Top 10 Chinese Restaurants In New Jersey That Never Disappoint

Ever notice how finding a truly great Chinese restaurant feels like discovering buried treasure? You walk in, the aromas hit you, and suddenly you’re wondering why you ever settled for mediocre takeout.

New Jersey happens to be absolutely packed with incredible Chinese spots that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance, from hole-in-the-wall gems to elegant dining rooms where every dish tells a delicious story.

I’ve spent months zigzagging across the Garden State, chopsticks in hand, hunting down the most mouthwatering dumplings, the spiciest Sichuan specialties, and the kind of noodles that make you close your eyes and sigh with pure joy.

The flavors here aren’t just meals; they’re experiences that transport you straight to the bustling streets of Chengdu or Shanghai.

Every bite feels like a passport stamp, every dish a reminder that authenticity is worth the wait.

1. Hunan Taste in Denville, New Jersey

Walking into Hunan Taste at 67 Bloomfield Ave, Denville, NJ 07834 feels like stepping through a portal straight into Hunan Province. The aroma of chili oil and garlic hits you before you even sit down, and trust me, that’s exactly what you want.

This place doesn’t mess around with Americanized versions of Chinese food, they bring the real deal with heat levels that’ll make you reach for that water glass.

Their cumin lamb is legendary around these parts, perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside, coated in a spice blend that’s downright addictive. The dry pot dishes arrive sizzling at your table, loaded with your choice of protein swimming in a sea of dried chilies that look intimidating but deliver incredible depth of flavor.

Don’t skip the double-cooked pork belly, where each slice is caramelized to perfection with leeks and peppers that balance the richness beautifully.

Families pack this place on weekends, and you’ll hear Mandarin being spoken at half the tables, which is always a great sign of authenticity. The staff knows their menu inside and out and will happily guide you toward milder options if you’re spice-sensitive, though honestly, embracing the heat is part of the experience.

Portions are generous enough to share, making it perfect for groups who want to sample multiple dishes.

Prices stay reasonable considering the quality and quantity you’re getting, with most entrees hovering around fifteen to twenty dollars. The casual atmosphere means you can show up in jeans and sneakers without feeling underdressed.

Hunan Taste proves that Denville has serious culinary game hiding in plain sight.

2. Chengdu 23 in Wayne, New Jersey

Chengdu 23 at 6 Willowbrook Blvd, Wayne, NJ 07470 brings Sichuan cuisine into the modern age without losing an ounce of authentic flavor. The sleek dining room feels more upscale than your typical Chinese spot, with mood lighting that makes it perfect for date nights or celebrating special occasions.

Yet the menu stays true to traditional Sichuan cooking techniques that have been perfected over centuries.

Their mapo tofu is silky smooth with just the right amount of numbing Sichuan peppercorns that make your lips tingle in the best possible way. The dan dan noodles come swimming in a nutty sesame sauce with a spicy kick that builds gradually, letting you appreciate every layer of flavor.

If you’re feeling adventurous, the whole fish dishes are absolutely stunning, arriving at your table in a pool of chili oil that looks fiery but tastes complex and deeply savory.

What sets Chengdu 23 apart is how they balance traditional recipes with presentation that feels restaurant-fancy rather than takeout-casual. The tea selection is impressive, with servers who actually know which varieties pair best with spicier dishes.

Groups love the lazy Susan tables that make sharing multiple dishes effortless and fun.

Service moves quickly during lunch rushes when local office workers pack the place for their midday fix. Dinner service slows down just enough to let you savor each course properly.

The beverage list includes options specifically chosen to complement spicy food, showing real thought behind every detail. Wayne locals consider themselves lucky to have such sophisticated Chinese dining right in their neighborhood.

3. Shanghai Bun in Matawan, New Jersey

Sometimes the best restaurants hide in the most unexpected places, and Shanghai Bun at 952 NJ-34, Matawan, NJ 07747 proves that point perfectly. This unassuming spot focuses on one thing above all else: dumplings so good they’ll ruin every other dumpling experience for you.

