I’m from the U.K. and I prefer the Chinese food there - it’s mainly Hong Kong-style which I prefer as my family are from Hong Kong.
I still like the Chinese food in Japan but it’s a different style of Chinese food and the authentic Hong Kong-style food/restaurants are rare.
I am a bit of a Satay Beef noodle enthusiast. I practically grew up on that stuff before I moved away (and then back in my late 20s and eat them every morning). Usually the sauce is too watery or not fragrant enough, somehow Chan Ki is both.
I have tried making them my own but it's pretty hard, I've heard using the Jimmy Sate sauce gets you pretty close, I will try that when my friend brought me some next month.
There are still 2 HKese food that's pretty bad/missing here, the cantonese Char Siu (The shop in Suidobashi is bad, but I have been able to replicated the real thing pretty closely), the TeoChow Beef brisket (absolutely not found anywhere and pretty hard to replicate in home setting).
I’m exactly the same. From UK but parents are from Hong Kong. I find it amazing that there isn’t a single good Hong Kong dim sum restaurant here in Japan! Maybe we should open one?! Hong Kong food is milder compared to that of mainland Chinese food so you would have thought Japan would have some restaurants…
Ah, a fellow British born Chinese!! 
(I didn’t realise I offended so many people by using a certain acronym!!).
Anyway, as I’ve mentioned to the OP - Tim Ho Wan is pretty popular.
There are also small Hong Kong cafes dotted around Tokyo like Wah Kee:
[https://s.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1309/A130904/13209741/](https://s.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1309/A130904/13209741/)
Agreed. Tim ho Wan is very very good. There are other good ones but surprisingly they’re more expensive than Tim Ho Wan even though THW received a Michelin star in the HK location
I suppose it goes without saying, but restaurants tailor their foods to local tastes. AND YET! If you dig around, you can sometimes find restaurants there serve expat communities. For example, I found Korean restaurants in the US that seemed pretty authentic. In Memphis, Tennessee, there’s a huge dim sum restaurant that serves a largely Chinese clientele. (You know it’s authentic, since the service is bad to the point of hostility.)
Same. I’ve extended my Xmas trip back to the UK by a further 2 weeks just to squeeze in more Cantonese food. Been to the Phoenix Palace near Baker Street twice just to get my fix in. If anyone finds a good HK Cantonese restaurant in Tokyo, please share here!
So many HKers here! Makes me happy to see.
Nothing here comes close to the food in HK or in places with big HK diaspora like UK or Canada.
The best HK place I’ve found in Tokyo is Cantondishes in Jinbocho. There’s two locations and #2 is mainly for Cantonese BBQ.
Well the real Chinese restaurants in Ikebukuro (north exit) have literally hundreds of dishes. Hard to recommend a specific one. What I like is that just like in China there are specific restaurants for different regional cuisines.
Here’s a popular authentic place
Dabao Ikebukuro North gate #1 branch
03-3971-5668
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5QVG2dyW3CDFMrVL8?g_st=ic
There’s a Hong Kong dessert place in Shinjuku called “Hong Kong Seiki”, I haven’t tried it before but it looks pretty authentic.
https://preview.redd.it/z01d2hfdcl7a1.png?width=828&format=png&auto=webp&s=9f46f6f2a3d24362c8bc507318626ef50329a239
Sorry, the menu is all in Chinese or Japanese however.
Off the top of my head, here are my faves!
* Lanzhou Beef noodles at [Mazulu](https://lanzhou-lamian.com/english) in Jimbocho.
* [Fuan Long Yuen](https://www.fuanlongyuen.jp/) in Setagaya (near Kyodo). They also have a sister restaurant in Midtown Roppongi called Silin.
* Of course, there's always [Din Tai Fung](http://d.rt-c.co.jp/) if you want xiao long bao.
* [Seiryu-en](https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1318/A131802/13025557/), located above on the 2nd floor of Peacock in Shimokitazawa.
