5 Best Chinese Restaurants in Indianapolis to Try

Indianapolis has developed a surprisingly diverse Chinese food scene, offering everything from authentic regional specialties to innovative modern concepts.

Here’s where locals are getting their dumpling fix in 2025.

1. Lucky Lou Seafood

This west side favorite delivers the most authentic Cantonese seafood in Indianapolis from their live tanks and extensive menu that goes far beyond typical American-Chinese standards.

Their weekend dim sum service has become legendary throughout the city, with pushcarts circling the packed dining room offering everything from perfect har gow to chicken feet and egg custard tarts.

2. Szechwan Garden

Don’t let the generic name fool you – this Castleton spot serves legitimate Sichuan cuisine that doesn’t hold back on those numbing peppercorns and chili heat.

Their mapo tofu delivers that perfect balance of spicy, numbing, and savory flavors that define authentic Sichuan cooking, while the twice-cooked pork with leeks showcases the perfect technique with this regional classic.

3. Asian Snack

This tiny spot inside an international grocery store serves the most authentic dumplings and northern Chinese specialties in the city.

Their hand-pulled noodles showcase perfect chewy texture in both soup and stir-fried preparations, while their xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) provide that perfect burst of rich broth that makes these special.

The casual counter-service format keeps prices incredibly reasonable while still delivering seriously authentic flavors.

4. Mandarin House

This Indianapolis institution has evolved with the city’s changing tastes, maintaining beloved Chinese-American classics while expanding into more authentic regional offerings.

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 like salt and pepper pork chops or eggplant in garlic sauce.

5. Tian Fu Asian Bistro

This Carmel favorite brings upscale Chinese dining to the northern suburbs with elegant presentation and creative interpretations that respect tradition while embracing innovation.

Their crispy duck comes with handmade pancakes and all the traditional accompaniments, showcasing the chef’s technical skill with this labor-intensive preparation.