Toronto is a mix of different cultures, and this is clear in its wide range of tasty foods. Chinese food is especially popular in the city, with a variety of dishes and styles to choose from. From the traditional Cantonese flavors of dim sum to the fiery heat of Sichuan cuisine, Toronto has something for every palate.
In this blog, we will take you on a culinary adventure through the best Chinese food picks in Toronto. With the help of our experts’ suggestions, you can find the best and most interesting Chinese food in the city.
Get ready to indulge in a world of authentic flavor and cultural tradition as we explore Toronto’s top Chinese food picks!
Table of Contents
What Makes Excellent Chinese Food?
Excellent Chinese food is the result of a perfect balance between flavor, texture, and presentation.
- It all starts with the right ingredients – the freshest meats, seafood, and vegetables, sourced from local markets and prepared with precision.
- Chinese cuisine is also famous for its use of sauces, spices, and seasonings, which add layers of flavor to each dish. The right combination of these ingredients is crucial to achieving the perfect taste.
- Another key factor in excellent Chinese food is the technique used in cooking. Chinese cuisine offers a variety of cooking styles, including stir-frying, steaming, boiling, and roasting, each bringing out different textures and flavors.
- Cooking time and temperature are also critical factors in achieving the ideal texture and flavor. For example, a perfectly steamed dumpling should have a soft and fluffy exterior and a juicy filling, while a crispy stir-fry dish should have just the right amount of crispiness and tenderness.
- Finally, presentation is an essential aspect of excellent Chinese food. Chinese cuisine is not only about taste but also about visual appeal.
In summary, excellent Chinese food is the result of high-quality ingredients, precise cooking techniques, and a keen eye for presentation. These are the factors we used to determine our top picks for the best Chinese food in Toronto.
| Best Chinese Food in Toronto | Google Rating | No. of Google Reviews |
| Mandarin Restaurant | 4.3 | 4,606 |
| Swatow Restaurant | 4.3 | 2,339 |
| Hey Noodles | 4.6 | 1,831 |
| GB Hand-Pulled Noodles | 4.3 | 1,435 |
| Pearl Harbourfront Chinese Cuisine | 4.3 | 1,186 |
Where To Find The Best Chinese Food in Toronto
Google My Maps Link:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1zXBfHJEK6TZ6xJKSfDj66V1q813IGZw&usp=sharing
From east to west, we’ve searched far and wide for the best Chinese food Toronto has to offer. Here are our top picks.
Mandarin Restaurant
“A family-friendly restaurant”
Feast your eyes on Mandarin Restaurant’s mouth-watering spread of Chinese and Canadian cuisine. (Image source: Mandarin Restaurant Instagram)
Mandarin Restaurant is a beloved chain of all-you-can-eat Chinese-Canadian buffet restaurants, offering a wide variety of local and Chinese dishes as well as sushi. With its convenient location and modern décor, it’s a great option for families, couples, or anyone craving a delicious and satisfying meal.
Mandarin Restaurant’s combo platters offer a delicious and convenient way to enjoy your favorite Chinese dishes. (Image source: Mandarin Restaurant Instagram)
One of the best things about Mandarin Restaurant is its large buffet, which lets people try a lot of different dishes without breaking the bank. And if you’re dining with a group, be sure to check out their family dinners for up to six people or their combo platters for one.
Pricing: Noodles starts at $9.00
Pros:
- All-you-can-eat buffet with great variety of food
- Suitable for any type of people with various food options
- Exceptional customer service from servers
Cons:
- Pricey at dinner
Location: 2206 Eglinton Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1L 4S7
Google Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5 (4,606 reviews)
Mandarin Restaurant has a Google rating of 4.3 stars and over 4600 reviews. With their attentive and professional service and reasonable prices, Mandarin Restaurant is the perfect place to unleash your appetite and enjoy a delicious Chinese food experience.
Swatow Restaurant
“Hearty and flavorful dishes that will leave you wanting more”
The sizzling sound of beef-fried noodles being cooked to perfection is a common sound at Swatow Restaurant. (Image source: Swatow Restaurant website)
Welcome to Swatow Restaurant, a beloved Toronto Chinatown institution that has been serving up authentic Chinese food for over 40 years. The homely and inviting atmosphere of the restaurant provides a perfect spot for visitors to unwind after a long day at work.
Nothing beats a hot bowl of Swatow Restaurant’s shrimp wonton soup on a chilly Toronto night. (Image source: Swatow Restaurant website)
Using traditional Cantonese Chinese cooking methods and the freshest ingredients, Swatow Restaurant offers a menu that features popular dishes such as shrimp wonton soup, beef fried noodles, chicken fried rice, and General Tao chicken, among others. These dishes are prepared with care and skill, ensuring that each bite is a delicious experience for the senses.