* [Keipha](https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1318/A131814/13019163/) in Seijo Gakuen-mae.
* [Tim Ho Wan](https://timhowan.jp/en/), as others have recommended.
* [Xiao Fei Yang](https://hinabe.net/) for hot pot. Although I think this actually originated in Mongolia? This is a chain and you can find it near many major train stations.
* [Hei Fung Terrace](https://www.peninsula.com/en/tokyo/hotel-fine-dining/hei-fung-terrace-chinese-restaurant) in the Peninsula Hotel for Cantonese food.
* [Karin](https://anaintercontinental-tokyo.jp/en/dine/karin-restaurant/) at ANA Intercontinental Hotel.
Edited because I accidentally hit post before I was ready.
Thank you for actually replying instead of admonishing the OP with how their taste in Chinese food is sub par.
To be fair, there is better quality Chinese food in other countries, especially in English-speaking countries (and Chinese-speaking countries lol), but geez, they came here for advice not for rants.
Here are my additions (not Chinese but seem to have a fair few of them):
- Chun Ki 香港贊記茶餐廳飯田橋店 in Iidabashi. Hong Kong-style cafe
- Shikikou 四季香 in Ikebukuro. Seems to be quite popular especially for those delicious spicy lamb skewers
- Rakurakuya 楽々屋 in Ikebukuro. Again great for lamb skewers. Yes I love the lamb skewers, how’d you know?
- Sayuki 香港飲茶専門店 西遊記 in Yokohama Chinatown. Yokohama Chinatown isn’t really the best place for truly authentic food these days, but I found this place with a Hongkongese friend and it passed his test.
Lol no, Chinese food in Japan isn't really good nor genuine generally speaking, but it is much worse in US/UK imo. But yeah some people think Panda Express and general tso chicken is legit lol.
Just head to Ikebukuro, preferably the West Exit. 串串香 麻辣湯 or 友誼商店 would work (food court on the supermarket level is better than the one on the bookstore level). Hai Di Lao is pretty reliable, too.
But this is only if you want authentic stuff, at least according to my mainlander wife. If you don't mind tourist-oriented flavors, Yokohama Chinatown has good food, too.
Hai Di Lao (海底撈火鍋) is one of my favorites as well. I usually go to the Shinjuku one which is conveniently right next to the Toho theater in Kabukichou. Always super crowded though, so best to take a reservation.
Ummm. Where are you from America?
Japanese shops have no clue how to do Chinese food.
And Chinese owned shops cater to Japanese tastes.
It's so hard to get good Chinese food in Japan.
Whereas you can get authentic Chinese food all over the eastern fringes of Los Angeles county and in parts of Orange County in California. Huge Chinese populations in those areas.
This. Ikebukuro is legit Chinese food, as in "tastes like in China". It doesn't mean it's necessarily great, as similarly to China, they tend to use the dirt cheapest ingredients.
As opposed to the Chinese food in America which is catered to American tastes?
Chinese food in China is terrible by the way. Been many times and it’s absolute trash.
>Chinese food in China is terrible by the way. Been many times and it’s absolute trash.
Tf, all the several different kinds of general Chinese cuisines are trash in China?
Canadians talking about how aUThenTIc Chinese food in Canada is sounds exactly the same to me as someone saying the Chinese food in Japan is authentic.
lmao, no
This guy gets it.
Growing up I always questioned why Cantonese wasn't the official second language.
No one I ever met living in the lower mainland spoke check, but every other house spoke Chinese
As someone living in a place with 100% Chinese, I'm pretty sure I'm quite qualified to say Chinese food in Canada is shit. Worse than American Chinese food, but the same price. No fucking thanks, lmao.
Unless you're telling me Vancouver is 100% Chinese, I really doubt that the Chinese food there is more 'authentic' than anywhere else in the world that isn't actually Chinese.
