Just a short drive from Nashville, Murfreesboro’s identity blends college town energy, suburban comfort, and rich musical heritage.
That diversity is echoed in its Chinese food scene—a mix of old-school classics, student-friendly takeout, and authentic regional surprises waiting for you between historic neighborhoods and growing new developments.
Here are the five best Chinese restaurants winning hearts and taste buds in the ‘Boro:
1. Panda House
For more than 30 years, Panda House has been Murfreesboro’s constant presence at family dinners, celebratory buffets, and weeknight takeouts. The red booths, welcoming staff, and the unmistakable aroma of fried rice and sweet-and-sour chicken instantly make you feel at home.
Portions are massive—two people can share a combo plate for lunch or dinner—and the flavor is consistently on point, whether you’re craving orange chicken, comforting egg drop soup, or a big plate of chicken lo mein.
The real draw for regulars is Panda House’s lunch buffet, a parade of crispy wontons, green bean chicken, spicy beef, and a make-your-own stir-fry station.
It’s common to see three generations sharing a meal here, with kids darting back for more fried rice while grandparents enjoy tea and egg foo young.
With staff who’ve worked here for years and who always greet families by name, it’s easy to see why Panda House feels like Murfreesboro’s second kitchen.
2. China Express
Located close to MTSU and drawing a steady crowd of students and faculty, China Express is fast, consistently tasty, and highly affordable.
The menu is classic American-Chinese (think: chicken broccoli, General Tso’s, and incredible value lunch specials), but the kitchen can turn up the heat for anyone needing a bit more spice.
The real star, though, is speed—you can call in an order on your way home from campus and it’ll be ready before you find a parking spot.
Plush with student groups and budget-minded families, China Express always feels lively and full of energy.
3. No. 1 Chinese Restaurant
As the name suggests, No. 1 Chinese puts pride in its menu—and it shows in every dish.
The dining room is simple, but the flavors have earned a loyal following: Szechuan beef is hot and savory, lemon chicken is bright and refreshing, and the fried rice is never greasy or bland.
The kitchen will happily accommodate requests for extra veggies or lower sodium, making it a reliable favorite among health-minded eaters and anyone seeking just a little more customization than the norm.
The takeout bags are almost comically large and perfect for feeding a busy household with little time to cook.
4. Red Sun Chinese Cuisine & Bar
Looking for something beyond takeout boxes?
Red Sun provides a sit-down restaurant and bar experience where the menu revolves around spicy Hunan dishes, clay pot specialties, and chef-driven surprises like house-made dumplings and seasonal stir-fried greens.
Couples come here for date night and local professionals swing by for happy hour specials.
The bar offers unique cocktails featuring lychee and plum wine—making Red Sun the rare Murfreesboro Chinese spot that can also be your Friday night hangout.
5. New China Buffet
If you’re hungry—or just craving the kind of variety only a buffet can offer—New China Buffet is your destination.
Families pile their plates with honey chicken, coconut shrimp, teriyaki skewers, steamed dumplings, and even sushi rolls, all for a flat price.
It’s a social destination—perfect for sports teams, youth groups, or birthday parties—and the staff never make you feel rushed, no matter how many trips you make to the dessert bar.
For many locals, grabbing to-go boxes from New China Buffet is as much a Murfreesboro tradition as attending a Blue Raiders game.
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