The name tells you exactly what they do best, and boy, do they deliver on that promise with enthusiasm and skill.

Their soup dumplings are the stuff of local legend, with paper-thin wrappers that somehow hold all that hot, flavorful broth without breaking. You’ll want to master the art of eating them properly, letting them cool just slightly before taking that first careful bite.

The pan-fried pork buns have a crispy bottom that shatters with each bite, giving way to juicy filling that tastes like comfort itself.

Beyond dumplings, their scallion pancakes come out golden and layered, perfect for tearing apart and sharing while you wait for your main dishes. The noodle soups are hearty and warming, especially perfect during New Jersey’s chilly winters when you need something that hugs you from the inside.

Hand-pulled noodles have that perfect chewy texture that only comes from proper technique and practice.

The dining room stays casual and family-friendly, with high chairs available and a menu that includes milder options for kids. Prices remain shockingly affordable considering the handmade quality of everything they serve.

Locals often call ahead for takeout, knowing that Shanghai Bun’s food travels well and tastes almost as good at home. This Matawan gem deserves way more attention than it gets.

4. Wonder Seafood in Edison, New Jersey

Wonder Seafood at 1984 NJ-27, Edison, NJ 08817 takes Chinese dining to oceanic heights with their incredible selection of fresh seafood prepared Cantonese-style. Giant tanks line the walls, filled with fish, lobsters, and crabs that were swimming just minutes before landing on your plate.

This is where Edison’s large Asian community comes for authentic flavors that remind them of home, which tells you everything you need to know about the quality.

Their salt and pepper shrimp arrives perfectly crispy, tossed with jalapeños and garlic that create an addictive combination of textures and flavors. The steamed whole fish is a masterclass in simplicity, dressed only with ginger, scallions, and soy sauce that lets the seafood’s natural sweetness shine through.

Lobster gets prepared multiple ways, from ginger and scallion to a rich black bean sauce that clings to every bite of sweet meat.

Dim sum service on weekends transforms this place into a bustling madhouse of rolling carts and happy families grabbing steamer baskets as they pass by. The variety is staggering, from classic har gow and siu mai to more adventurous options like chicken feet and tripe for those willing to explore.

Servers move quickly, stamping cards and keeping tea cups filled without missing a beat.

Large round tables dominate the dining room, making Wonder Seafood ideal for big family gatherings and celebrations where everyone wants to share multiple dishes. The noise level rises during peak hours, creating that authentic Chinese restaurant energy that feels lively rather than chaotic.

Edison residents consider this place essential for any serious seafood craving.

5. Grand Sichuan in Jersey City, New Jersey

Nestled at 342 Grove St, Jersey City, NJ 07302, Grand Sichuan brings fiery Sichuan flavors to the downtown dining scene with style and substance. The location puts you right in the heart of Jersey City’s restaurant row, where locals and Manhattan transplants alike come searching for authentic regional Chinese cuisine.

Big windows let natural light flood the space during lunch, while evening service takes on a more intimate vibe with dimmed lighting.

Start with their cold sesame noodles, which sound simple but deliver complex flavors through a perfectly balanced sauce that’s nutty, tangy, and just spicy enough. The kung pao chicken here isn’t the sweet, gloopy version you might remember from bad takeout, instead it’s properly wok-fired with dried chilies and peanuts that add crunch to every bite.

Their twice-cooked pork showcases why this dish became a Sichuan classic, with pork belly that’s both tender and crispy, coated in a savory-spicy sauce.

The menu spans pages and pages, offering everything from familiar favorites to more adventurous dishes featuring offal and unusual vegetables. Vegetarians actually have tons of options here, with mapo tofu made vegetarian-style and countless vegetable dishes that prove Chinese cooking doesn’t need meat to be exciting.

The tea selection includes some harder-to-find varieties that serious tea drinkers will appreciate.