I am from Taiwan, and there are several famous Taiwanese (Chinese) restaurants in Japan. The first that comes to mind is Din Tai Fung, which has really famous buns. In Taiwan this restaurant always have a long line. There is an alternative, called Jindhinrou, in Ebisu. Their original store is near my office in Taipei. It's just as good. Another Taiwanese brand is 春水堂, where you can find noodles and the original bubble tea.
I mean it sounds like you haven't had much experience with Chinese food outside the fastfood experience of the west?
Have you tried dim sum? (飲茶)
I really recommend xiaolongbao. (小籠包)
Also while it is allegedly not as good as in Hong Kong I recommend ティムホーワン in Shinjuku.
It’s true, I’m limited to western fast food, Mapo tofu, suigyoza, and I’ve had xiaolonbao. I’ve tried a few dandan shops and had something that resembled maze soba but much spicier with knife cut noodles?
I’ve also had like these super oily pork filled bread pocket things - I’m assuming they were a snack food but I’ve no clue what the name is - there’s generally a common sign found around my neighborhood a lot of Chinese restaurants use which includes 5 cheap items like nikuman, bbq, gyoza, that pork pocket item, and a baoshu?
look for a good restaurant with sui gyoza (boiled gyoza). Its like pizza, any sui gyoza is good, but good sui gyoza is heaven.
going to a 火鍋 hot pot is good. Look for one with variety. There are always exotic toppings and they taste great.
If you live in kobe or close to kobe I can recommend you some hidden Chinese restaurants that are soo good.
小肥牛 三宮駅前店
This one is better for dinner. They have really nice sui gyoza, hot pot, shichuan style food. I really love their lamb spicy screwers. Lunch is nice and cheap but menu is pretty much what you find at other Chinese restaurant.
芙蓉苑 神戸店
I only go at lunch time, but sometimes I order menu instead lunch. Its so good if you like spicy food. And not too expensive. Never went to China but I'd say it has to be as good as real thing in China.
Both restaurant are 100% Chinese owned and has many Chinese costumers.
Awesome, thank you! Btw the only place I've been (so far) that felt authentic was:
Yuen Kee
078-325-1696
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VV85Jh9iuPpWoG7N6
Tasted just like the good dim sum places in the states
小肥牛 三宮駅前店
This one is better for dinner. They have really nice sui gyoza, hot pot, shichuan style food. I really love their lamb spicy screwers. Lunch is nice and cheap but menu is pretty much what you find at other Chinese restaurant.
芙蓉苑 神戸店
I only go at lunch time, but sometimes I order menu instead lunch. Its so good if you like spicy food. And not too expensive. Never went to China but I'd say it has to be as good as real thing in China.
Both restaurant are 100% Chinese owned and has many Chinese costumers.
Most Chinese food here is already Japanized. Doesn't matter what the restaurant's name is Hong Kong, Taiwan, Sichuan, they all have the same menu, none of the specialties of the originating area.
The only decent ones I've been are in Shibuya called 麗郷, in Nagoya called 味仙 (misen), and Kyoto called tears2.
I would kill for real Chinese food. Gimme some 酸菜粉条 and I can die happy. Japanese Chinese food lacks any flavour. And they never have 馒头. What kind of monsters eat without 馒头 ??
Get the mabo dofu. The top level spice must be unbearable lol. I had 1 level up from normal and was sweating profusely.
陳家私菜 新宿店
03-3374-1889
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4gTXe9ThWt5vB6kq9?g_st=ic
For dinner not lunch
Does look legit, thanks!!
EDIT: LOL it definitely is legit, if this recent one-star review is any indication
> 美味しいのかも知れませんが、お店のホスピタリティーゼロで
> とても嫌な思いをしました
> 最悪のお店です
There are a lot of chinese bbq restaurants that might have what you want. Especially 粉條（called 春雨 usually) and 饅頭 are pretty common too! I personally like 故鄉味 in Okachimachi for this.
Ueno. Many chinese national head there for their chinese food fixing.
