Melanie MoralesWhether you consider Chinese cuisine comfort food or the go-to for special occasions, there’s just something about its bold and distinct flavors. If you’re craving some right now, well, you’re in luck, as we’re going over our fave places to get it in the city!
Curating our list of the best Chinese food in Edmonton was no easy task. However, after much consideration, we based our selections on customer feedback (it couldn’t just be about restaurants only we thought were good – others had to agree!), menu, and of course, price.
Speaking of which, before we dive into our top Chinese restaurants in the city, let’s get a handle on how much it costs to dine out for this type of cuisine here.
How much does Chinese food cost in Edmonton?
Apart from its bold flavor, Chinese food is a favorite of many because of its large portions and affordable prices. Often, a single entree can feed two people already!
Now, depending on the number of people dining out, you can expect to spend on average around $30 per person when eating at a Chinese restaurant. This is assuming that you only get a single entree, one cup of rice, and one beverage.
Moreover, Chinese restaurants are usually about large-group dining or family affairs, so it’s common to see “Combination Meals” or set meal packages on the menu. These are designed to help customers order because Chinese menus are usually quite lengthy.
You can think of the “Combination Meals” as the equivalent of a full-course meal, except there is no sequencing and each dish is served at the same time. Set meals often consist of an appetizer, soup, entree, rice and a dessert.
Now, we know that everyone has their favorite Chinese dish, but for us to adequately compare prices between restaurants, we’ve only listed the best sellers and a set meal for two persons.
| The Lingnan | Chinese Style Aristocratic Chow Mein (Chicken) | $19.75 |
| Szechuan Beef (Ginger Beef) | $19.75 | |
| Deluxe Dinner for Two Won Ton Soup, Butterfly Jumbo Shrimp, Crispy Lemon Chicken, Beef with Mixed Greens, Lingnan Special Fried Rice, Fortune Cookies | $52.00 | |
| Golden Rice Bowl | Chicken Chow Mein | $16.95 |
| Szechuan Beef | $22.95 | |
| Dinner For Two Egg roll, wonton soup, beef with mixed vegetables, boneless sweet and sour pork, deep-fried shrimps, and chicken fried rice | $56.00 | |
| Dim Sum | $6.00 – $10.25 | |
| Good Buddy Chinese Restaurant | Chicken Chow Mein | $12.99 |
| Sliced Beef with Ginger and Onion | $15.99 | |
| Deluxe Dinner for Two Soup of the Day, Choice of 2 Mains, Steamed Rice for 2, Dessert or Fruit | $38.99 | |
| Tasty World | Lemon Chicken | $11.95 |
| Crispy Ginger Beef | $11.95 | |
| Tasty Dinner For 2 Spring Rolls, Ribs, Pineapple Chicken Balls, Mixed Vegetables, Egg Fried Rice | $28.95 | |
| Blue Orchid | Chicken Chow Mein | $14.95 |
| Lemon Chicken | $15.95 | |
| Ginger Beef (Szechuan Beef) | $16.95 | |
| Dinner for Two Choice of 2 Entrees, Spring rolls, Wonton soup, and Chicken Fried Rice | $39.95 | |
| Tang Bistro | Tang Picnic Kit | $55 |
| Liang-pi | $8.95 – $9.95 | |
| Roujiamo | $8.56 | |
| Lamb Paomo | $19.79 |
The Best Chinese Restaurants in Edmonton
Before you get any hungrier, it’s time for us to take a look at our picks for the best Chinese food in Edmonton.
1. The Lingnan
| MENU | Chef’s Menu, Chinese Menu, Meat & Vegetables, Fried Rice, Egg Foo Yong, Dessert, Vegetarian Menu, Appetizers, Soups, Side Orders, Beverage, Seafood, Chicken, Chow Mein, Gourmet Special, Classics, Yang Sing Gourmet Menu, De-Luxe Dinner, Individual Combination Plates, Family Style Dinner |
| WEBSITE | https://thelingnan.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 10582 104 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 2W1 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (780) 426-3975 Email: [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 5:00pm -11:00pm Tuesday: Closed Friday and Saturday: 5:00pm – 12:00am Sunday and Holidays: 4:00pm – 8:30pm |
The Lingnan has been here (their second location) since 1963, which has helped establish their institution-like status. This restaurant is owned and operated by the Quon family, who also earned “celebrity” fame after starring in their own reality TV show “The Quon Dynasty” (it first aired in 2011).
