How to Find Chinese Food in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is a coastal city rich in cultural diversity, and its culinary landscape reflects that vibrancy. Among the most beloved and widely consumed cuisines is Chinese food — a dynamic fusion of regional traditions, immigrant heritage, and local innovation. Whether you’re craving authentic Sichuan peppercorn stir-fry, delicate dim sum, or hearty Cantonese noodle soups, Long Beach offers an impressive array of options. But with dozens of restaurants, food halls, and hidden gems scattered across neighborhoods, knowing where to look — and how to find the best — can be overwhelming.

This guide is designed for food enthusiasts, newcomers, residents, and visitors seeking to navigate Long Beach’s Chinese food scene with confidence. You’ll learn not only where to find great Chinese food, but how to evaluate quality, understand regional differences, use digital tools effectively, and uncover local secrets that most tourists miss. This isn’t just a list of restaurants — it’s a comprehensive strategy for discovering authentic, delicious, and culturally rich Chinese dining experiences in Long Beach.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Regional Diversity Within Chinese Cuisine

Before you start searching for Chinese food in Long Beach, it’s essential to recognize that “Chinese food” is not a monolith. China is a vast country with eight major regional cuisines, each with distinct flavors, ingredients, and techniques. In Long Beach, you’ll primarily encounter Cantonese, Sichuan, Hunan, Fujian, and Mandarin-style dishes — but the availability varies by neighborhood and restaurant specialization.

Cantonese cuisine, originating from Guangdong Province, dominates many Long Beach establishments due to early immigration patterns. Think steamed fish, char siu (barbecued pork), and dim sum. Sichuan food, known for its bold heat and numbing spice from Sichuan peppercorns, is increasingly popular, with restaurants like those in the East Asian corridor near Pacific Coast Highway offering fiery mapo tofu and dan dan noodles. Hunan cuisine is even spicier, with smoked meats and fermented ingredients, while Fujian dishes often feature seafood and broth-based soups.

Understanding these differences helps you ask the right questions. Instead of asking, “Do you have Chinese food?” try, “Do you serve Sichuan-style dishes?” or “Is your dim sum made fresh daily?” This level of specificity leads you to more authentic and satisfying meals.

Step 2: Identify Key Neighborhoods with High Concentrations of Chinese Restaurants

Long Beach doesn’t have a single “Chinatown,” but several neighborhoods serve as culinary hubs for Chinese dining. The most prominent include:

• East Asian Corridor (PCH between 7th and 12th Streets) – This stretch is home to a dense cluster of Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Korean eateries. Many Chinese restaurants here are family-run and have been operating for decades.
• Belmont Shore and Naples – While more upscale, these areas feature modern Chinese fusion restaurants and high-quality Cantonese spots with imported ingredients.
• Alamitos Beach and Downtown – Smaller but growing, with newer entrants offering regional specialties like Xi’an noodles or Yunnan-style rice rolls.

Use Google Maps or Apple Maps to search “Chinese restaurants near me” and filter by density. Look for clusters — restaurants grouped together often indicate a community of diners who support each other, which correlates with higher quality and authenticity.

Step 3: Use Online Reviews Strategically

Online reviews are powerful, but not all are created equal. Platforms like Yelp, Google Reviews, and Zomato offer insights, but you must interpret them wisely.

Look for reviews that mention:

• Specific dishes (“The dan dan noodles had real Sichuan peppercorn buzz”)
• Language spoken by staff (“The owner spoke Mandarin and helped us order”)
• Ingredients (“Used real black vinegar, not the cheap kind”)
• Timing (“Dim sum cart came by every 10 minutes”)

Avoid reviews that simply say “good food” or “nice ambiance.” These are generic and unhelpful. Instead, prioritize reviews from users who identify as Chinese, Asian American, or frequent travelers to China — their feedback often reflects deeper cultural knowledge.

Also, check the date of reviews. A restaurant that was excellent in 2020 may have changed ownership or lost quality in 2024. Focus on the last 6–12 months of feedback.