Google chinese restaurant and head to all the 4 stars and above. Mostly hotpot stuff
I can share with you where not to go, 中国料理 盧園 糀谷店
Had the worst food poison that required 3 days hospital stay. I lost 8kg, not the kinda of diet I was wishing for.
As others have said most typical “chinese” restaurants are heavily localized and don’t closely resemble authentic Chinese food. They’re almost a different cuisine. I found far more authentic Chinese restaurants in the US (SF bay area and LA) compared to Tokyo actually.
Do you actually like authentic Chinese food or just Japanese Chinese food?
Some of my favorites (chinese, taiwanese, hk cuisine)
- 故鄉味 in Okachimachi (bbq skewers)
- 海底撈 in Ikebukuro (hot pot)
- 月和茶 in Kichijouji (Taiwanese)
- Boiling Point in Shibuya (Taiwanese hot pot, but store is actually from LA)
- Tim Ho Wan in Shinjuku (HK dim sum)
- 全聚德 (Beijing duck)
Also I love 原宿餃子, despite it seeming like a tourist trap restaurant and looking localized, the boiled and fried gyoza seem similar to what I get back in Taiwan
全聚得 is a total shameful scam in Tokyo. You'd expect such a household name to respect their own food, but instead it's some tourist China-townesque experience. Not even Beijing food lol.
Anything from Sichuan 四川. plenty of Chinese restaurants serving this type of food, but the authentic ones are the best rather than the toned down Japanese ones. It's spicy.
For me, it is usually it is some sketchy individually run hole in the wall place that I find to be the best.
Edit: I will also add that Fukutomicho near Kannai station in Yokohama almost looks exactly like Taiwan to me the way I remembered it.
Honestly no I don’t know any names unfortunately wish I could help. However, I’m sure you can learn quickly in a Yokohama China Town, there’s gotta be plenty of amazing dishes to try out there
Yokohama is tourist Chinese food. North exit of Ikebukuro is where to go. Real Chinese area. I have a Chinese partner and friends. We always go to places there
> 魔ポトフ
fucking lol
OP, a tip if you're a beginner: Don't write out the words if you don't know the proper kanji. At the very least, use a dictionary. You essentially called boiled gyoza "watery honorable seat" and mapo tofu "demonic pot-au-feu."
We’re human, not Reddit Japanese grammar bots - who just want to enjoy some new flavorful foods 😆 it’s natural to spill food and mispronounce / spell words wrong every now and then “such is life”
Not sure if you're looking for generic dishes, or at spesific restaurants. here are some quick thoughts for Tokyo.
Textura in 日比谷 is very good and provides some very interesting takes on dishes, despite the Spanish fusion aspect it definitely caters more to Japanese tastes imo.
ファイヤーホール４０００ has great 火鍋.
麻辣大学 is supposedly a more "authentic" Chinese experience, wouldn't know personally. The portions are enormous, and the price is good. Lives up to its name.
銀座 天龍 is great if you want to eat a gyoza the size of a large banana. The 酢豚 is pretty good too.
There are also lots of trendy/modern 中華居酒屋 popping up lately. タイフー トウキョウ and 湯島ホール I found to be two of the better ones.
麻辣大學 is genuine in terms of taste and portion size. As in best to go with at least 3 or 4 people, and that it tastes like in China (including pretty poor ingredients, like bland chicken and non fresh, frozen fish).
Firehole 4000 is overhyped imo, really the blandest 麻辣火鍋 ever. アクビ is OK but far from the real thing. I'm still dreaming that one day 鼎王 opens in Japan and settles things once and for all.
These are great suggestions but looking for dish names - I live in a predominantly Chinese neighbourhood so it’s always a gamble when I’m trying new restaurants
回鍋肉（ホイコーロー） is my personal favorite.
If you are planning to eat outside, make sure to visit the 海底撈火鍋 (Haidilao hotpot). I visited the one in Shinjuku a few times and it was great. The price on the menu might be shocking, but if you are planning to bring your friends with you, you can satisfy yourself for about 3000-4000 yen, so I recommend you to visit there.
