78213

Chef-owner Kristina Zhao opened Dashi in 2021 as a sister restaurant to the San Antonio staple Sichuan House, also owned by Zhao. Dashi bridges the gap between casual and fine dining, with elevated Sichuan offerings like spicy cumin lamb lollipops, crispy striped bass, and garlicky cold noodles with chili oil, all served in an elegant, relaxed setting. The bar program is just as impressive, with unique cocktails like the Purple Moon, a vodka-based drink made with elderflower, ube, ginger, lemon, and sparkling sake.

Find it: 2895 Thousand Oaks Drive, San Antonio, TX 78232

In 2023, Ding How celebrated 40 years of business in San Antonio. This Chinese eatery on stilts has long been known for its fast service and affordable lunch specials, with familiar dishes like lemon chicken, sweet and sour pork, and beef with mushrooms. 

Find it: 4531 Northwest Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78229

If you head to Golden Wok’s Medical Center location at the wrong time, you could end up stuck in line waiting for the next available table, but the wait is totally worth it. Chef specialties include peking duck, garlic black bean fish, and Malaysian curry. The dim sum is a must-try, though it is only available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends.  

Find it: 8822 Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX 78240

While restaurants like King’s Palace and Van’s have shuttered on Broadway, Hung Fong has managed to remain for more than 80 years. Here you’ll find Hong Kong-style chow mein, Hunan fried rice, and an assortment of family-style plates that feed up to four people. Try the walnut shrimp, which comes with a sweet and spicy sauce.

Find it: 3624 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209

One of the oldest Chinese restaurants on the Southside, La Chinita’s has a little bit of everything. No, seriously, half the menu is Chinese and the other is Mexican food. Hence the name! The shrimp fried rice is a standout on the menu, as is the noodle soup, a comforting, rich broth loaded with veggies.

Find it: 1012 Avondale Ave., San Antonio, TX 78223

At Lucky Noodle House, you can find fresh, hand-pulled noodles that are served in soup, stir-fried, or cold. The dumplings are also top-notch and come plentiful, with 20 of the tasty food pods for just $8.99. My go-to order includes the pork and mushroom dumplings along with the stir-fry noodles with shrimp, and I highly recommend eating at the restaurant for the full experience. 

Find it: 8525 Blanco Road, San Antonio, TX 78216

Chef specialties at this Medical Center fixture include Hunan-style lamb, peppercorn shrimp and scallops, and sha cha beef. Many folks patron this spot for its lunch specials, which come with fried rice, iced tea, and a choice of fried wonton or egg roll.

Find it: 7959 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, TX 78229

Ming Qian started her San Antonio food business Ming’s Things in 2011, and it has taken on many forms since, eventually becoming the Ming’s restaurant we know today. Ming’s features coconut curry rice bowls, hot and cold noodle bowls, and noodle soups as well as an assortment of smaller bites, including steamed buns, crispy dumplings, and century eggs. 

Find it: 914 E. Elmira St., San Antonio, TX 78212

This cherished Northside eatery has an extensive menu of traditional Chinese offerings, like fish congee, crispy duck, and moo shu pork, as well as American Chinese favorites like sesame chicken and shrimp with broccoli. 

Find it: 11821 West Ave., San Antonio, TX 78216

Royal Inn is a local treasure for American-style Chinese food and certain classic Chinese dishes, including sweet and sour pork, almond chicken, and pepper steak. Where Royal Inn really shines is in its selection of soups, like the pork with pickled vegetables or the seafood hot and sour.

Find it: 5440 Babcock Road, San Antonio, TX 78240

Located just north of Castle Hills, Sichuan Garden is a low-key restaurant serving Sichuan favorites like mala beef pot and kung pao chicken. The takeout portions are generous, and the dine-in service is always quick and kind. 

Find it: 2347 NW Military Highway, San Antonio, TX 78231

If someone were to ask, “What is the best Chinese Restaurant in San Antonio?” Sichuan House definitely comes to mind. The Northwest Side restaurant has become a fixture of the city for its impressive menu of Sichuan Chinese offerings. Menu highlights include the home-style lo mein, the spicy garlic eggplant, and the Enlightened By Fungi, a dish that features a variety of mushrooms tossed in a flavorful sauce. 

Find it: 3505 Wurzbach Road, Suite 103, San Antonio, TX 78238

Tiger has some of the best soup dumplings in town, so make sure to grab an order of xiaolongbao whenever you dine in. The offerings at Tiger Chinese Cuisine seem endless, with pages of Sichuan specialities, like mala dry pot, sliced beef maocai, and Chengdu grilled whole fish. 

Find it: 12730 I-10, Suite 312, San Antonio, TX 78230