Step 4: Look for Signs of Authenticity

Authentic Chinese restaurants often have subtle indicators that distinguish them from Americanized chains:

• Multilingual menus – Menus with Chinese characters alongside English suggest the restaurant caters to native speakers and maintains cultural roots.
• Seasonal offerings – Look for dishes tied to Chinese holidays or seasons, like mooncakes in autumn or hot pot in winter.
• Unusual ingredients – Dishes featuring pig’s blood, century eggs, dried scallops, or fermented tofu are strong indicators of authenticity.
• Local clientele – If the majority of diners are Chinese-speaking, it’s likely the food is trusted and authentic.
• No Americanized dishes – Avoid places that list “chow mein” or “fortune cookies” as signature items — these are largely American inventions.

Some restaurants may not have English menus at all. Don’t be afraid to use translation apps like Google Lens to scan the menu or ask for recommendations in Mandarin or Cantonese. Many servers appreciate the effort.

Step 5: Visit During Peak Hours for Dim Sum and Lunch Specials

Dim sum — the traditional Cantonese brunch of small steamed or fried dishes — is a cornerstone of authentic Chinese dining. In Long Beach, the best dim sum is served on carts between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekends.

Go early. Restaurants like Golden Dragon Restaurant and Shanghai Pavilion fill up quickly. If you arrive after 1 p.m., the best items — like har gow (shrimp dumplings) and siu mai (pork dumplings) — are often sold out.

Similarly, lunch specials (typically $8–$12) offer the best value. These are often daily specials designed for working locals and reflect the kitchen’s most popular, freshly prepared dishes. Look for signs that say “Lunch Special” or “午市特惠” (Wǔshì Tèhuì).

Step 6: Explore Food Halls and Markets

Long Beach has several food halls and Asian markets that house multiple Chinese vendors under one roof. These are goldmines for variety and affordability.

• Long Beach Asian Market (7120 E. Pacific Coast Hwy) – A bustling market with a small food court featuring a Sichuan noodle stall, a dumpling counter, and a dessert vendor serving red bean buns.
• China Town Plaza (1200 E. 7th St) – A multi-vendor complex with a family-run Jiangsu restaurant, a tea shop, and a bakery selling fresh scallion pancakes.

These venues allow you to sample multiple cuisines in one visit. Try a bowl of hand-pulled noodles from one stall, then move to another for braised pork belly rice. It’s an immersive experience that mirrors the diversity of Chinese culinary traditions.

Step 7: Ask Locals and Join Online Communities

Some of the best recommendations come from people who live and eat in Long Beach daily. Join local Facebook groups like “Long Beach Foodies” or “Southern California Chinese Food Lovers.” Ask specific questions: “Where’s the best beef brisket noodle soup in Long Beach?” or “Is the new Hunan place on 7th still open?”

Follow Instagram accounts like @longbeach.eats or @chinesefoodinlb — many food bloggers post daily updates, photos of dishes, and real-time reviews. Don’t hesitate to comment and ask for personal recommendations.

Also, strike up conversations with staff at grocery stores like 99 Ranch Market or H-Mart. Cashiers and butchers often know which restaurants source their ingredients — a strong sign of quality.

Step 8: Visit During Cultural Events

Long Beach hosts annual events that spotlight Chinese culture and cuisine. The Long Beach Lunar New Year Festival (typically in January or February) features food vendors from across the region, many of whom don’t have permanent restaurants.

During these events, you may taste rare dishes like lion’s head meatballs, glutinous rice wrapped in lotus leaves, or yusheng (raw fish salad) — delicacies rarely found on regular menus. Attendees often include chefs from China who come to showcase regional specialties.

Check the Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau calendar or follow @longbeachcultural on social media for event announcements.

Step 9: Order Online with Intent

While delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats are convenient, they often misrepresent the quality of Chinese food. Many restaurants package dim sum or stir-fries in ways that ruin texture and flavor.

When ordering online:

• Look for restaurants that offer “pickup only” — these are often the most authentic and avoid delivery compromises.
• Check if the menu includes “for pickup” or “for delivery” versions — some dishes are modified for delivery.
• Order dishes that travel well: braised meats, dumplings, rice bowls, and soups. Avoid crispy items like spring rolls unless you’re picking up within 10 minutes.