You’ll have no problem spotting The Lingnan because you’ll see its iconic sky-high vertical sign on their rooftop. This restaurant’s location may seem unassuming, but its proximity to Roger’s Place makes it ideal for those who have just visited tourist spots like the Neon Sign Museum.
Once you walk in through their doors, you’ll be greeted by a very ornate interior with splashes of red, white, gold, and wooden paneling spread across the room. Some people may find it a little dark though, but the high ceilings do well to balance this, making it feel rather spacious and open.
Now what about the food? Well, it’s our opinion that although it’s delicious, it has been adjusted to suit the palettes of mainstream Canada – albeit packaged in a very alluring and exotic Chinese atmosphere.
Regardless, guests usually rave about The Lingnan’s Chinese Style Aristocratic Chow Mein: you can choose which protein you want to accompany the egg noodles and vegetables. Other dishes to try would be the Dry Spicy Chicken, classic Szechuan Beef, and the Lingnan Special Egg Foo Yong.
They have a dedicated vegetarian menu as well, with a large number of choices. It can also be fairly easy to get some vegan options, but you’ll need to make a few requests to leave out some of the sauces or dairy products.
The Lingnan is a great place for groups too, with a variety of set meal packages such as their Deluxe Menu, Gourmet Menu, and Individual Combination Plates.
If you think a buffet is more of your style, don’t worry: they’ve got that covered too. The Lingnan even offers special buffet dinners during Oilers games, which we have to admit is a great marketing strategy.
The Lingnan is also known for its great personalized service – whether it’s getting your food out in a timely manner, the accommodating servers, or charismatic owners.
With great meals, reasonable prices, and good combos, The Lingnan is easily one of our top picks for the best Chinese food in Edmonton.
Pros
- Buffet available
- Has dedicated vegetarian menu
- Delivery available
Cons
- No outdoor seating
- Interior is a little dark
- Closed on Tuesdays
Customer Reviews
The Lingnan is a favorite of many around Edmonton because of the personal customer service, which also makes it a great venue for special celebrations. Kathy Kozakewich, one of their regulars, shares:
“I’ve been to the Lingnan a number of times, always as part of a family celebration. There are a couple reasons for the choice: amazing food and outstanding service. Both are stellar and have been every time I’ve gone. The size of our group changes but on average there are at least 8 to 10 of us; there hasn’t ever been an issue with the restaurant. The staff handles everything with professionalism and friendliness and we always leave feeling like we are valued customers. We also leave extremely satisfied food-wise. A couple members of the family are vegetarian and there is a good selection of menu options. Yesterday, one of the dishes they chose was the eggplant dish, which earned rave reviews. When it comes to Chinese food, and an exemplary dining experience, the Lingnan is always our first choice”
2. Golden Rice Bowl
| MENU | Combination Plates, Package Meals, Appetizers, Soups, Seafood, Pork, Beef, Chicken, Sizzling Hot Plate Platters, Sizzling Rice, Hot Pot, Duck, Chow Mein & Fried Noodles, Vegetables, Foo Yong, Fried Rice, Dessert, Beverages, Dim Sum, |
| WEBSITE | https://goldenricebowl.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 5365 Gateway Blvd NW Edmonton, AB |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (780) 435-3388 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday: 11:00am – 8:30pm Saturday: 10:00am – 9:30pm Sunday: 10:00am – 8:30pm |
Located in Gateway Boulevard, Golden Rice Bowl has been serving the city of Edmonton since the 1970s. It is under the management of its charismatic owner Miranda Lau, who personally stops by the tables every Sunday.
This traditional Chinese restaurant is stereotypical in appearance – you’ll see familiar red colors, Chinese characters, high ceilings, and even an aquarium. So, while it’s certainly authentic and alluring, there’s nothing to make it truly stand out in that respect.
The Golden Rice Bowl has a spacious dining area and can accommodate live music, making it a favorite for those who are celebrating special events. They actually host wedding receptions often, so we highly suggest calling in advance and reserving a table.
Despite the generic-looking space, what makes the Golden Rice Bowl stand out is the dim sum. They were voted as the No. 1 Dim Sum Restaurant by the city, according to a survey conducted by the Canada Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).
The Golden Rice Bowl offers a diverse array of choices such as Shrimp Dumpling or the more exotic Squid with Curry Sauce. Although they may not be the cheapest in Edmonton, the dim sum is always hot and fresh, especially if you order a la carte instead of waiting for the roaming trolley.
The Golden Rice Bowl’s modest selection of combination meal packages combined with their robust a la carte offerings should have something for everyone to enjoy. Moreover, some of the flavors have been adapted to suit the Westernized palette as well.
