Nestled between Baltimore and Columbia, Ellicott City holds a unique distinction: it’s one of Maryland’s most historic towns, yet it pulses with modern energy. (Columbia, we see you trying.) But Ellicott City doesn’t rest on its history—it thrives as a vibrant hub of community, culture, and, unmistakably, cuisine. And while its footprint is compact, you’ll discover a concentration of Chinese culinary excellence here that rivals entire counties.
The top spots range from decades-old family institutions to sleek modern eateries and everything in between.
East Moon Asian Bistro
$ | (410) 313-8088 | WEBSITE
East Moon Asian Bistro crafts masterpieces in the form of orange chicken and drunken noodles. These—plus their sushi, Indian dishes, and lunch specials—are so good that on first bite, you might feel compelled to thank the kitchen staff personally since they’ll be seeing a lot more of you. It does get busy during dinner hours, so swing in for lunch to enjoy your meal while taking advantage of the spacious dining hall and fast service. Don’t forget a drink to wash it all down.
Hunan Legend
$ | (410) 884-3888 | WEBSITE
This long-standing Chinese restaurant relies on fresh ingredients and generous portions as the foundation of its satisfying dishes, like fried rice praised as the county’s best, or salmon with black bean sauce alongside pan-fried dumplings. Although the kitchen works from a set menu that limits custom requests, it’s not impersonal—there’s a steady stream of carry-out orders, the staff is friendly and attentive, and you can enjoy a meal here without any pretense.
If you’re craving classics like hot crispy beef or honey sesame chicken, the dining room welcomes regulars who’ve been returning for over a decade.
Chin Xi’an Style Restaurant
$$ | (410) 781-1685 | WEBSITE
This restaurant could fool you into thinking it’s just a quick noodle joint. Because it basically is. There are plenty of plastic tables (both inside and out), a wall of steaming noodle pots, and a bustling open kitchen at the center of everything. But there’s no bland takeout lo mein or greasy egg rolls here—just excellent Xi’an food. During off-peak hours, it may be a calm place to slurp a comforting bowl of hand-pulled noodles with rich pork broth and tender braised meat.
But come here during the dinner rush, and prepare to feast with hungry regulars devouring spicy chili noodles and crispy cumin beef murgers.
Hot Pot Hero Ellicott City
$$ | (443) 652-5998 | WEBSITE
Open seven days a week, grabbing a hot pot meal at this Chinese restaurant should be at the top of your dining list. Their bone broth uses quality ingredients to take the experience to a new level, and the spicy broth looks like something from a culinary adventure in Sichuan. Make sure to check out their sauce station, fresh seafood selections, and a beef plate (or two).
Tea Horse Sichuan Bistro 川知味
$$ | (240) 223-1145 | WEBSITE
Tea Horse Sichuan Bistro is a Sichuan restaurant permanently located in Ellicott City. And while the spacious dining room they have here is pretty comfortable, it’s really just an added bonus to enjoy the authentic dishes. The menu has a few different great options, but we love the dan dan noodles—a generous bowl of fresh noodles with perfectly balanced spicy sauce, a bunch of flavorful ground pork mixed throughout, and fragrant sesame oil.
The kung pao chicken is another standout with its crispy peanuts and tender chicken pieces. Everything comes in large portions that are perfect for sharing, and the friendly service makes the whole experience even better. That huge mural on the wall describing the Tea Horse name adds a nice touch too. Whether you’re grabbing takeout or dining in, this place delivers exactly what you want from Sichuan cuisine.
China Village
$ | (410) 418-5855 | WEBSITE
Have you ever craved General Tso’s chicken and then immediately craved dumplings right after? This scenario also plays out at China Village, a cozy Chinese spot in Ellicott City—only they serve comforting classics and family-friendly hospitality instead of generic takeout and rushed service. The fish in black bean sauce is tender, with flaky pieces soaking up the savory sauce, and the triple delight in hot garlic sauce has a spicy kick that wakes up the vegetables like an alarm clock.
Before heading home after a long day, make this your stop.
Hot N Roll Hot Pot
$$ | (410) 988-4660 | WEBSITE
Hot N Roll Hot Pot is an Ellicott City destination, and absolutely deserves its spot among the best Chinese restaurants. Offering hot pot with both buffet and specialty items at no extra charge, this clean and inviting spot is the perfect choice for a meal when you really want customizable flavor. Build your own bowl with fresh meats, a variety of veggies, and mixable broth options like the Thai soup with its nice tomato flavor and subtle spice.
In the wise words of hot pot enthusiasts, we can’t imagine a more satisfying thing.
Fast Wok
$ | (410) 750-3500 | WEBSITE
A long day of running errands around Ellicott City requires some quick, satisfying Chinese food for fuel. That’s where Fast Wok comes in. Grab your order at the counter or wait just a few minutes for fresh carry-out. While they have popular dishes like Orange Chicken and General Tso’s Chicken, we love the kung pao chicken for its proper seasoning, or the pan-fried pot dumplings—eight large, crispy pockets that hit the spot.
The service is fast, the place is clean, and the prices are excellent, making it a reliable stop for generous portions without breaking the bank.
Asian Court
$$ | (410) 461-8388 | WEBSITE
You should plan an entire weekend around the dim sum carts at this bustling Chinese spot. We mean it. Get there when they open for lunch to choose from the circulating classics (including chicken feet and short ribs) or suffer the consequences an hour later. If you really want to avoid the chaos, forgo those weekend plans and stop in on a weekday instead. Pay close attention to the attentive staff for complimentary treats, like duck sauce-dipped chips or sweet and spicy wontons.
And if you don’t have a dim sum craving at all, the evening menu is just as great—it’s wok-seared beef noodles and tasty meals that have earned a dedicated following.
China Taste
$ | (410) 465-2800 | WEBSITE
This neighborhood spot has the best Chinese food in Ellicott City. A standout is their Combination Singapore Mei Fun—a noodle dish with shrimp, pork, and vegetables, seasoned with curry powder that gives other takeout joints a run for their money. On busy nights, they get packed with regulars picking up orders, and we can’t think of a better meal than digging into shrimp and broccoli to the sound of the friendly owner chatting with customers.