Always leave a note: “Please keep the dumplings separate from sauce” or “Use fresh ginger, not powdered.” Many kitchens will accommodate if asked politely.

Step 10: Trust Your Senses and Be Willing to Explore

Don’t rely solely on rankings or reviews. Sometimes the best Chinese food in Long Beach is found in a strip mall with no sign, a parking lot full of Asian plates, and a line of locals waiting outside.

Walk into places that look unassuming. If the kitchen is visible and steam is rising from the windows, that’s a good sign. Smell the air — authentic Chinese food has layered aromas: soy, star anise, sesame oil, and fermented black beans. If it smells like generic soy sauce and fried oil, move on.

Be adventurous. Try the off-menu items. Ask, “What do you eat here for breakfast?” or “What’s your favorite dish that’s not on the menu?” Many chefs will gladly share their personal favorites.

Best Practices

Practice Cultural Respect

When dining at Chinese restaurants, especially those owned by immigrants, cultural respect enhances your experience. Avoid asking, “Is this real Chinese food?” — it implies skepticism about authenticity. Instead, say, “I’ve never tried this dish before — can you tell me about it?”

Use chopsticks properly. Don’t stick them upright in rice (a symbol of death in Chinese culture). Don’t tap bowls with chopsticks (associated with beggars). These small gestures show appreciation and often lead to better service and even complimentary dishes.

Learn Basic Phrases

Knowing a few phrases in Mandarin or Cantonese can transform your experience:

• 谢谢 (Xièxie) – Thank you
• 好吃 (Hǎochī) – Delicious
• 这个多少钱？ (Zhège duōshǎo qián?) – How much is this?
• 辣吗？ (Là ma?) – Is it spicy?
• 有菜单吗？ (Yǒu càidān ma?) – Do you have a menu?

Even a simple “Xièxie” spoken with a smile can open doors to hidden menu items or extra servings.

Support Family-Owned Businesses

Many of Long Beach’s most authentic Chinese restaurants are family-run, sometimes for three generations. These businesses often operate on thin margins and rely on community loyalty. Choose them over corporate chains or franchises.

Family-owned spots rarely have glossy websites or social media teams — they survive on word of mouth. That’s often a sign of genuine quality.

Order in Groups

Chinese dining is communal. Order multiple dishes to share — this is how you experience the full spectrum of flavors. A group of four should order 4–6 dishes, including a soup, a stir-fry, a steamed item, and a rice or noodle base.

Sharing allows you to taste more varieties and reduces waste. It also encourages conversation and connection — a core value in Chinese dining culture.

Ask About Ingredients

Many Chinese restaurants use high-quality, imported ingredients — soy sauce from Fujian, dried shrimp from Guangdong, black vinegar from Zhejiang. Ask, “Where do you get your soy sauce?” or “Is your ginger fresh or imported?”

Restaurants that take pride in sourcing will gladly explain. Those that hesitate or give vague answers may be cutting corners.

Timing Matters

Don’t go to a dim sum restaurant at 4 p.m. — the carts are gone, and the kitchen is cleaning up. Don’t expect lunch specials after 3 p.m. — they’re gone. Restaurants in Long Beach often close early on weekdays (around 8 p.m.) and reopen for dinner only on weekends.

Check hours on Google Maps before you go. Many places update their hours seasonally or during holidays.

Tip Generously — But Understand the Culture

In China, tipping is not customary. In Long Beach, many Chinese restaurants operate on tight margins, and staff rely on tips. However, some servers may refuse tips, especially if they are recent immigrants.

Instead of cash tips, consider leaving a generous online review, bringing friends, or buying extra tea or desserts to share with the staff. These gestures are deeply appreciated.

Tools and Resources

Google Maps and Google Reviews

Google Maps remains the most reliable tool for discovering Chinese restaurants in Long Beach. Use filters like “open now,” “highly rated,” and “delivery.” Click on photos — real customer photos show what the food actually looks like, not the staged restaurant images.

