In a city where Chinese restaurants outnumber oil derricks, finding truly exceptional spots can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But we’ve done the digging. From sizzling Szechuan dishes that’ll make your taste buds dance to delicate dim sum that’ll transport you to Shanghai, these are the Bakersfield gems that actually deliver on their promises.
A&L Chinese restaurant
$ | (661) 831-8938 | WEBSITE
Mushroom chicken with a side of steamed veggies. A takeout counter for watching families pick up their Friday night dinner in the California twilight. Across-the-street views of the Bakersfield strip mall parking lot. You can find some great Chinese food in town, but none of the other options can match the generous portions and friendly service that make A&L a local staple.
You can stroll in wearing sweats for a quick black pepper beef pickup, or put on your casual Friday best for a full family feast. Anything goes here, and you can choose from the simple counter service or call ahead for faster pickup. They can usually accommodate last-minute orders, but it’s always busy with hungry construction workers, budget-conscious families, and regulars grabbing their weekly fix, so call about twenty minutes early to play it safe.
China Bistro
$ | (661) 213-3268 | WEBSITE
With its just-cozy-enough booths, fried rice, and stir-fries—and a reliable spot for quick, comforting meals—China Bistro’s unpretentious vibe is tailor-made for solo travelers or casual family dinners. The menu hits the sweet spot between affordable and satisfying, including one of the best spicy salty fish in Bakersfield: an unapologetically fresh fillet with bold seasoning.
The chicken breast with black bean sauce and the fried rice were local favorites back in the day and they still hold up, even if you’re too new to town to know their reputation. When you’re running late, request a table near the kitchen where you can enjoy the kind and accommodating service while the staff keeps things friendly right up until closing.
Rice Bowl
$ | (661) 323-2901 | WEBSITE
Don’t be put off by the occasional parking challenges during busy times. Sometimes things are popular for a reason. We’re firm believers that a good downtown meal begins with a stop at Rice Bowl, where you can get portions so generous that they should probably be illegal, and then take them literally everywhere you go.
Mix and match dishes to your heart’s content, or go with a certified hit like the Broccoli Beef, with tender beef and crisp broccoli tossed carefully by a cook working back and forth between woks. Either way, make sure you order the lunch special, because Chinese food tastes extra special when you have leftovers for tomorrow.
Soy & Spice Cafe
$ | (661) 282-8889 | WEBSITE
Not all Thai cafes are created equal, but Soy & Spice Cafe is one of the better ones. It’s the place for a satisfying, casual meal that feels genuinely authentic, where drunken noodles arrive steaming hot and pad Thai gets tossed with the freshness of just-picked herbs. These dishes would stand on their own even without the cozy atmosphere, though—see: the generous portion sizes that leave you happily full.
And while it might not be the fanciest spot, the quick service is a welcome classic worth appreciating. It’s a lot easier to find a quiet table now than during peak hours, but you should still expect a friendly welcome. Hopefully, your seat is near the window where the clean environment feels especially refreshing on a hot summer day.
Feng Lin
$ | (661) 872-8500 | WEBSITE
Feng Lin is one of the toughest spots to get a table on a Friday night in Bakersfield, and it’s a reliable meal you should make time to enjoy. The simple, clean decor, which could satisfy any no-fuss diner, is something you have to experience for yourself, as there’s a consistent “no reservations” policy. Order the Szechwan beef, orange chicken, and fried rice from the menu of classic Chinese dishes and generous portions.
As for the service, you can expect friendly owners, patient staff, and maybe even a surprise extra helping—customers often mention getting enough food for three people, with plates packed full and service that is kind and helpful. If your craving for Chinese food hits and you’ve yet to plan ahead, you can chance it on getting in at the counter, which accepts walk-ins and still has a view of the kitchen.
Mandarin Express
$ | (661) 871-0800 | WEBSITE
Mandarin Express answers the question, “What would happen if somebody took a classic Chinese takeout spot, filled it with massive portions, and priced everything for a budget-conscious crowd?” The East Bakersfield institution is actually two separate experiences. Up front, there’s a straightforward dining area where hungry locals and families split plates of Kung Pao Chicken and Chow Mein.
In the back, you’ll find a no-frills counter service setup with fluorescent lighting and simple tables that sometimes feel slightly sticky. Head to the restaurant when you can’t take another overpriced fusion meal, but if you’re short on time, just call ahead. It’s an authentic, value-packed fantasy that only gets better when you focus on the amazing flavors.
China Garden Restaurant
$ | (661) 834-6462 | WEBSITE
China Garden Restaurant is where authentic Chinese flavors are blissfully savored in a quiet corner away from the bustling city streets. The family-owned establishment is small but mighty, and it’s also the only one where you can watch the elderly owner personally ensure every guest’s drink is always filled. Of course, snagging a booth during peak lunch hours can be hard, but you’ll still get attentive service no matter where you sit.
The menu selection is suitably traditional, and hungry regulars should order the dragon dinner special and lunch plates like the three delights sautéed entree and sizzling rice soup to pair with the beef broccoli and barbecue pork chow mein. After your meal, take a moment to appreciate the chef preparing each order with care in the open kitchen for some genuine culinary appreciation.
Brother Express
$ | (661) 742-1398 | WEBSITE
Brother Express is worth a visit for the generous portions alone—think family-style, but tastier. You’ll suddenly want to start ordering multiple dishes when you enter the clean and inviting dining room, where ample seating options and available high chairs make it perfect for groups. The service comes a close second. The friendly staff and great customer service make us feel welcome and appreciated, like you’re dining at a neighbor’s place even when you’re just grabbing takeout.