Golden Rice Bowl is a one-stop restaurant that offers fine delicacies and premium Chinese cuisine. Their affordable prices and great services earn them a spot on our list as one of the restaurants with the best Chinese food in Edmonton.
Pros
- Large, affordable portions
- Ideal for large groups or special events
- Offers 10% discount for pick-up of orders
Cons
- No outdoor seating
- Often fully booked for wedding receptions
Customer Reviews
Edmontonians return to The Golden Rice Bowl because of the good food and because of its eccentric, yet friendly owner. Dwight Jones, one of the ir customers, shares his experience:
“When I walked in, I was welcomed by the owner Miranda Lau. She was kind and was so inviting. Today was my first visit. She cane to my table, said hi and asked if she can help by making a recommendation. She recommended the beef sirloin with cashews and steamed rice. I was blown away with the burst of flavours. It’s enough food to serve 3+ people but I wanted to eat it all myself as the flavours were so awesome! I got to meet the head chef and the waiter Victor was awesome too. If you haven’t been here before, go! After I was done eating Miranda and I chatted for a good 10-15 min. I could tell she loves what she does. When you go, you have to try what I had… I will be back for more! Thank you to all the staff who made me feel so welcomed and appreciated as a customer. I haven’t experienced that in a long time in a restaurant. Thanks again!”
3. Good Buddy Chinese Restaurant (South Edmonton)
| MENU | Menu Packages, Seafood Dinner, Peking Duck, Traditional Chinese Combination, Entrees, Soup, Delicate Dishes, Live Seafood, Vegetables, Vegetarian, Noodles, Congee, Fried Rice |
| WEBSITE | https://edmontonchineserestaurant.com/ |
| ADDRESS | South Edmonton 2059 111 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6J 4V9 Northgate Centre 9499 137 Ave NW #1018, Edmonton, AB T5E 5R8 Sherwood Park 11 Athabascan Ave #128, Sherwood Park, AB T8A 6H2 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | South Edmonton Phone: (780) 432-6050 Email: [email protected] Northgate: Phone: (780) 406-3838 Sherwood Park Phone: (780) 416-8566 Email: [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | South Edmonton Monday to Tuesday: 11:00am – 11:00pm Wednesday to Sunday: 11:00am – 12:00am Northgate Centre Monday to Thursday: 11:30am – 09:00pm Friday to Saturday: 11:30am – 10:30pm Sunday: 11:30am – 9:00pm Sherwood Park Sunday to Thursday: 10:00am – 10:00pm Friday to Saturday: 10:00am – 10:30am |
Good Buddy Chinese Restaurant is known for its affordable prices and large, filling portions. They have three locations around Edmonton, but our favorite (and that of many other customers) is the South location.
Unlike most Chinese restaurants, Good Buddy South has outdoor seating, which is ideal for those who find the inside space a little bit too noisy with other diners.
The Good Buddy restaurant chain is also another traditional Chinese eatery that doesn’t offer a lot of descriptions for the food on its menu. While the basic ingredients are more or less listed down, it reads like it was lifted directly from Google Translate.
Regardless, Good Buddy South has some of the best Chinese food in Edmonton, offering fantastic Chinese-style set menus for almost any group size. They have a wide array of variations such as the Deluxe Dinner package for large groups and Traditional Chinese Combinations for a party of two to four people.
With typical Chinese table dishes offered, Good Buddy South’s creations are affordable and filling. They have tried and true favorites such as fried dim sum, egg foo young, chow mein, and more, making it easy for anybody to find something to order.
If you want to enjoy their dishes in the comfort of your home, they offer free delivery within an 8 km radius of their restaurant. Anything further and a delivery charge will be applied, but you need to order at least $35 to qualify for any delivery at all.
Delivery is not one of their strong suits, and this is where things can get confusing: they have both an old and new online ordering system sending you to two completely different online platforms. If you want a more straightforward experience, we would highly recommend going through a third-party service like Uber Eats instead.
There are a lot of confusing things about Good Buddy, from operating hours to delivery fees, and while it may sow seeds of doubt about their management, at least their food is good. Moreover, the South location also offers a free noodle dish, chow mein or rice for dine-in orders above $65.
Although restaurants have standard recipes to ensure that products taste the same no matter which branch you visit, the South just has a little something “extra” in their dishes. We’re not quite sure what it is, but their bold and delicious flavors are definitely worth a visit to find out first-hand.