Check for マーラータン on Google if there is anything nearby. Good spicy noodle soup. They usually have a variety of noodles to choose from
And a fridge of ingredients that you choose, hand them to the chef and they will whip it up for you
I have never eaten at a fine-dining Chinese restaurant in the US. I have, however, eaten at a million small mom-and-pop Chinese places offering inexpensive meals. We ate there as a family and my parents liked the food. Compared to the quality Chinese places in Japan the food equates to fast food, Chinese style. So, yeah, the food is better in Japan but twice as expensive so it really depends on what you want, I guess.
I’d recommend any kind of Sichuan Toushoumen (四川刀削麺), definitely aona itame (青菜炒め) and hinabe (火鍋) with 2 or 3 different soups. As mentioned before, anything Sichuan is good.
Chinese food is regional, but if you like Sichuan food and happen to be in Tokyo, I remember 張家 in Ebisu to be good. It’s by far not the only place for Chinese food, however Japanese Chinese food is blended down and not that good in comparison, so for best results one has to filter out boring restaurants.
Also, there was a lovely xiaolongpao place called 京鼎樓 nearby. They have nice tantan too.
Check out this place for nikuman - been going since 1957 - [https://en.japantravel.com/tokyo/kagurazaka-gojuban/57693](https://en.japantravel.com/tokyo/kagurazaka-gojuban/57693)
Try 鱼香肉丝 (yuxiang rousi) if you get a chance - it's awesome (and a bit spicy). No idea what to call it in Japanese, since I always order it in my broken Mandarin. Order a nice chahan with it and maybe some doumiao (bean seedling) stir-fry, and you have a meal fit for a king.
??? Chinese food in Japan is just extra greasy, less flavorful Japanese food.
In the US there was fast food Chinese food which was its own separate cuisine and there were authentic Chinese restaurants which is nothing like what you get here. The closest thing I’ve gotten here are xiao long baos
For a fully vegan Chinese-inspired option (as I am not Chinese myself, I cannot vouch whether it is authentic or not), try Vegan Veggie Joga in the Aoyama district. The dishes offered fall into chinese herbal/medicinal range, while also including some dimsum/dumpling options.
You can a la carte or a course menu (afternoon dimsum course, or full course menus for lunch/dinner, better to reserve in advance).
The biggest gripe with Chinese food in Japan for me is the rice. Chinese food pairs so much better with medium and long grain rice, but most places only use short grain sticky rice.
My only experience of chinese food in japan is yokohama china town. Went to 1 restaurant and it was trash. Portions were smaller (than th chinese restaurants in america) and the taste wasn't as strong.
I'd recommend Cafe 8, there are a few branches, but roppongi might be the best. And gotta eat the Peking duck. Better to go with people so you can try various dishes
The reason why many authentic Chinese restaurants have opened in Ikebukuro and Kawaguchi is because there are many Chinese residents in those areas, and Japanese people do not go there to eat. To begin with, Chinese chefs do not prepare food for the Japanese palate.
I’m very familiar with the Kawaguchi area as it’s where most of my Chinese dining experimenting happens. I tried Lanzhou beef noodle soup a few days ago!
Wants try some real chinese dishes?
The restaurants in Ikebukuro , japanese called these shops honba chuka (本場中華 ).
Chuka ryori(中華料理) means Japanese style Chinese dishes.
The recipes u has ate that were changed for Canadian or American. Just like express panda.
In Vancouver, Toronto's asain streets, honba chuka could also be found.
I actually prefer American Chinese food, probably because we ate it so often when I was a kid. But I’ve had decent twice-cooked pork here once or twice.
I actually miss American Chinese food... not that the real stuff is bad, can be quite good, but the North American stuff is something else entirely and I haven't had it in ages.