Jersey City professionals pack this place during weekday lunches, taking advantage of combination specials that won’t break the bank. Weekend dinners attract couples and groups who appreciate the full bar selection that includes Asian drinks and sake.

The location makes it perfect for grabbing dinner before catching the PATH train back to Manhattan.

6. Petite Soo Chow in Cliffside Park, New Jersey

You might drive right past Petite Soo Chow at 607 Gorge Rd, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010 if you’re not paying attention, but that would be a tragic mistake. This tiny restaurant packs enormous flavor into every dish, specializing in Shanghainese cuisine that showcases the region’s love of sweet and savory combinations.

The dining room lives up to the “petite” part of the name, with maybe fifteen tables max, creating an intimate atmosphere that feels almost like eating in someone’s home.

Their lion’s head meatballs are massive, tender pork spheres braised until they practically melt on your tongue, served over soft bok choy that soaks up all that rich sauce. The red-braised pork belly here will convert anyone who thinks they don’t like fatty cuts, because the slow braising renders it silky while the sauce adds deep umami notes.

Shanghai-style rice cakes get stir-fried with your choice of protein, creating those slightly chewy, totally addictive bites that keep you going back for more.

Soup dumplings are a must-order, arriving piping hot with warnings from servers to let them cool slightly before diving in. The wrappers are delicate enough to see through, and the soup inside tastes like concentrated pork essence.

Scallion oil noodles seem deceptively simple but showcase how a few quality ingredients can create something magical when handled with skill and care.

The husband-and-wife team running this place clearly takes pride in every dish that leaves their kitchen. Regulars get greeted by name, and first-timers receive patient explanations of unfamiliar dishes.

Cliffside Park locals guard this secret jealously, though word is slowly spreading about this exceptional little spot.

7. DimSum World in Ocean Township, New Jersey

Weekend mornings at DimSum World, located at 1013 NJ-35, Ocean Township, NJ 07712, feel like stepping into a Hong Kong tea house where the carts never stop rolling and the dumplings never stop steaming. This place takes dim sum seriously, offering the traditional cart service that’s becoming harder to find as more restaurants switch to order-by-checklist systems.

The energy on Saturday and Sunday mornings is absolutely electric, with families gathering around large tables to share dozens of small plates.

Their har gow features translucent wrappers that let you see the pink shrimp inside, each one perfectly pleated by hands that have clearly made thousands. Siu mai arrives topped with that signature orange dot of fish roe, the pork and shrimp filling seasoned just right.

The baked BBQ pork buns have a sweet, flaky exterior that contrasts beautifully with the savory-sweet filling inside, making them disappear faster than you can say “one more please.”

Beyond the classics, they offer more adventurous options like chicken feet braised until the skin becomes gelatinous and rich, and tripe cooked tender in curry sauce. The turnip cakes get pan-fried until golden and crispy on the outside while staying soft inside.

Rice noodle rolls come filled with everything from shrimp to beef to Chinese donuts, all swimming in sweet soy sauce.

Servers stamp your card each time you grab a basket, with prices color-coded by plate design so you know what you’re spending. The tea flows freely, with servers constantly circling to refill pots without being asked.

Ocean Township families make this their Sunday tradition, and once you experience the organized chaos of dim sum done right, you’ll understand why.

8. Mei-Mei in Somerset, New Jersey

Mei-Mei at 633 Hamilton St, Somerset, NJ 08873 represents that perfect bridge between authentic Chinese cooking and flavors that American palates have grown to love over decades. This isn’t fusion food trying too hard to be clever, it’s honest cooking that respects both traditions while creating something uniquely satisfying.

The dining room has that comfortable, lived-in feel of a restaurant that’s been serving the community for years, with regulars who come in weekly and staff who remember their usual orders.

Their General Tso’s chicken achieves that ideal balance of crispy coating and tender meat, tossed in a sauce that’s sweet and tangy with just enough heat to keep things interesting. The beef with broccoli might sound basic, but when done this well, with tender beef slices and perfectly crisp-tender broccoli in a savory brown sauce, it becomes comfort food at its finest.

