Tucked away in Gwinnett County’s bustling heart, Buford’s Chinese food scene surprises with its vibrant authenticity. Beyond the familiar strip malls along Buford Highway, you’ll discover hand-pulled noodles in steamy storefronts and fiery Sichuan peppercorns that tingle the tongue—yet Buford’s offerings are far from monolithic. From delicate Cantonese dim sum to bold Hunan stir-fries, here are the standout kitchens worth seeking out.
WEI Buford Authentic Chinese
$ | (470) 589-1533 | WEBSITE
You can find some of Buford’s best Chinese takeout at WEI Buford Authentic Chinese, a cozy spot in the heart of the Mall of Georgia area. It strikes the ideal balance of fresh and flavorful, and is the perfect choice for a satisfying meal in a quiet, welcoming setting. The chicken fried rice in particular is good enough to be a satisfying dish on its own. Broccoli beef is the go-to order here, and even without extra seasoning, the dish has plenty of flavor.
They also serve other popular Chinese dishes, all made with care, as well as educational videos of rural Chinese cooking near the bar.
Oriental J Restaurant
$ | (770) 932-7388 | WEBSITE
Another Chinese restaurant in Buford, Oriental J specializes in all things convenient. Though you can dine in, it’s a popular local spot to grab sesame chicken or Mongolian beef through GrubHub or Uber Eats, or an order of hot & sour soup to take home. The Thai spicy chicken they offer is flavorful, satisfying, and delicious.
Golden Phoenix
$ | (678) 926-3933 | WEBSITE
Golden Phoenix has been around for years, and it’s a classic Buford Chinese spot in every sense. The food here is extra flavorful, with fresh ingredients and dishes that have layers of complex tastes. Besides the veggie egg rolls and grilled pork Bánh Mì, we’re also into the shrimp massaman curry, which has rich coconut notes and perfectly cooked shrimp. The interior has a dozen simple wooden tables, and there’s a small counter for takeout orders, too.
12 Lunar
$$ | (678) 804-9888 | WEBSITE
12 Lunar in Buford is one of the best Chinese restaurants in the area, mostly because of the tender, flavorful meat and impressive presentation, which rivals other hot pot spots nearby. The Tom yum hot pot is particularly yummy, making it a standout choice for dinner. The service is quick and friendly, with the gracious owner encouraging guests to try this new place. The atmosphere is inviting, with clean, well-kept surroundings and metal spoons instead of plastic ones.
Despite some initial hiccups, the management made things right, and the overall experience remains enjoyable.
Lee’s Golden Buddha
$ | (770) 945-1224 | WEBSITE
Lee’s Golden Buddha is a beloved restaurant with a nice dine-in experience, where you can sit and obsess over the incredible sesame chicken and perfectly balanced general tso’s. The dumpling sauce is also a standout, and this place makes the best Chinese food in the neighborhood. Lee’s doesn’t open on Tuesdays, so it’s best to visit Monday through Friday for a convenient meal.
Fusion Asian Bistro
$ | (678) 404-8889 | WEBSITE
Fusion Asian Bistro offers a well-cooked and delicious variety of dishes, with an extensive menu that goes beyond Chinese food and includes excellent Thai options. But the main attraction here is the fresh and terrific tuna, which can be found in their mixed tacos. Most people order the sushi or Poké bowls, but the dumplings are a popular choice among customers, along with standout dishes like the kung pao beef and Dry Chili Chicken. The Malaysian roti and curry also draw praise.
While some dishes may be average, the service remains friendly and attentive, with workers described as kind and providing incredible customer service. The bistro boasts a clean and beautifully decorated environment, with special decorations for Ramadan. Suitable for those who follow Halal dietary restrictions.
Heaven food
$$ | (770) 451-4290 | WEBSITE
Heaven Food is a welcoming dim sum spot, where regulars gather at spacious tables, chatting over tea. Just off the main road with plenty of free parking, it’s a convenient destination for people to enjoy a satisfying lunch of shu mai and tofu roll ups before heading back to their day. The best thing here is the shrimp with bell peppers, which is made with fresh ingredients. Order it with a side of turnip cake, and complement everything with steamed shrimp dumplings.
P.F. Chang’s
$$ | (678) 546-9005 | WEBSITE
This popular, welcoming Chinese restaurant has multiple locations across the country, but we particularly enjoy the one in Buford. P.F. Chang’s is the kind of place where you get a generous portion of sweet and sour chicken to savor while you take your time deciding which of their classic dishes to try next.
Order a few different plates: We’re especially fond of the sweet and sour chicken with fried rice, made with perfectly crispy chicken and fluffy rice that’s served steaming hot, but we also appreciate the attentive service from staff like Nericka, Josie, Michael, and CoCo who make every visit feel special.
Chef Wang 2
$$ | (678) 546-6888 | WEBSITE
Chef Wang 2 is a warm, inviting restaurant with a really good vibe inside, and it’s a great spot for a quick, satisfying meal in the area. The New York-style roast pork and chop suey here are both especially good, and don’t shy away from ordering things like crab ragoons and egg rolls, because authentic flavors are at the heart of the menu here.
Chen’s Chinese Cuisine
$ | (470) 238-3428 | WEBSITE
Chen’s Chinese Cuisine is exactly what it says it is: a restaurant that offers delicious Chinese dishes with a takeout counter up front—except instead of just standard fare, they make exceptional versions. Those versions are excellent. Our favorite is the chicken teriyaki, but order whatever sounds good to you, especially if there’s a daily special mentioned by the friendly staff.
The food is always fresh and generously portioned, so be prepared to enjoy your meal at one of their tables or take it home.
Panda Express
$ | (678) 482-8379 | WEBSITE
During lunch hours, you’ll spot a steady stream of customers flowing into Panda Express, right in the heart of the shopping plaza. Do yourself a favor and try the orange chicken—it’s consistently hot and fresh, with that perfect sweet-spicy glaze. We like the Beijing beef and vegetable spring rolls, too. The broccoli and noodles make for a satisfying, speedy meal on a busy afternoon.