5 Best Chinese Restaurants in Waco, Texas to Try

Waco’s Chinese food scene has seriously upgraded beyond standard strip mall spots.

From authentic regional specialties to Texas-influenced fusion, here’s where locals are getting their dumpling fix in 2025.

1. Clay Pot

This Waco favorite delivers authentic regional Chinese specialties from a massive menu that explores beyond typical American-Chinese standards.

Their clay pot dishes develop complex flavors through proper slow-cooking methods, while their hand-folded dumplings feature perfect thin wrappers with juicy fillings.

2. Uncle Chen’s

This Waco institution has been serving exceptional Chinese food to generations of locals, evolving with the city’s changing tastes while maintaining beloved classics.

Their General Tso’s chicken sets the city standard with the perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and spicy elements, while their authentic menu section includes excellent renditions of traditional dishes rarely found elsewhere in Central Texas.

3. Lucky Dragon

Sometimes you just need that perfect American-Chinese comfort food, and Lucky Dragon delivers exactly that with exceptional quality from their Valley Mills Drive location.

Their orange chicken has that perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and tangy elements, while their crab rangoon might not be authentic, but they’re perfectly crispy with that creamy filling that everyone secretly loves.

4. Kitok Restaurant

This uniquely Waco institution successfully combines Chinese-American classics with Texas diner favorites in a concept that perfectly captures the city’s unpretentious character.

While technically a Chinese restaurant, their famous “Lip Locker” burger has achieved cult status alongside excellent fried rice and stir-fries.

5. Magnolia Dragon

This innovative downtown concept combines traditional Chinese techniques with Texas influences in a fusion approach that celebrates Waco’s evolving culinary scene.

Their brisket bao buns incorporate smoking techniques from Texas BBQ traditions, while their “Brazos River” specialties feature ingredients from local farms.