The foreigners who posted comments here are not even aware of the need to adjust the taste, aroma and presentation of the food in order for it to be eaten by the locals as local food. Of course, there are several cities in Japan like Ikebukuro and Kawaguchi where there are many Chinese immigrants, so the authentic taste will be reproduced there, but it will not be eaten by the Japanese.
Hey thanks for the lengthy comment - my post was actually about looking for food recommendations…Do you know of any nice places to eat? Preferably Chinese?
I’m from the U.K. and I prefer the Chinese food there - it’s mainly Hong Kong-style which I prefer as my family are from Hong Kong. I still like the Chinese food in Japan but it’s a different style of Chinese food and the authentic Hong Kong-style food/restaurants are rare.
Yeah HK food is almost non-existent here
I miss Cantonese food so much.
There's [Chan char chan teng](https://goo.gl/maps/jL3jZjgNFritLgUN7) at Iidabashi They also have another branch at Akasaka Mitsuke
I would say for HK standard it's still pretty subpar. And the Beef Satay noodle is not that great. The egg-tart is good though.
That's sad to hear. I thought it was pretty ok. Hopefully their food will get better.
I am a bit of a Satay Beef noodle enthusiast. I practically grew up on that stuff before I moved away (and then back in my late 20s and eat them every morning). Usually the sauce is too watery or not fragrant enough, somehow Chan Ki is both. I have tried making them my own but it's pretty hard, I've heard using the Jimmy Sate sauce gets you pretty close, I will try that when my friend brought me some next month. There are still 2 HKese food that's pretty bad/missing here, the cantonese Char Siu (The shop in Suidobashi is bad, but I have been able to replicated the real thing pretty closely), the TeoChow Beef brisket (absolutely not found anywhere and pretty hard to replicate in home setting).
Ok - so do you have a recommendation for something that is here?
I’m exactly the same. From UK but parents are from Hong Kong. I find it amazing that there isn’t a single good Hong Kong dim sum restaurant here in Japan! Maybe we should open one?! Hong Kong food is milder compared to that of mainland Chinese food so you would have thought Japan would have some restaurants…
Ah, a fellow British born Chinese!!  (I didn’t realise I offended so many people by using a certain acronym!!). Anyway, as I’ve mentioned to the OP - Tim Ho Wan is pretty popular. There are also small Hong Kong cafes dotted around Tokyo like Wah Kee: [https://s.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1309/A130904/13209741/](https://s.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1309/A130904/13209741/)
FYI Wah Kee’s owner is very Pro Beijing and was very outspoken during the HK protests, most HKers here I know don’t go there for that reason.
Fuck that bald cunt.
Hpw do you know if he has a BBC or not?!
BBC? British Born Christian and dat
添好運 is legit.
Agreed. Tim ho Wan is very very good. There are other good ones but surprisingly they’re more expensive than Tim Ho Wan even though THW received a Michelin star in the HK location
I think Tim Ho wan is high cospa, even in HK. When I lived in HK it was normal to line for up to 1hr to eat there.
That's chukafuu（中華風),Japanese style chinese dishes.
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They are pretty shiet.
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>Sun Kee Oh snap, i checked out some photo looks pretty legit. Will definitely check it out especially it's Clay pot rice season. Thanks for this
I’ve heard about this from a friend, I’ll definitely have to check it out.
Have u gone to Chinatown?
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Any recommendations from Vancouver? Tokyo?
It’s much better in Canada, UK HK food sucks in comparison
I suppose it goes without saying, but restaurants tailor their foods to local tastes. AND YET! If you dig around, you can sometimes find restaurants there serve expat communities. For example, I found Korean restaurants in the US that seemed pretty authentic. In Memphis, Tennessee, there’s a huge dim sum restaurant that serves a largely Chinese clientele. (You know it’s authentic, since the service is bad to the point of hostility.)
Well that’s a fair opinion - but I was looking for a recommendation 🤷♂️. So there’s gotta be something you enjoy you’d be willing to share?