Fried rice comes out fluffy and loaded with egg, peas, and your protein choice, each grain separate rather than clumped together.

The lunch specials offer incredible value, including soup, an egg roll, and fried rice with your entree for less than twelve dollars. Dinner portions are generous enough that most people end up with leftovers, which honestly taste just as good the next day.

The egg rolls are made in-house, with a wrapper that shatters when you bite into it, revealing a filling that’s savory and well-seasoned.

Families with kids appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and menu items that appeal to even picky eaters. The takeout business stays busy, with online ordering making it easy to get your Mei-Mei fix without leaving home.

Somerset residents consider this place a reliable go-to for satisfying Chinese food cravings any day of the week.

9. Ming Restaurant in Edison, New Jersey

Ming Restaurant at 1103 Inman Ave, Edison, NJ 08820 has been an Edison institution for so long that multiple generations of families have grown up eating their incredible Cantonese-style dishes. The moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted by ornate Chinese decorations and the kind of elegant atmosphere that makes even a Tuesday dinner feel slightly special.

This is where locals bring out-of-town guests when they want to show off New Jersey’s Chinese food scene, knowing that Ming will deliver every single time.

The roast duck here deserves its own fan club, with skin that crackles when you bite through it and meat that stays juicy and flavorful underneath. Lobster Cantonese is a house specialty, with chunks of sweet lobster meat in a silky egg-white sauce that coats everything perfectly.

Their clay pot dishes arrive bubbling hot, with rice at the bottom that gets crispy from the heat, creating those coveted crunchy bits that everyone fights over.

Seafood options dominate the menu, always fresh and prepared with the light touch that Cantonese cooking is famous for. The salt-baked squid comes out tender rather than rubbery, seasoned simply to let the seafood shine.

Vegetables get proper attention too, with Chinese broccoli in oyster sauce and baby bok choy that’s never overcooked, maintaining that perfect crisp-tender texture.

The dining room can accommodate large groups easily, making Ming perfect for family celebrations and business dinners where you need to impress. Service stays professional and attentive without being overbearing, striking that balance between helpful and giving you space.

Parking is plentiful, which matters more than you’d think when you’re dealing with Edison traffic. Ming proves that sometimes the classics endure because they simply do everything right.

10. Hunan Taste Montclair, New Jersey

The Montclair location of Hunan Taste at 4 Alvin Pl, Montclair, NJ 07042 brings the same incredible authentic Hunan flavors to a slightly different crowd than its Denville sibling. Montclair’s artsy, diverse community has embraced this spot wholeheartedly, packing the tables with everyone from college students to long-time residents who appreciate real-deal Chinese cooking.

The vibe here skews slightly younger and more urban than the Denville location, but the kitchen maintains the exact same high standards for every dish that leaves the pass.

Their signature spicy fish with green peppers is not for the faint of heart, arriving in a bowl filled with what looks like more chilies than fish, but each bite delivers incredible depth beyond just heat. The dry-fried string beans get wok-charred until they’re blistered and tender, tossed with minced pork and preserved vegetables that add salty, savory notes.

Cumin-spiced dishes showcase that distinctive Hunan love affair with this particular spice, whether you order lamb, beef, or tofu.

The tea-smoked duck is a showstopper, with meat that’s been infused with smoky flavor and skin that’s rendered crispy through a multi-step cooking process. Noodle dishes come hand-pulled or knife-cut depending on the preparation, each style lending different textures to the final dish.

The cold appetizers section offers refreshing cucumber salads and marinated tofu that provide relief between spicier bites.

Montclair residents love that they can walk to this spot from many neighborhoods, making it perfect for a casual weeknight dinner. The BYOB policy keeps costs down while letting you pair your own favorite beverages with the spicy food.

Weekend waits can stretch long, but the hosts take your number and text when your table is ready, letting you explore Montclair’s downtown while you wait.