Pros
- Affordable prices
- Large portions
- Special promotions for dine-in customers
Cons
- Long delivery times if ordering direct
- Different delivery fees and operating hours per branch
Customer Reviews
Good Buddy Chinese Restaurant offers guests large, affordable portions which has made them a local favorite. Michelle Romano, a customer, visited with her husband and was impressed with the food:
“Reminds me of the Chinese Restaurants my parent’s used to take the family while we were growing up. Good Food, fresh, hot and delicious and Huge Portions ! In fact, my hubby and I can share a dinner for one now, As we each ordered our own and didn’t expect the size of Portions! Service was friendly and personable even for a busy Friday lunch hour”
Simon Bennett, orders frequently from Good Buddy because of the special promotion. He writes:
“Our go-to Chinese in the city. Amazing food, great portions, and good deals with the extra noodles they throw in when they have the deal and you order a certain amount. Peaches and cream shrimp, gai lan with beef, and black bean dishes are good.”
4. Tasty World
| MENU | Soup, Appetizers, Chicken, Pork, Seafood, Vegetarian, Beef, Egg Foo Young, Chop Suey, Chow Mein (Noodles), Fried Rice, Special Orders, Combination Dinner, Lunch Specials |
| WEBSITE | https://tastyworld.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 4347 50 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6L 7E8, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (780) 440-3333; (780) 729-8806 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday: 11:00am – 2:00pm; 4:00pm – 11:00pm Saturday to Sunday: 3:30pm- 10:00pm |
Tasty World Restaurant is located in the Millwoods area and has been serving up Chinese and Szechuan food for several years.
What makes Tasty World different from other Chinese restaurants is the absence of MSG in their food. They believe in creating healthy food for their guests but still manage to maintain a high level of flavor that’s served in generous portions.
Whether you’re dining in solo during a lunch break or having a meal with a few friends, Tasty World is a great spot to visit. They also offer catering services for special events, which is well worth a try.
In our opinion, we found it a little odd that they also serve other forms of Asian cuisine such as laksa and satay. They also have Western food like buffalo wings, which seems to be an attempt to reach a wider base of customers.
Even though we don’t agree with Tasty World’s multicultural offerings, their traditional fare is excellent. Some of the highlight dishes worth trying are the Lemon Chicken, Dry Garlic Ribs, and Wonton Soup.
Moreover, despite being a small mom-and-pop shop, they’ve made an effort to include a modest selection of purely vegetarian dishes. You can also try requesting that certain ingredients be taken out of other dishes to accommodate your dietary restrictions, but things just might get lost in translation.
Tasty World is open daily (even on weekends and holidays) but take note that they operate on a broken schedule, closing from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm for a quick breather. With a shorter lunch hour service, you may want to consider booking a table in advance, especially since it’s a rather cozy restaurant.
This charming hole-in-the-wall spot is best for some healthy, comfort food if you want to dine in a quiet atmosphere. If you’re looking to support a small family-run business and not a popular chain of restaurants, then Tasty World should be at the top of your list.
Pros
- Doesn’t use MSG
- Open everyday, weekends and holidays
- Has dedicated vegetarian options
- Offers catering services
Cons
- Small seating capacity
- Modest selection of menu items
Customer Reviews
Despite being a small restaurant, Tasty World delivers the full big restaurant experience to its guests. Chelsea and her husband were amazed by the portion sizes, as she writes:
“Well worth the trip! The portions are large and price are low. They say that the food is made fresh and you can really tell that it is. The veggies have a nice crunch to them but everything has great flavor. My husband and I ordered the dinner for 2 and it’s more like a dinner for 3-4(you get 3 dishes with this) We also ordered the hot and sour soup it gave us the flavors we were hoping for.”
Keith Dillabough, on the other hand, appreciated the personalized customer service, as he writes:
“Food was great, price was great, and the quantity of food was great. Staff treated me like I was family. I would highly recommend this place”
5. Blue Orchid Chinese Restaurant
| MENU | Family Dinner, Beverages, Appetizers, Soup, Rice, Chow Mein, Noodles, Vegetarian, Chop Suey, Egg Foo Yong, Chicken, Beef, Pork, Seafood, |
| WEBSITE | https://www.blueorchidrestaurant.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 11235 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB T5K 0L5 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (780) 761-1235 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Sunday to Monday: 11:00am – 8:30pm Tuesday: Closed Wednesday to Thursday: 11:00am – 8:30pm Friday to Saturday: 11:00am – 9:30pm |
Blue Orchid Restaurant is one of our top restaurants in Edmonton because they break away slightly from the usual. From their interior to the food that they create, they strive to be just a little bit different from the competition.