Sort reviews by “Most Relevant” and scan for keywords: “authentic,” “homemade,” “family recipe,” “fresh,” “no MSG,” “hand-pulled,” “steamed daily.”

Yelp

Yelp is excellent for identifying “hidden gems.” Use the “Chinese” category filter and sort by “Highest Rated.” Look for restaurants with 4.5+ stars and 100+ reviews — these have been tested over time.

Pay attention to the “Photos” section. Authentic restaurants often have photos of steaming dumplings, handwritten menus, or crowded tables — not just clean table settings.

OpenTable and Resy

For upscale Chinese restaurants like Chinatown Kitchen or Dragon Phoenix, use OpenTable to book tables for weekend dim sum. Resy occasionally features pop-up Chinese chefs from China — keep an eye on their events calendar.

Food Blogs and Podcasts

Follow these local resources:

• “The Long Beach Eats Podcast” – Episodes 14, 22, and 31 focus exclusively on Chinese cuisine.
• “Taste of Chinatown” Blog (tasteofchinatownlb.com) – A curated guide with maps, interviews with chefs, and seasonal guides.
• “Eat Like a Local LA” (Instagram) – Posts weekly spotlights on Long Beach’s Chinese vendors.

Asian Grocery Stores as Resource Hubs

Visit 99 Ranch Market, H-Mart, or Seafood City. These stores often have bulletin boards with flyers for local Chinese restaurants, events, and cooking classes. The food court inside these markets is usually run by the same owners as nearby restaurants — a direct link to authenticity.

Ask the staff: “Which restaurant do you go to after work?” Their answer is often the most reliable.

Mobile Apps for Translation and Discovery

Use Google Translate’s camera feature to scan Chinese menus. Apps like Papago (by Naver) are especially accurate for Chinese characters.

For discovery, try Triposo or Foodspotting — both allow you to search by dish (“mapo tofu,” “wonton soup”) and filter by location.

Local Libraries and Cultural Centers

The Long Beach Public Library offers free access to databases like OverDrive, where you can download books on Chinese regional cuisines. Visit the Chinese Cultural Center on 7th Street — they host monthly food tours and cooking demos.

Real Examples

Example 1: Golden Dragon Restaurant — The Dim Sum Standard

Located at 701 E. 7th Street, Golden Dragon has been serving dim sum since 1985. It’s a no-frills, family-run spot with plastic chairs and a bustling kitchen visible through a pass-through window.

What makes it special:

• Dim sum carts roll every 8–10 minutes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends.
• They make their own shrimp paste for har gow — no frozen filling.
• Staff speak Cantonese primarily; English menus are available but rarely used by regulars.
• Order the “triple delight dumpling” — a mix of pork, shrimp, and crab meat.

Customers often arrive before 10 a.m. to secure a table. Parking is limited — consider biking or using rideshare.

Example 2: Sichuan Spice House — The Bold Flavor Destination

At 8200 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Sichuan Spice House is a destination for spice lovers. The owner, originally from Chengdu, insists on using Sichuan peppercorns imported directly from the Sichuan province.

Signature dishes:

• Mapo Tofu with fermented black beans and ground pork — served with a side of chili oil for customization.
• Chongqing Chicken — fried chicken tossed in dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns.
• Hand-pulled beef noodles — made fresh daily, the dough is stretched by hand in view of diners.

They don’t have a website. No online ordering. Walk-ins only. But the line moves fast, and the flavor is unforgettable.

Example 3: Long Beach Asian Market Food Court — The Ultimate Sampling Experience

This unassuming plaza at 7120 E. Pacific Coast Hwy houses six Chinese vendors:

• Wu’s Noodles – Xi’an-style biang biang noodles, wide and chewy, with cumin lamb.
• Mei’s Dumplings – Steamed pork and chive dumplings with a vinegar dipping sauce.
• Tea & Tofu – Cold tofu with sesame sauce and pickled mustard greens.
• Dragon’s Desserts – Red bean paste buns and sweet taro balls in ginger syrup.

