Guide to Chinese Restaurants in Memphis
This blog was written in collaboration with our friends at Campfire Collective.
Written by: Abby Wilbanks
This blog was written in collaboration with our friends at Campfire Collective.
Written by: Abby Wilbanks
Do you ever just want to feel like you’re in a 90s romcom sitting on the floor, eating Chinese Takeout with chopsticks from one of those iconic white take out containers? Could it be that I experience that more than the average person? Perhaps… but that’s okay, because I have sampled some of the best Chinese spots in the 901 and now you can too!
Formosa
6685 Quince Rd
This restaurant has been around since the ‘70s! The reviews online are nothing but praise, and when you eat here you will see why. With all of the tangy and savory, familiar flavors you crave, this restaurant serves up traditional and contemporary dishes. Many long-time Memphians think of this place with nostalgia- it is where they grew up eating Chinese food with their families. Whether you’ve grown up coming here, or have a newly-peaked interest, don’t skip over this iconic Memphis gem next time you’re wanting to feed the family!
Panda Garden
3735 Summer Ave
Located on Summer Avenue, Panda Garden is not on any of the delivery apps, and they don’t have to be! You have to call your order in, but you can pick it up through a drive thru window. Their sesame chicken comes in a box, in a bag because it is always overflowing! It’s rare to get Chinese take out where food that is meant to be crispy is still crispy by the time it gets to your house, but they never miss here. For something new, try the Singapore Street Noodles. They’re hot, fragrant, and packed with veggies, meat, and flavor. For something everyone will fight over- the crab rangoons.
Mosa Asian Bistro
850 S. White Station Rd
Ahhhh, one of the best places for a good comfort meal in East Memphis. Mosa has a comfortable dining area, but is quite the popular choice for take out, too! You’re supporting local vendors twice when you order the Asian Sliders, because Mosa gets fresh Challah Buns from Ricki’s Cookie Corner Bakery! Hear me out… your choice of pork or beef with pickled Asian slaw, topped with aioli, garnished with cilantro, and served on a toasted challah bun. As if that isn’t convincing enough, you’re guaranteed big portions, great service, and your choice of spice level on any of their signature dishes!
Yum’s
782 S Highland St
Drive thru asian? Yes please! This menu is not your average Chinese menu. While they do cover the classics like lo mein, fried rice and crab rangoons, they are also wildly popular for their wings! This spot is open late night so you can still get your fix when everything else is closed. The food is cooked fresh here, their soups are piping hot, and they’re faster than 90% of drive-thrus in the city!
Wang’s Mandarin House
6065 Park Ave
If you went to the University of Memphis, you’ve almost certainly had Wang’s. They have been a staple on Highland for years, and show no signs of going anywhere. Wang’s fried dumplings are one of the best menu items, but the entire menu is friendly for a college kid’s budget!
Dim Sum King
5266 Summer Ave
Every time I go to a city with a Chinatown, I hunt for a Dim Sum restaurant. I always thought, why doesn’t Memphis have one? Well, thanks to Dim Sum King, one of Memphis’ newer Chinese restaurants, those prayers have been answered! Who wouldn’t love a full menu of savory meats and veggies wrapped up in perfect little dough pockets for dipping? I highly recommend trying the roasted duck. They also have a large lunch menu and full dinner menu of other Chinese classics, so take your time exploring!
A-Tan
3445 Poplar Ave
A-Tan’s concept is a fan favorite! On one side of the restaurant, you have a classic-style Chinese restaurant with a Japanese menu, too. Think noodle dishes like lo mein, sushi, soups, fried rice, and authentic dishes. Then, on the other side of the restaurant, there are big family-style hibachi tables! You truly feel like you’re in two different restaurants, and it is quite the treat! A-Tan is super affordable and has something for everyone. Be sure to try the fragrant beef!
Goodie’s Subs
2962 Poplar Ave
A Chinese restaurant attached to a gas station? You know it’s gonna be good! This restaurant may look humble from the outside, but the food speaks for itself. The chicken lo mein comes so full to the brim, they have to staple the box shut! This restaurant is exactly what you want when you’re craving classic Chinese takeaway. Big portions, lots of flavor, and always quick. Break out the wooden chopsticks and napkins!
Petals of a Peony
Cordova- 1250 N Germantown Pkwy
Overton- 2110 Madison Ave
The new kid on the block and a Szechuan one at that! They just opened a new location in Overton Square! Beautiful space. Beautiful dishes. Rumor has it, it is the first Szechuan place in the city. While they do serve more traditional fare (Curry Goat and Mao Xue Wang), they also serve dandan noodles and spicy dumplings. It is a must try if you are in search of some delicious Szechuan.
For more dine-in and take-out Memphis must-haves, check out these other Chinese spots as well:
NamKing Restaurant
Chop Suey House
Golden China
New Lin’s Garden
Xing Wang
Big Hong Kong
Bamboo Garden
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