This restaurant offers traditional dishes such as noodles, chop suey, and Szechuan fare. Needless to say, their all-day menu can satisfy anybody craving some popular and authentic Chinese flavors.
They claim to put a modern twist on traditional Chinese fare and we can say that’s partly true – it may not be extremely creative nor groundbreaking, but instead a light personal touch has been added to staple dishes to make them different enough to be noticed.
What sets Blue Orchid apart is the artful presentations of their dishes, which usually includes a flower of some sort that adds a splash of fun and color. Needless to say, their food is cute and quite Insta-worthy because it’s not just dumped onto a plate, unlike other Chinese restaurants.
These little personal touches can be observed in Blue Orchid’s service as well and when they decorate for special events. Don’t be surprised to see rose petals, balloons or floral arrangements around the restaurant if there is a special occasion.
On a regular day, however, Blue Orchid is still quite the looker – we like the interior because of its gold motif, floral table settings, and colorful table napkins. We would have liked to have seen some actual orchids around the restaurant, although we understand that it may be too difficult or expensive to pull that off.
In short, if you’re looking for more of a Chinese Food experience that blends the traditional with both modern flavors and personal touches, then Blue Orchid is the place to beat. Its colorful presentations and extra effort to decorate make it stand out.
Pros
- Decorates for special events
- Beautiful presentations of food
- Affordable meals
Cons
- Closed on Tuesdays
- No fresh juices
- Doesn’t serve dim sum
Customer Reviews
Steve Pauley, one of their regulars, appreciates the personal twist on each dish that makes the food at Blue Orchid unique. He writes:
“The best Chinese food in Edmonton. Whether ordering from the regular menu or the transitional Chinese menu, everything is probably the best version of each dish I’ve ever tasted. The owner is incredibly friendly and the portions are generous (the Dinner for Two is probably enough to feed a family of four).”
6. Tang Bistro
| MENU | https://www.tangbistro.ca/menu |
| WEBSITE | https://www.tangbistro.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 8715 109 St NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2L5 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 587-499-9999 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Tue – Sun: 11:30 am – 8:15 pm |
Tang Bistro is a restaurant that specializes in a unique variety of Chinese cuisines such as hand-pulled noodles and skewered barbecued meats that will surely satisfy your cravings for such dishes. Their dishes are rich and full of spices that will surely offer you a delectable journey to another country and in another period of history in which these spices were prominently used and introduced.
Each of their dishes offers a unique yet equally delicious Asian fusion that features a wide variety of Chinese traditional cuisine dishes such as tapa noodles among other signature dishes. Furthermore, their selection of noodles is also contemporary and has a western twist in terms of taste and presentation which is a must-try if you are looking to try a new niche of dishes that have a modern twist to it.
Should you be interested in being updated with their latest menu and offers, they also offer subscriptions in which you can avail of exclusive promo codes and special offerings. They also offer reservations and have a comprehensive booking service that will ensure that you will have an enjoyable and hassle-free experience in booking for an amazing dining experience at their restaurant.
We recommend this restaurant should you be craving for a new and fresh delivery of your favorite Asian and Chinese dishes that will surely take your taste on a historical journey.
Pros
- Accepts reservations
- Delicious and modern dishes
- Affordable and competent rates
Cons
- Closed on Mondays
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews from their customers:
“We’ve been here a few times now and have tried a lot of various dishes which all of them have been good. They have some authentic cold salads including a spicy cucumber one which is awesome. Their noddle dishes with minced meat sauce are very good and really close to the ones we had in China. They charge $2 extra for the hand pulled one but its totally worth it since in my opinion taste better then the regular ones. Service is always quick and the chop sticks and tables always clean.
We originally didn’t want to go because we thought parking would be an issue but they have complimentary parking in the back. You simply need to drive pass the little plaza on the right and the lot is in front of the condos surrounded by tree logs. Will be going again for sure.”
“Visited this restaurant after hearing an awesome radio review. Overall excellent! Very different food that was delicious. Wait staff was friendly and spent lots of time explaining the menu. Can’t wait to return and try some other things on the menu. Can be spicy but will accommodate those who prefer blander food.”
FAQs about Chinese Food
And that’s it for our list for the best Chinese food in Edmonton! We don’t blame you if you pick up the phone and order some take-out right now, as these places have some mouthwatering dishes!
Did we miss one of your favorite Chinese restaurants in our list? If so, please let us know and we’ll definitely check them out!
And if you’ve already had your fill of Chinese food but are looking for another restaurant with large portions for sharing, then you should check our list of the best family restaurants in Edmonton instead.
