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12 Chinese Restaurants Around Columbus That You Need To Try

I was never one of those picky, “midwestern” eaters as a kid.

You know, the ones who get chicken nuggets and smile fries at the Chinese buffet instead of actually trying something? I grew up loving Asian food, a love that only intensified while I was living in Hawaii.

When I moved back to Ohio, I felt like there was no possible way I’d find satisfying Asian cuisine, much less a place that could hold a candle to my go-to, family-owned, wonderfully authentic Chinese eatery in Hawaii. I was totally wrong.

Sure, Columbus has plenty of “American” Chinese take-out places (which are perfect in their own way), but we also have some insanely delicious restaurants that are offering both authentic and unique cuisine.

Jiu Thai

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Confusing though its name may be, Jiu Thai actually serves Shaanxi Chinese food, not Thai food. It’s okay, it threw me off the first time too. It’s not every day that you can find authentic tasting biang biang noodles in the middle of Ohio.

So if it’s an experience you’re waiting to check off your bucket list, I highly suggest Jui Thai. Oh man, I almost forgot. Don’t forget to try the cold noodles. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Location: 787 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43214

Website: Click here for more info

Golden Chopsticks

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This is your typical, American Chinese takeout. I would never suggest this first, not because the food isn’t good, but just because it won’t be pushing you out of your comfort zone anytime soon.

If you aren’t feeling adventurous, you can go with the old stand-by’s, the typical American take out options. But there are often specials that are made to order, which improves your chances of them being perfectly cooked and extra delicious.

Location: Two locations, in Hilliard and Columbus
Website: Click here for more info

Peking Dynasty

Don’t give me that look, I know what you’re thinking. Another Americanized takeout place. But I just cannot in good conscience leave Peking Dynasty off this list. Not only are they insanely fast and nearly always the happiest part of my day, they have some delectable food.

The Hunan chicken combines two of my all time favorite things, spicy flavor and water chestnuts. But for those of you who don’t like the heat, they have plenty of options you’re used to seeing, like sweet and sour chicken, General Tso’s, etc.

Location: 2210 East Livingston Avenue, Bexley, OH 43209
Website: Click here for more info

Sunflower Chinese Restaurant

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DIM SUM. Enough said. Okay, since you begged, I’ll elaborate.  One time my husband and I just happened into Sunflower, and it was a meal I’ll never forget. There is something so amazing about ordering off of a cart when you basically have no idea what it is that your ordering.

Sometimes, the best way to figure out if you like something is to try it. If it looks delicious, and it smells delicious, then there’s a pretty good chance that it will taste delicious. And that’s absolutely true at Sunflower.

Location: 7370 Sawmill Rd, Columbus, OH 43235
Website: Click here for more info

Ding Ho

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Confession time. Over the years, I’ve decided that Cantonese-style Chinese food is my favorite. And that journey began at Ding Ho’s West Broad St. location when I was a kid.

Perhaps it’s part nostalgia, but I would venture to say that Ding Ho will always hold a special place in my heart. There are plenty of options for the picky eaters in your party, but for the daring ones, the ones who came here ready to conquer their plates, please try the Pineapple Duck.

Location: 120 Phillipi Rd, Columbus, OH 43228
Website: Click here for more info

Lucky Dragon


Lucky Dragon is the perfect Chinese restaurant to take a big group of friends. You can order tons of food conveniently, the rotating table top makes for easy sharing. The best-salted pork I’ve had in my entire life was at Lucky Dragon, so I’d be remiss not to suggest it to you.

It is on the hot side, after all, it is called Spicy Salted Pork Chop, but it’s worth it. Just order some extra water and some creamy crab rangoon. You’ll be alright. P.S. They also have really yummy tiki cocktails.

Location: 2800 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
Website: Click here for more info

Tai’s Asian Bistro

Tai’s Asian Bistro was introduced to me a few years ago by a friend, and it’s been one of my favorite places to eat ever since. There are two different menus here, Chinese food and Japanese food, and while both have some YUMMY treats to offer, we’re going to focus on the Chinese options. Like every place on this list, there are some Americanized options.

Tai’s may not be the most authentic place on this list, but it is affordable and appetizing. As you now know, I’m a fan of all things Cantonese, so my go-to at Tai’s is the Cantonese Chicken Chow Fun. I have on occasion ordered the Dan Dan noodle bowl, and on those occasions, I couldn’t have been more satisfied. 

Location: 1285 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43221
Website: Click here for more info

Xi Xia

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With a focus on authentic Western Chinese food, Xi Xia has quickly catapulted itself onto the favorite list since they opened in 2019.

The restaurant is named after the 11th Century Chinese empire that once covered Ningxia Province and the neighboring lands near Mongolia. This area of China has quite a unique food culture and that’s reflected in the menu at Xi Xia.

Location: 1140 Kenny Centre Mall, Columbus, OH 43220
Website: Click here for more info

Sun Tong Luck

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Sometimes, your Chinese food craving hits and you just want something fast and casual. That’s the perfect time for a visit to Sun Tong Luck. On their website, the restaurant says they are “committed to delivering fine dining quality Chinese cuisine combined with fast food convenience.” And that’s the truth.

The dishes aren’t strictly authentic and there are a lot of Americanized dishes on the menu, but they’re done so freaking well. You really can’t go wrong here, so pick your favorite dish and go for it.

Location: 2500 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220 
Website: Click here for more info

Helen’s Asian Kitchen

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Helen’s Asian Kitchen offers patrons a variety of Chinese and Asian dishes. The restaurant is known for its soup dumplings and its authentic Boiled Fish in Chili Sauce, and for good reason. The flavors are authentic and wonderfully balanced, and the fish is cooked to perfection.

Location: 1070 E Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43229
Website: Click here for more info

N.E. Chinese


I’ll never stop telling people how good N.E. Chinese is. Out of all the incredible restaurants on this list, N.E. Chinese is my comfort food. They have two menus here, one full of American classics and one with authentic Chinese dishes.

It’s a great place for both people who are just starting to branch out into authentic Chinese food and those die-hard fans who are looking to be impressed.

Location: 2620 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
Website: Click here for more info

Tiger + Lily


When you are in the mood for delicious Asian food and Happy Hour vibes, Tiger + Lily is the way. While they don’t offer only Chinese food, they do have some dishes inspired by classic Chinese flavor profiles. My favorite of those is the Szechuan Mala Turkey.

While you usually see Szechuan Mala Chicken on menus, the Tiger + Lily version is delicious. In addition to the incredible cocktail menu, they also serve sake, bubble tea, beer, and wine.

Location: 19 E Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Click here for more info

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