Cost: $5–$10 per dish. You can eat all six in one visit for under $50. It’s the best way to experience the breadth of Chinese food in one afternoon.

Example 4: Shanghai Pavilion — The Hidden Luxury

Hidden inside a quiet strip mall at 1000 E. 12th Street, Shanghai Pavilion offers refined Jiangsu cuisine — a style known for its sweetness, elegance, and slow braising.

Must-try:

• Braised pork belly with preserved mustard greens — cooked for 6 hours.
• Stewed abalone with mushroom broth — imported from Fujian.
• Tea-smoked duck — served with pancakes and hoisin.

Reservations required. No online menu. Call ahead. The chef, a former Shanghai hotel executive, often joins tables to explain dishes. It’s a rare, intimate experience.

FAQs

What is the best time to go for dim sum in Long Beach?

The best time is between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on weekends. Arrive by 10:15 a.m. to avoid long waits. After 1:30 p.m., the best items are usually sold out.

Are there vegetarian Chinese food options in Long Beach?

Yes. Many restaurants offer tofu, mushroom, and vegetable stir-fries. Ask for “vegetarian” (素食, sùshí) or “no meat, no fish, no egg.” Buddhist vegetarian restaurants like Vegetarian Heaven on 7th Street serve full vegan Chinese meals.

Is it safe to eat at places without English menus?

Yes — often, these are the most authentic. Use Google Lens to scan the menu, or point to pictures. Staff are usually happy to help. Avoid places where no one speaks any English and no menu is visible — these may be unlicensed operations.

Do Chinese restaurants in Long Beach use MSG?

Some do, some don’t. Many traditional restaurants use naturally occurring glutamates from fermented soy and dried seafood. If you’re sensitive, ask, “Do you add MSG?” Most will say no or offer to prepare without.

Can I find halal Chinese food in Long Beach?

Yes. A few restaurants, like Halal Wok on Atlantic Avenue, serve halal-certified Chinese dishes using halal meat and no pork or alcohol-based sauces.

What’s the difference between Cantonese and Sichuan food?

Cantonese food is mild, fresh, and focuses on seafood and steaming. Sichuan food is bold, spicy, and numbing, with heavy use of chili and Sichuan peppercorns. One is delicate; the other is intense.

Do I need to make reservations?

For dim sum on weekends — yes, if you want a table. For casual spots, no. For upscale places like Shanghai Pavilion — always yes.

How do I know if a restaurant is worth the wait?

If locals are waiting, if the kitchen is visible and active, if the smell is rich and layered, and if the menu has unusual dishes — it’s worth it. Long lines are often a sign of quality, not inconvenience.

Can I bring my own alcohol to Chinese restaurants?

No. California law prohibits BYOB unless the restaurant has a liquor license. Most Chinese restaurants in Long Beach do not serve alcohol — they focus on tea, rice wine, or soft drinks.

What should I do if I don’t like spicy food?

Always say, “Bù là” (不辣) — “not spicy.” Avoid dishes with “chili,” “hot,” or “spicy” in the name. Stick to steamed, braised, or stir-fried dishes with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic — these are typically mild.

Conclusion

Finding authentic Chinese food in Long Beach isn’t about following a checklist — it’s about engaging with a living, evolving culture. The best meals aren’t always the most Instagrammable or the most expensive. Often, they’re the ones served in a quiet corner of a strip mall, prepared by hands that have been making the same dish for 40 years.

This guide has equipped you with the tools, knowledge, and mindset to navigate Long Beach’s Chinese food scene with confidence and curiosity. From understanding regional cuisines to reading between the lines of online reviews, from visiting food markets to asking the right questions — every step brings you closer to the heart of what makes Chinese food in Long Beach so special.

Don’t just eat. Explore. Listen. Taste with intention. Let the aromas guide you. Let the conversations deepen your understanding. And when you find that perfect bowl of hand-pulled noodles or that steaming basket of har gow — remember: you didn’t just find a restaurant. You found a story.

Long Beach’s Chinese food scene is waiting — not to be discovered by tourists, but to be honored by those willing to look beyond the surface. Go now. Eat well. And come back again.