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Chinese Restaurants in New Orleans

If you think New Orleans is all about gumbo and po’boys, wait till you try the city’s Chinese food scene. It’s easy to overlook since Chinatown here isn’t like in bigger cities, but that’s kind of the charm. You get authentic flavors with a little Southern twist. Places like Shanghai Dumpling or Joy Chinese Restaurant keep it simple but tasty. And if you’re around the Mid-City area, check out Shi Wei for some really hearty dishes that don’t mess around.

A little tip: many locals swear by the crab rangoon at some spots here,yep, it’s a big deal. Also, if you ask for less oil, most kitchens are happy to tweak your dish. And don’t be shocked if you spot some Cajun influences sneaking into the menu here and there; it’s New Orleans after all. I’d skip the super touristy parts of town and head where the locals eat,that’s where you’ll find the best noodle soups and dim sum on the weekends.
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Where to get great Chinese food

If you’re roaming around New Orleans craving Chinese food, avoid the temptation to settle for the generic chains downtown. Instead, try venturing out to spots like Joy Chinese Restaurant near the airport for real-deal spicy dishes or head over to Mid-City and pick up some dumplings at Shanghai Dumpling.

One of my favorite things to do is order a few small plates and share. The flavors here hit different than your usual takeout,more homestyle and less commercial. And hey, if you’re lucky enough to be in town on a weekend, see if any local spots are running dim sum specials,it’s rare but worth it. Also, late-night cravings? Some places stay open later than you’d expect in NOLA, which is a big plus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about Chinese food in New Orleans? Here’s some honest answers.

Honestly, it depends what you’re craving. For classic Sichuan heat, I like Joy Chinese Restaurant on Airline. If you want dumplings and noodle soups, Shanghai Dumpling in Mid-City usually hits the spot.

Dim sum isn’t as common here as in other cities, but Shi Wei sometimes has weekend dim sum specials if you call ahead. It’s not endless carts but solid portions worth trying if timing lines up.

You’ll find some fusion touches here and there, especially dishes with a little blackened spice or local seafood in stir-fries. It’s subtle, but it’s a thing. Just ask your server what’s special that day.

Definitely. Most do takeout and many are on delivery apps. But fair warning, weekends get busy so call ahead to avoid disappointment if you want popular dishes like spicy noodles or crispy duck.

Vegetarian options are a bit limited but growing. Places like Old Sichuan have a handful of meat-free dishes. If you’re downtown, expect to find mostly standard fare, but just ask,they can often vegan-ify a lot.

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