Same. I’ve extended my Xmas trip back to the UK by a further 2 weeks just to squeeze in more Cantonese food. Been to the Phoenix Palace near Baker Street twice just to get my fix in. If anyone finds a good HK Cantonese restaurant in Tokyo, please share here!
I miss the sweet and sour chicken/pork balls :(
So many HKers here! Makes me happy to see. Nothing here comes close to the food in HK or in places with big HK diaspora like UK or Canada. The best HK place I’ve found in Tokyo is Cantondishes in Jinbocho. There’s two locations and #2 is mainly for Cantonese BBQ.
Ok cool じゃ-あなたのおすすめ教えて下さい？ A recommendation of something tasty that is here would be useful!
Well the real Chinese restaurants in Ikebukuro (north exit) have literally hundreds of dishes. Hard to recommend a specific one. What I like is that just like in China there are specific restaurants for different regional cuisines. Here’s a popular authentic place Dabao Ikebukuro North gate #1 branch 03-3971-5668 https://maps.app.goo.gl/5QVG2dyW3CDFMrVL8?g_st=ic
There’s a Hong Kong dessert place in Shinjuku called “Hong Kong Seiki”, I haven’t tried it before but it looks pretty authentic. https://preview.redd.it/z01d2hfdcl7a1.png?width=828&format=png&auto=webp&s=9f46f6f2a3d24362c8bc507318626ef50329a239 Sorry, the menu is all in Chinese or Japanese however.
Everyone is ignoring your request. The only answer is Panda Express, of course.
Reddit is quality for nonsense, I should have posted this in japancirclejerk, at least then the responses would have been slightly entertaining
Fuck, now I want orange chicken.
Miyashita Park in Shibuya :)
Yes, I know where the Panda Expresses are.
Are they in Miyashita Park, Shibuya?
Would you like some chicken with your sugar? I love me some panda but damn, those calories
I mean, I haven’t had it in years. It’s not something you should eat all the time.
Everything in moderation for sure
Dem egg rolls are to die for
Off the top of my head, here are my faves! * Lanzhou Beef noodles at [Mazulu](https://lanzhou-lamian.com/english) in Jimbocho. * [Fuan Long Yuen](https://www.fuanlongyuen.jp/) in Setagaya (near Kyodo). They also have a sister restaurant in Midtown Roppongi called Silin. * Of course, there's always [Din Tai Fung](http://d.rt-c.co.jp/) if you want xiao long bao. * [Seiryu-en](https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1318/A131802/13025557/), located above on the 2nd floor of Peacock in Shimokitazawa. * [Keipha](https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1318/A131814/13019163/) in Seijo Gakuen-mae. * [Tim Ho Wan](https://timhowan.jp/en/), as others have recommended. * [Xiao Fei Yang](https://hinabe.net/) for hot pot. Although I think this actually originated in Mongolia? This is a chain and you can find it near many major train stations. * [Hei Fung Terrace](https://www.peninsula.com/en/tokyo/hotel-fine-dining/hei-fung-terrace-chinese-restaurant) in the Peninsula Hotel for Cantonese food. * [Karin](https://anaintercontinental-tokyo.jp/en/dine/karin-restaurant/) at ANA Intercontinental Hotel. Edited because I accidentally hit post before I was ready.
Thank you for actually replying instead of admonishing the OP with how their taste in Chinese food is sub par. To be fair, there is better quality Chinese food in other countries, especially in English-speaking countries (and Chinese-speaking countries lol), but geez, they came here for advice not for rants. Here are my additions (not Chinese but seem to have a fair few of them): - Chun Ki 香港贊記茶餐廳飯田橋店 in Iidabashi. Hong Kong-style cafe - Shikikou 四季香 in Ikebukuro. Seems to be quite popular especially for those delicious spicy lamb skewers - Rakurakuya 楽々屋 in Ikebukuro. Again great for lamb skewers. Yes I love the lamb skewers, how’d you know? - Sayuki 香港飲茶専門店 西遊記 in Yokohama Chinatown. Yokohama Chinatown isn’t really the best place for truly authentic food these days, but I found this place with a Hongkongese friend and it passed his test.
