Anchorage’s Chinese food scene can’t be captured by a single menu. The city’s essential restaurants offer far more than just General Tso’s chicken. That’s why this list has hand-pulled noodles with a devoted following, dumplings that spark instant nostalgia, and Szechuan dishes that helped define our northern culinary identity. Here are the places that make up the DNA of Anchorage’s Chinese dining.
Rice Garden Anchorage
$ | (907) 274-9167 | WEBSITE
Rice Garden Anchorage isn’t just another Chinese spot in Anchorage, it’s practically crowned for its quintessential tenderloin steak (perfectly cooked, very well-seasoned meat with rich flavor) that comes with a side of rice—go for the Mongolian chicken or tofu vegetable lo-mein. But the standard move here is to pair it with a chef seafood special for a relaxed evening meal that quickly turns into ‘might as well order the Egg Foo Young for dessert.’
Golden Gate Restaurant
$$ | (907) 561-4274 | WEBSITE
If you remember the scene from Anchorage when locals open a container of wonton soup from Golden Gate and are met with that familiar steam rising like a promise, you’ve had a glimpse of what this place means to the city’s Chinese food scene—and to hot and sour soup. No matter when you visit, expect generous portions swimming in that cozy atmosphere.
Dragon Seafood Restaurant & Grill
$$ | (907) 563-0087 | WEBSITE
As a food writer exploring Anchorage, coming to Alaska and not having great Chinese food would be a missed opportunity. Dragon Seafood Restaurant & Grill is the place to remedy that. The standout dishes here—the Mongolian Beef, the Spicy Shrimp, and the Crab Rangoon—are all fresh and perfectly balanced.
Fried Rice Express 1
$ | (907) 331-4823 | WEBSITE
This local Chinese spot is tucked away at the end of the American Legion building, and it’s our go-to for a quick family dinner. The place closes around 9pm now (formerly 10pm), but that doesn’t stop us from devouring a few of their generous plates like Pad Thai, Mongolian Beef, and crispy chicken egg-rolls with chilly sauce whenever we can. The service is good and quick—about 20 minutes—and the prices are reasonable, with most dishes around $12-15.
We always leave with leftovers for tomorrow, plus a tasty coconut Boba to wash it all down.
China Lights Oriental Cuisine
$$ | (907) 522-5888 | WEBSITE
A quick scan of “Chinese buffet” in Anchorage will pull up a dozen spots offering the all-you-can-eat spread. Try them all if you’re on a mission, absolutely. But begin with China Lights Oriental Cuisine, where the food is consistently fresh for a vibrant and flavorful experience inside the comfortable setting.
Lucky Market
$ | (907) 569-3888 | WEBSITE
If you visit Lucky Market in Anchorage, you better be heading to the back for the cafeteria. They’ve got Filipino classics, Asian staples, and even some simmering in rich sauces. But the one non-negotiable is the Adobe pork belly that comes with its savory marinade and tender texture. It’s our favorite in the city and has sparked a new appreciation for this grocery store gem.
Jimmy’s Asian Food Restaurant
$$ | (907) 646-7777 | WEBSITE
Every other corner in Anchorage serves reindeer sausage, the local specialty is king crab by default, and the quintessential Asian spot in town is, of course, Jimmy’s Asian Food Restaurant. So with a name like that, your version had better come correct. And Jimmy’s does—with attentive staff who happily recommend dishes like the General Tso, BBQ pork buns, and juicy pork dumplings.
Sushi lovers will find fresh and delicious options including the Midnight Sun Roll and Dream Land Roll, while the pad Thai with chicken and yellow curry are absolutely fantastic. The Tonkotsu ramen is generously portioned and stays great as leftovers. The food comes fast, though large groups may receive dishes as they’re made. The interior boasts a pleasant ambiance with no super loud music, and a unique touch is the cute robot that delivers food to the tables.
The kind staff ensures dietary needs are met. With its great food and service, Jimmy’s Asian Food Restaurant is definitely worth a return visit, especially during weekday lunch for better prices.
Kenny’s Kitchen
$ | (907) 338-3333 | WEBSITE
Kenny’s Kitchen near JBER base has been a local favorite for years, and lots of military families and regulars have stopped by for a plate. Kenny’s is celebrated for its outstanding honey sesame chicken that has a light, crispy coating that’s more flavor than batter. Pair it with equally praised sides like the char siu pork fried rice or black bean ribs and make a classic meal of it.