Pricing: Noodles start at $5.99
Pros:
- Delicious food with lots of flavor.
- Reasonably priced menu with large portions.
- Traditional Cantonese Chinese cooking methods used with fresh ingredients.
Cons:
- Accepts only cash, no credit or debit cards.
Location: 309 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 1H1
Google Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5 (2,339 reviews)
With a Google rating of 4.3 stars and over 2300 reviews, come and experience the authentic taste of Chinese cuisine that has been beloved by locals for over four decades.
Hey Noodles
“Get ready to spice up your life”
A bowl of Hey Noodles’ Chongqing-style noodles is a feast for the senses. (Image source: Hey Noodles Instagram)
Hey Noodles is a must-visit restaurant for anyone who loves Chinese cuisine. With its Chongqing-style noodles, Hey Noodles serves up a delectable and authentic Chinese experience that’s not to be missed.
The fiery flavors of Hey Noodles’ Szechuan cuisine will leave you wanting more. (Image source: Hey Noodles Instagram)
From the tasty broth to the spicy beef and belly pork, each dish at Hey Noodles is bursting with flavor and spice. This restaurant truly delivers on the bold and fiery reputation of Szechuan food, making it a perfect choice for those who love a little heat in their meals.
Pricing: Noodles start at $9.50
Pros:
- Quick service with short wait times
- Vegan and vegetarian options available
- Customizable noodle bowls with various meat and vegetable options
Cons:
- Noodles can be too spicy for some
Location: 478 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G9
Google Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5 (1,831 reviews)
With a Google rating of 4.6 stars and over 1800 reviews, even for those who are new to Chinese and Sichuan cuisines, Hey Noodles is a fantastic introduction that’s sure to leave you craving more. So why wait? Reserve a table at Hey Noodles and enjoy a truly delicious Chinese dining experience!
GB Hand-Pulled Noodles
“Noodles pulled to perfection.”
Watch as your noodles are made fresh at GB’s open kitchen. (Image source: GB Hand-Pulled Noodles Instagram)
GB Hand-Pulled Noodles serves real Lanzhou-style noodles.The chef himself is from Lanzhou, which has popularized the hand-pulled noodle dish, ensuring customers get an authentic taste.
GB’s Special Lanzhou Beef Noodles are perfect on a chilly day. (Image source: GB Hand-Pulled Noodles Instagram)
GB’s open kitchen allows customers to watch their noodles being made directly behind the counter. They offer a variety of noodle thicknesses, with many customers preferring the thick noodles for their chewy texture. For vegan customers, they also offer a veggie noodle option with vegetable broth.
Pricing: Noodles start at $9.50
Pros:
- Consistently good noodles.
- Efficient and friendly service.
- Convenient location, especially for downtown workers.
Cons:
- Noodles contain peanut oil, so are not suitable for nut allergy sufferers.
Location: 66 Edward St, Toronto, ON M5G 1C9
Google Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5 (1,435 reviews)
Overall, GB Hand-Pulled Noodles is a cozy and busy noodle shop that anyone looking for a tasty noodle dish would love. Customers are guaranteed a delicious and authentic meal with a Google rating of 4.3 stars out of 1400 reviews and authentic pulled noodles.
Pearl Harbourfront Chinese Cuisine
“Serving award-winning Chinese cuisine”
Enjoy delicate and hand-made dim sum dishes at Pearl Harbourfront. (Image source: Pearl Harbourfront Chinese Cuisine Instagram)
Pearl Harbourfront Chinese Cuisine is a restaurant that offers award-winning, authentic Chinese cuisine, alongside stunning panoramic views of Toronto’s Waterfront. The restaurant takes great pride in perfecting their craft, offering delicate and hand-made dim sum dishes that are a special attraction for visitors.
In addition, the tea options are extensive, with something to suit everyone’s taste buds, including Chrysanthemum, jasmine, and oolong tea. The menu is easy to navigate with both English and Chinese descriptions, and orders are taken using an order form.
Pricing: Noodles start at $16.00
Pros:
- Beautiful view of the harbor/lake
- Good quality and fresh ingredients in the dishes
- Excellent service
Cons:
- Some dishes are a little more expensive for the portions
Location: 207 Queens Quay W Unit 200, Toronto, ON M5J 1A7
Google Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5 (1,186 reviews)
A Flavorful Journey You Won’t Forget
In conclusion, Toronto offers a wide variety of authentic Chinese cuisine that can satisfy anyone’s craving for delicious food. With so many options available, it’s easy to unleash your taste buds and indulge in the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine.
Feel free to venture out and discover the plethora of restaurants available in Toronto, as they offer some of the finest Chinese cuisines in the city. Your taste buds are sure to be delighted!