Don’t forget to grab a boba tea—the milk tea or Thai tea—as you eye your next huge plate of garlic chicken or coconut shrimp.
Teriyaki Bowl
$ | (661) 834-5123 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Bakersfield, Teriyaki Bowl is a refreshingly unpretentious haven for Asian comfort food. The bright, clean dining room features simple wooden tables, soft lighting, and the constant, gentle hum of the kitchen preparing sushi to order. Is this the most authentic Chinese spot in town? Not exactly, but it’s consistently good.
And you’re here for other pleasures, like savoring the perfectly crispy tempura shrimp, filling up on the miso soup and almond cookies that come with every combo bowl, and overhearing the friendly staff chat with regulars about their day (yes, they really do remember your name). Finding a peaceful meal is always a treat in a busy city. At Teriyaki Bowl, it’s guaranteed.
Panda Express
$ | (661) 587-2316 | WEBSITE
Look, this is a fast-casual Chinese spot. You’re either craving orange chicken or skeptical about mall food, but there’s nothing to fear aside from the 15-25 hungry folks crowding the counter desperately waiting for their orders. Panda Express has a way of satisfying regulars and surprising newcomers, and we can almost guarantee you’ll leave full.
A friendly cashier greets you at the register, and when you walk into the bright dining area you’ll notice clean tables and organized condiment stations on everything that can be organized, even the napkin dispensers. We recommend the $12 per person two-entrée plate that includes the perfectly wok-fried orange chicken, savory Beijing beef, and steamed rice, but we also love the fresh broccoli beef with extra-crispy vegetables if you’re in the mood for something lighter.
P.F. Chang’s
$$ | (661) 664-8100 | WEBSITE
There are several Chinese spots in Bakersfield. The P.F. Chang’s location isn’t the most authentic, but it’s the liveliest, most popular, and, frankly, the most reliable. The food is consistently tasty, and the beautiful decor and inviting atmosphere make even a Tuesday dinner feel special—the perfect starting point for a group celebration.
People in casual outfits and families order generous portions like orange chicken and Mongolian beef before catching a movie or heading to the nearby entertainment. Walk-ins might snag a table during off-peak hours, but you should book at least a week ahead, especially on weekend nights.
Wok It Out
$ | (661) 735-8010 | WEBSITE
Wok It Out is the king of Chinese restaurants in Bakersfield, especially among discerning locals and value-conscious families. Freshly prepared dishes—we go for the garlicky green beans—are cooked to order and then proudly served like comfort food on generous plates. You can walk up to the counter, pick exactly which two-item plate you want, and then have it served with a side of rice or noodles.
But we recommend ordering the Szechuan eggplant and coconut shrimp together for maximum flavor, and so you can watch the owner skillfully ensure your order is correct. The Thai tea and braised tofu with onions and bell pepper are a must to start, whether you’re there for the unbeatable $9.25 two-item plate lunch or a family dinner.
Ching Yen
$ | (661) 871-5292 | WEBSITE
When you need a reliable spot for comforting Chinese food that feels like home, the automatic choice should always be Ching Yen. This family-run restaurant is tucked away in a modest storefront, but it’s a surprisingly warm place to savor authentic dishes and watch regulars come and go for their carry-out orders.
Each visit offers the same consistent, phenomenal food, which means you might wait a bit longer as the owners take their time, but that’s fine because you’ll be content knowing the cooks are preparing everything with care. The fresh orange chicken made with real oranges is worth ordering for its bright, tangy flavor—like citrus sunshine on a plate.
Bill Lee’s Bamboo Chopsticks Restaurant
$ | (661) 324-9441 | WEBSITE
We can’t deny that eating inside a restaurant with statues at the entrance sounds cliché, but pretending you’re in a classic fine dining Chinese spot is the allure. The restaurant is quiet and comfortable, so you can enjoy conversation no matter where you sit, though the tables in the nicely lit areas are the best—prime spots to appreciate the beautiful artwork and architecture while soothing classical music plays in the background.
The veggie chow mein and BBQ Pork Ribs are pitch-perfect, but if you don’t have time for a full meal, grab a seat at the bar and get a cozy perspective of the atmosphere while you wait for the eye-opening warmth from the hot tea to kick in.
Lam’s Chinese Restaurant
$ | (661) 871-7455 | WEBSITE
If you only have room for one Chinese meal in Bakersfield, it should be Lam’s Chinese Restaurant. Generations of families have visited this Kern County classic for over 40 years for lunch and dinner, with a vast menu offering unbeatable variety at great prices.
Take a moment to scan the extensive selections and then plan your approach: if you crave classics, you can really get your money’s worth by starting with the legendary lemon chicken—fresh, juicy, and perfectly crunchy—or you could load up on the hot and spicy shrimp or melt-in-your-mouth roasted duck. Keep an eye out for the friendly staff, bringing complementary tea, snacks, and even soup right to your table.
The small, homely atmosphere feels welcoming upon entering, but its popularity means it can fill up during prime dining hours, so consider timing your visit to avoid a wait—it’s the closest thing to a guaranteed great meal you’ll find here.
Ming’s Cafe
$ | (661) 323-4914 | WEBSITE
When you want a reliable, satisfying Chinese meal in Bakersfield, Ming’s Cafe on L Street offers the full neighborhood gem experience with genuinely delicious food. Go for the lunch special, which, at around $12 per person, won’t set you back much at all. The fresh, generous portions of classics like General Tso’s chicken and the home-style chicken fried steak are easy crowdpleasers, though if you do want something special, go for whatever Chef Michael is preparing.
Served with care and attention, it’s an appropriately comforting way to enjoy a meal that ends with feeling welcomed by the kind owner and staff in the cozy space adorned with pretty decorations and red roses on the tables.