Chattanooga’s Chinese food scene has seriously upgraded beyond standard strip mall spots.
From authentic regional specialties to Southern-influenced fusion, here’s where locals are getting their dumpling fix in 2025.
1. Hong Kong House
This Hixson Pike gem serves legitimately authentic 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 real Sichuan cooking, while their twice-cooked pork with leeks showcases proper wok technique rarely found in Tennessee.
2. Chef Lin
This North Shore favorite delivers exceptional regional Chinese specialties from a massive menu that goes far beyond typical American-Chinese standards.
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.
3. Imperial Garden
This Chattanooga institution has been serving exceptional Chinese food to generations of locals, evolving with the city’s changing tastes while maintaining beloved classics.
Their Peking duck (order ahead) comes with all the traditional accompaniments and perfectly lacquered skin that showcases the kitchen’s technical skill.
4. China Moon
Sometimes you just need that perfect American-Chinese comfort food, and China Moon delivers exactly that with exceptional quality from their East Brainerd location.
Their General Tso’s chicken has that perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and spicy elements, while their crab rangoon might not be authentic, but they’re perfectly crispy with that creamy filling that everyone secretly loves.
5. River City Peking
This innovative downtown concept combines traditional Chinese techniques with Southern influences in a fusion approach that celebrates Chattanooga’s distinctive character.
Their hot chicken dumplings incorporate Nashville’s famous spicy preparation into Chinese wrapper techniques, while their “Lookout Mountain” specialties feature ingredients from local farms and producers.
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