Our team crisscrosses York County monthly, sampling everything from new Sichuan spots to decades-old dim sum parlors. After countless dumplings and noodle bowls, these are the Chinese restaurants we’d return to on our own dime—the standouts worth your immediate attention.
Nu Era Take Out
$ | (717) 430-2932 | WEBSITE
At this Chinese takeout spot in York, you should order a generous portion of egg rolls, keep the rice coming, and savor your way through their affordable menu. But even with all that good stuff going on, the dish that disappeared fastest on our most recent visit was the vegan stir fry with perfectly cooked vegetables. Crisp texture, flavors that popped in every bite, and a savory-sweet hit of sauce—we could have just gotten this and left completely satisfied.
Viet Thai Cafe
$ | (717) 846-9302 | WEBSITE
There are a lot of things to love about the menu at this family-friendly Chinese restaurant in York: pad thai, spring rolls, the pho—but the vegetable stir-fry was the standout on a recent visit. The vegetables are crisp, the sauce is savory, and it’s served over a bed of jasmine rice that’s fluffier than a cloud. We carefully rationed our table’s rice portions to ensure every last bit of the delicious sauce went to good use.
Asian Yummy
$ | (717) 852-1005 | WEBSITE
After years of searching for authentic Asian food in York, Asian Yummy has emerged as the clear winner, and thankfully their shrimp with broccoli is still on the menu. Each plump shrimp is nestled in a savory sauce so rich we could use it to glide through a water park slide. The veggie fried rice on the side is a nice touch, but we’d happily trade it in for more of that shrimp and broccoli.
Jumbo Chinese Restaurant
$ | (717) 779-0888 | WEBSITE
Jumbo Chinese Restaurant, a reliable stop in York for those on the road, has been attracting steady lunch crowds with its fresh and tasty food. Our favorite thing is the chicken with broccoli. Each generous portion comes with tender chicken and crisp vegetables in a savory sauce that’s just rich enough. We can’t guarantee what combination platter you’ll get when you visit, but we sure hope it’s the one with the accommodating server, who may be the owner, ensuring a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Imperial Gourmet
$ | (717) 747-0205 | WEBSITE
The team behind Imperial Gourmet has clearly figured out what they’re doing when it comes to Chinese buffets, so the crispy, flavorful dishes—available fresh and hot throughout the day—are a welcome surprise. They’re what we want buffet food to be: authentic and well-stocked with many delicious choices. But it was the large selection of vegetarian options and fresh fruit that stole our attention away from the main dishes we loaded onto our plates.
Yummy Yummy
$ | (717) 755-9086 | WEBSITE
Boneless spare ribs aren’t the easiest dish to find done right, so we’re thrilled to have discovered them at this York Chinese restaurant. The ribs are tender, which is a perfect complement to the savory sauce-heavy glaze. Just be sure to always order a side of crab Rangoon and steamed rice to go with every bite.
Chopsticks
$ | (717) 845-4377 | WEBSITE
By day, you’ll find generous lunch portions at this York Chinese spot, and for take-out, it becomes a destination with flawless General Tso Chicken and Pork Fried Rice. Gently mix the savory sauce throughout the entire dish to coat every piece of tender chicken. The fried rice has the texture of perfectly separated grains, and the shrimp in the Lo Mein has a satisfying chew before blending with the noodles.
Just take a big bite, cradle it with a crispy egg roll, and take a moment to appreciate the authentic flavors before finishing your meal.
Great Wall
$ | (717) 843-9933 | WEBSITE
The remedy for any weary York evening is a container of orange chicken and noodles—specifically, the Sesame Chicken Combo at Great Wall on the east side. The chicken is coated in a sweet glaze, paired with a generous scoop of fried rice, and accompanied by a cup of wonton soup with pork pieces. Dive in with some soy sauce and savor.
Shangrila Chinese Restaurant
$ | (717) 854-3333 | WEBSITE
As a family you get to decide to have Peking duck for dinner—and you don’t get any closer to that than with the ginger chicken and string beans at Shangrila in York. It’s a generous plate of tender chicken and crisp vegetables, coated in a savory ginger sauce with just the right kick. A choice of white or brown sauce balances the flavors. While it’s great straight from the kitchen, wisely call ahead when ordering the Peking duck—it’s worth the wait.
He Xin
$ | (717) 668-8385 | WEBSITE
The promise of General TSO’s chicken and Crab Rangoon brought us to this York spot—and yes, they were fantastic—but it was the Chicken Lo Mein that captured our attention while we were there. The noodles are savory enough to satisfy a Pennsylvania appetite, and the vegetables balance out the richness. Get the egg rolls if you want even more crunch.
China Buffet
$ | (717) 318-5723 | WEBSITE
We went on an egg roll, shrimp, and dessert bender for this Chinese restaurant guide—and one that sets the buffet bar is this evening spread from China Buffet. The egg rolls are crisp and savory and won’t leave you wanting for more. And loaded throughout are hot and plentiful Chinese favorites, plus a zingy salad bar and nice fruit for dessert.