The reliability of a classic kung pao chicken is undeniable. You can grab a decent version at any strip mall spot and call it a night. And that’s fine. But sometimes, the craving demands excellence. That’s why we compiled this list. From fiery Sichuan specialists to delicate Cantonese dim sum parlors to modern innovators redefining tradition—we tasted them all. Here are the Chinese restaurants in Palo Alto worth your deliberate pursuit.
Red Hot Wok
$$ | (650) 565-8868 | WEBSITE
Red Hot Wok does so many Chinese classics well, it would be easy to overlook their Shacha Beef. But that’d be a mistake. Is $22 a reasonable price for a generous portion? Is said beef really, really good? Yes to both. An order comes with steamed rice, perfectly cooked loofah, some water spinach, and three dipping sauces (soy, chili oil, garlic), which makes it an easy meal for two.
You’ll pick a dish—Braised Pork Rice or Taiwanese Sausage Fried Rice—but there’s no wrong choice, both are flavorful but balanced.
Chef Zhao Kitchen
$$ | (650) 485-2221 | WEBSITE
Chef Zhao Kitchen sits in a little strip mall outside of downtown Palo Alto, bringing joy to Stanford students and families burned out on their usual dinner routine. And that’s because their addictive, savory-sweet house special tofu tastes delicious in various forms: generous portions, convenient takeout, and (our favorite) family-style meals, served with standout scallion tossed noodles, pan-fried buns, and surprisingly delicious desserts like osmanthus sesame mini rice ball soup.
It’s great for actual groups, too—we’ve enjoyed Chef Zhao Kitchen with our extended family more than once.
HE&C Tea + Pot
$$ | (650) 521-0069 | WEBSITE
As with any hot pot spot, the bubbling cauldrons of broth at HE&C Tea + Pot are hard to ignore, but we’re just as captivated by the tea station tucked in the corner. This family-friendly restaurant in Palo Alto includes a pot of fragrant tea with every combo meal, which makes the perfect companion to their tender wagyu. Dip a few slices of beef into the rich butter broth, add as much spicy tom yum as you can handle, and let the feast begin.
P.F. Chang’s
$$ | (650) 330-1782 | WEBSITE
The Chinese-American menu at this Palo Alto staple offers more variety than a food court at peak hours. Of the standout dishes like chicken lettuce wraps, combo fried rice, and crispy honey shrimp, one deserves your immediate attention: the Sweet and Sour Chicken, coated in a perfectly balanced sauce that’s technically simple, if only because its harmony makes it seem effortless. It’s tender and flavor-packed, with a tangy-sweet finish that’ll linger pleasantly long after your last bite.
The Teriyaki Beef follows close behind—savory and delightful, especially when paired with their steamed rice. Add in the refreshing lettuce cups and you’ve got a meal that demonstrates why this place makes the local lists. With friendly service from staff like Tatum the bartender (who’ll mix you something special off-menu), and meal specials around $20-$30 that deliver serious value, it’s a spot that gets the fundamentals consistently right.
Indochine
$ | (650) 853-1238 | WEBSITE
Sharing a lunch special at Indochine makes for a great affordable midday treat, on par with discovering a hidden culinary gem in your own neighborhood. And you won’t have to worry about dietary restrictions either, since the versatile menu at this cozy family-run spot caters to gluten-free, dairy-free, onion-free, and garlic-free needs with ease. And three standout dishes—the Velvet Walnut Shrimp, Honey Walnut Prawns, and Combo Fried Rice—adorn each table for savoring, so who knows?
Maybe you’ll have your own moment of culinary delight.
Green Elephant Gourmet
$$ | (650) 494-7391 | WEBSITE
“Now, that’s a wonton!” I heard from the table beside us at Green Elephant Gourmet. The gentleman was admiring the massive shrimp peeking from his soup, but he might as well have been talking about the tealeaf salad, glistening with oil and toasted seeds like jewels. The salad’s textures crackle satisfyingly, giving way to tangy fermented leaves underneath.
This salad doesn’t require extra dressing (or really need it), but here’s a tip: Order the $20 lunch special with Kung Po Chicken, which comes with salad, rice, and vegetables, and get the cumin lamb as an extra side. No offense to chicken, but the lamb’s spices were made for sharing.
Taste
$$ | (650) 323-6488 | WEBSITE
The Chinese dry pot at this modern yet cozy Chinese restaurant in Palo Alto should be the centerpiece of every meal. Each dish undergoes a full-on flavor treatment: simmered with authentic spices and premium ingredients, served bubbling hot with tender lamb and crisp vegetables, plus a side of fragrant jasmine rice. Don’t be shy about diving in with your chopsticks. The rest of the tables are doing the same, which turns the welcoming dining room into a symphony of satisfied murmurs.
Tai Pan
$$ | (650) 329-9168 | WEBSITE
The first time we glimpsed Tai Pan’s elegant entrance in Palo Alto, we thought we were seeing a traditional Chinese courtyard through the glass. Turns out it was just the warm glow of their exquisite interior lighting. Run by true culinary artists, the dim sum here is Chinese cuisine perfected: every bite is fresh and flavorful, with delicate wrappers that seem handcrafted.
We’re happy eating nothing but a platter of their baked BBQ pork buns and exceptional XLB, but exploring their full menu with outstanding stir-fried beef he fen and fabulous shrimp & chives gao is the way to go.
Panda Express
$ | (650) 813-1009 | WEBSITE
There are two distinct types of orange chicken at Panda Express, a reliable Chinese-American spot in Palo Alto we’ve long been fans of: the classic sweet and tangy version, and the new spicy orange chicken with a slow burn effect that builds with each bite. Don’t attempt to pick a favorite—trust us, we tried, and it got heated. Fortunately, they’ll let you sample both during dinner hours when the food is freshest.
Hong Kong Restaurant
$$ | (650) 251-9062 | WEBSITE
Bring a tray of Peking duck, a clay pot of beef stew, and a container of salted fish fried rice from Hong Kong Restaurant to any Palo Alto potluck, and you’ll be crowned the guest of honor. It’s a local favorite, yes, but their Cantonese classics are a testament to reliability with perfectly crisp batter and rarely a bland bite to be found. Remarkable quality considering they’ve been serving the community for years (though we still find their original recipes best).
No matter how many complimentary oranges the server brings to your table, ask for seconds.