Asia Garden Restaurant
$ | (907) 349-1125 | WEBSITE
Every Anchorage local has a Chinese food preference—spicy Szechuan, sweet Cantonese, savory Hunan, etc. The only wrong answer is bland (argue with your neighbor). And for years, Asia Garden Restaurant has steadily converted many visitors to Team Spicy Shrimp. Plump shrimp in a fiery sauce and perfectly fried calamari make for a satisfying meal that rightly earns the spotlight on any late-night table.
Hong Kong Spirit Food
$ | (907) 222-1368 | WEBSITE
Anchorage has seen a dim sum surge over the past few years. But few have the devoted following of Hong Kong Spirit Food and their Beef Fried Rice. The signature dish has perfectly seasoned beef and fluffy grains that’ll satisfy your craving, even on the busiest weekend in December. The restaurant also has a weekend dim sum menu named after it (Dim Sum Saturdays) with items that have included chicken feet and sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaf.
Panda Express
$ | (907) 206-3998 | WEBSITE
A staple in the fast-casual scene, Panda Express in Anchorage keeps winning over families with their consistently fresh Orange Chicken that’s become a local favorite. The spotless, welcoming space adds a reliable, comfortable vibe to quick-service dining with their unlimited drink refills and friendly, accommodating staff who make every visit feel easy.
The Rickshaw AK
$ | (907) 830-3682 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving Asian food in Anchorage, you’ve likely ended a long day with a visit to The Rickshaw AK for their Teriyaki Chicken and Thai Yellow Curry combo—a generous, flavor-packed meal for $18 served with a side of friendly service (just the way we like it).
The Anchorage-born spot is one of the few places offering hand-crafted dishes with traditional methodologies, which means you can have your crispy seared pork ramen, silky curry, spicy drunken noodles, and more at lunchtime or for dinner.
Mei’s Kitchen
$ | (907) 771-8168 | WEBSITE
Midtown Anchorage has quietly been a local Chinese food destination for years. And since its opening, Mei’s Kitchen’s authentic home cooking has led the charge. Of all their cherished dishes, the Spicy Fried Chicken continues to be both a revelation (how do they balance the heat and flavor so perfectly?) and a point of pride—we dare you to name a more satisfying crispy chicken dish.
The Five Spice Beef Rice Noodle Soup, with its unique round noodles, has earned a loyal following as possibly the best soup in town. Owner Joe’s warm hospitality and fair pricing make every visit feel like a genuine value, whether you’re dining in the cozy, well-lit space or taking out. For vegetarians, the cabbage and egg stir-fry delivers fresh, vibrant flavors that stand out even among meat dishes.
At around $12–$18 per entrée with generous portions, it’s an absolute must-try for anyone seeking authentic Chinese flavors in Anchorage.
Charlie’s Bakery & Chinese Restaurant
$ | (907) 677-7777 | WEBSITE
For decades, Charlie’s Bakery & Chinese Restaurant has been the pastry of Anchorage. The menu has expanded (it now includes Kalbi ribs and Mongolian beef) but the pastries haven’t—they’re made with European techniques (the eclair costs $6) and are just sweet enough to satisfy without being too heavy. Even with all the new options, it’s still one of our top bakeries in town.
VIP Restaurant
$$ | (907) 279-8514 | WEBSITE
The Korean table is defined by its banchan, those small side dishes that turn a meal into a feast, and you’ll find plenty of Anchorage spots offering the authentic spread. But VIP Restaurant, a longtime local favorite, stands out for its generosity. You order a main like the bulgogi or stone pot bibimbap and receive 7-10 high-quality banchan included—our favorites are the kimchi and bean sprouts, which balance the meal perfectly.
The clean, cozy atmosphere feels genuinely Korean, and while service can be hit-or-miss, the experience is worth it for the delicious, authentic food.
Northern China Restaurant
$ | (907) 337-1912 | WEBSITE
Northern China Restaurant has been a local favorite for years, and they top our Best Chinese list. You get both flavor and consistency with their variety of authentic dishes, which include Kung Pao Chicken Spicy and Mongolian Beef. The food is not available for takeout and often draws crowds, so get here early.