Unless you’re a local, you might think of Shreveport is just casinos and the Red River, a place you pass through on I-20. But there’s a vibrant, authentic Chinese food scene hiding here, worth a detour. You can always find incredible flavors. Here’s where to go.
China Hat Chinese Restaurant
$ | (318) 631-3335 | WEBSITE
China Hat Chinese Restaurant is a local favorite serving the best cheap Chinese food in town. The space feels a bit homey, and while the food isn’t going to blow anyone away, it’s more satisfying than what we normally find in a budget spot. The menu is straightforward, with dishes like fried chicken that kind of surprised us since it looked like a simple plate—but ended up tasting really great. Plus, like all of the reliable spots, the service and atmosphere are always wonderful.
NEE HAO
$ | (318) 562-3045 | WEBSITE
NEE HAO isn’t a particularly fancy Chinese-Japanese restaurant. It’s a very straightforward spot – but sometimes that’s exactly what you want. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed family meal, and the food is reliably satisfying. The mixed fried rice and Mongolian beef are solid choices, and the clearly labeled vegetarian options are genuinely tasty. Pan fried dumplings and crab rangoon make for great starters, while the large sushi rolls deliver on flavor.
The kind, attentive staff keeps things moving in the clean, fast-paced dining room, and with most entrees around $12-$15, it’s an affordable option that won’t disappoint. The expanding bar has regulars looking forward to future visits, but even now, NEE HAO hits the spot when you need a dependable meal without any fuss.
China Flag
$ | (318) 629-0525 | WEBSITE
As tempting as a quick bite from one of the many nearby fast-food spots might be, try the honey sesame chicken at China Flag instead. It’s the best thing here, which is saying something since their other buffet dishes, like the fried noodles and hibachi, are also very good. Grab some basic sushi as well. China Flag has two other locations in the area, but the one in Shreveport differentiates itself with a spacious dining area and attentive service.
China Wok Buffet
$ | (318) 309-0888 | WEBSITE
China Wok Buffet is in a strip mall, but it’s worth visiting even when you’re not shopping nearby. This is a good thing, because the food is impressive—way better than anything you’ve probably eaten at a typical buffet. You’ll find fresh sushi, flavorful entrees, and all-you-can-eat options that taste like a proper feast. Come here for dinner with your family, after you’ve been running errands all day.
China Dragon
$ | (318) 868-8882 | WEBSITE
Despite what everyone in north Louisiana thinks, Shreveport doesn’t only have barbecue. Case in point: China Dragon, a great Chinese spot that’s right in the heart of the city. The food here has fresh, amazing flavors with quality ingredients, and the dishes range from Mongolian Beef with its savory sauce, to General Tsao Chicken with just the right kick, to Lemon Chicken with that perfect tang.
So next time you’re craving takeout with a friend from Dallas who won’t stop complaining about chain restaurants, order from here.
China Bear
$ | (318) 798-2688 | WEBSITE
China Bear isn’t technically in the main restaurant district – it’s tucked away in a quieter spot – but it’s close enough to count for us. This place has the type of affordable menu that normally raises red flags (when we see such low prices for fresh ingredients and hot dishes, we don’t expect much), except it actually delivers. It’s a good spot for takeout and casual dining if you’re with a group that can’t make a decision, and it works for a low-key solo meal, too.
Cheng’s Garden
$ | (318) 865-2003 | WEBSITE
Cheng’s Garden serves authentic Chinese cuisine. It’s a calm, upscale spot mostly meant for dining in, but who doesn’t want to dine in with eggrolls and egg drop soup? Name us a better one-two punch and we’ll get you a unicorn.
Dragon Buffet
$ | (318) 686-2868 | WEBSITE
Dragon Buffet has an unassuming location. This economical spot is in a strip mall with a huge parking lot, but this restaurant has delicious food that’s worth a kind-of-plain exterior. The menu includes meat dishes that sound simple but are actually flavorful—like fried vegetables and fruits that are surprisingly satisfying. The space has a spacious interior too, and it’s an overall great option for groups if you’re in the neighborhood.
Beijing Restaurant
$ | (318) 828-1229 | WEBSITE
Beijing Restaurant is a cozy eatery offering a great selection of Chinese dishes at reasonable prices. The menu is straightforward, and you’ll find a solid collection of favorites like steamed dumplings and rice noodles. Whatever you do, make sure to order the orange chicken, a must-try dish with crunchy skin, juicy meat, and a tangy sauce that’s full of flavor.
Great Wall Chinese Restaurant
$ | (318) 686-6602 | WEBSITE
We’ve come to really appreciate Great Wall Chinese Restaurant because it’s so reliable. It works for quick lunches, family dinners, and even takeout orders. Luckily, the experience is pretty much exactly the same every time. It doesn’t have 100% of the fancier Chinese spots’ polish, but you’ll find the same great pot stickers, egg drop soup, and authentic entrees. There’s also a service approach that specifically caters to efficiency (with both friendly staff and fast orders).
Ming Garden
$ | (318) 861-2741 | WEBSITE
By our count there are about a dozen Chinese spots in this city, and Ming Garden is the one holding it down in Shreveport. If you’re looking to sit down for a meal away from the chain restaurants, this is the spot. Get some fried rice.
New China Shreveport
$ | (318) 631-2551 | WEBSITE
If you’ve never been to New China Shreveport, know that it’s basically your classic Americanized Chinese spot, but we’ll take the New China any day of the week and twice on Sundays. Sit at a simple table, watch the friendly staff bring out generous plates of crispy egg rolls and fresh General Tao Chicken, and cover all of your food in that sweet orange sauce, which is a delicious sticky glaze.
The atmosphere is no-frills and the AC might sputter, but for around $12–$15 a plate, you get heaping servings of House Special Lo Mein in a brightly lit dining room with plenty of parking—perfect for families with kids craving a quick, affordable meal.
Jade Express Chinese Restaurant
$ | (318) 221-8598 | WEBSITE
Don’t dismiss this place because it’s a take-out-focused establishment. Jade Express serves excellent Chinese food, from classic Chicken with Broccoli to sweet and savory General Tso’s Chicken. It’s not expensive, because good takeout doesn’t have to be, but it’s also not lacking in flavor. Prices at Jade Express are no different from those at most other Chinese spots around, but the food is infinitely better.