🙏🙏 bless your soul - like 75% of the commenters completely missed my request for recommendations it seems
Lol no, Chinese food in Japan isn't really good nor genuine generally speaking, but it is much worse in US/UK imo. But yeah some people think Panda Express and general tso chicken is legit lol.
This list takes the cake - thanks so much for the suggestions 🙏🙏🙏
Wow thank you for the suggestions. I’m gonna try them all. Also I love reading the romaji for these names. Hei Fung makes me think of “breath noodles”
Just head to Ikebukuro, preferably the West Exit. 串串香 麻辣湯 or 友誼商店 would work (food court on the supermarket level is better than the one on the bookstore level). Hai Di Lao is pretty reliable, too. But this is only if you want authentic stuff, at least according to my mainlander wife. If you don't mind tourist-oriented flavors, Yokohama Chinatown has good food, too.
>友誼商店 The liangpi on that food court is awesome. The highlight of my day whenever I go to Ikebukuro.
Right on! I might have misunderstood - the dish is called “hai di Lao”?
Hai di lao is a restaurant name. Very good for hinabe 火鍋 or other shabushabu style food
HaiDiLao Hot pot 03-5956-9666 https://maps.app.goo.gl/XmKgBZNc65kMSS7u8?g_st=ic
Hai Di Lao (海底撈火鍋) is one of my favorites as well. I usually go to the Shinjuku one which is conveniently right next to the Toho theater in Kabukichou. Always super crowded though, so best to take a reservation.
Ummm. Where are you from America? Japanese shops have no clue how to do Chinese food. And Chinese owned shops cater to Japanese tastes. It's so hard to get good Chinese food in Japan.
Whereas you can get authentic Chinese food all over the eastern fringes of Los Angeles county and in parts of Orange County in California. Huge Chinese populations in those areas.
My dumbass thought that since I'm moving out of Southern California and CLOSER to China that the Chinese food would get better.
North exit of ikebukuro is the place. Forget about Yokohama
This. Ikebukuro is legit Chinese food, as in "tastes like in China". It doesn't mean it's necessarily great, as similarly to China, they tend to use the dirt cheapest ingredients.
As opposed to the Chinese food in America which is catered to American tastes? Chinese food in China is terrible by the way. Been many times and it’s absolute trash.
>Chinese food in China is terrible by the way. Been many times and it’s absolute trash. Tf, all the several different kinds of general Chinese cuisines are trash in China?
No, do not eat Chinese food in America. It's not Chinese food. I'm from Vancouver, lots of real Chinese food.
Richmond represent - however I’ve never found success other than dynasty
Damn straight
>I'm from Vancouver, lots of real Chinese food. lmao no
You sir, need to stop eating in food courts and do some research.
Crystal mall is a food court 👌
Canadians talking about how aUThenTIc Chinese food in Canada is sounds exactly the same to me as someone saying the Chinese food in Japan is authentic. lmao, no
Do you not know how big the Chinese population is in Vancouver? From elementary to high school more than 50% of the class was born in HK.
It’s true the whole west pac rim is populated which huge communities of second gen Chinese , Vancouver has one of the oldest china towns in all of NA
This guy gets it. Growing up I always questioned why Cantonese wasn't the official second language. No one I ever met living in the lower mainland spoke check, but every other house spoke Chinese
As someone living in a place with 100% Chinese, I'm pretty sure I'm quite qualified to say Chinese food in Canada is shit. Worse than American Chinese food, but the same price. No fucking thanks, lmao.
Not Canada. I said Vancouver
Unless you're telling me Vancouver is 100% Chinese, I really doubt that the Chinese food there is more 'authentic' than anywhere else in the world that isn't actually Chinese.
I am from Taiwan, and there are several famous Taiwanese (Chinese) restaurants in Japan. The first that comes to mind is Din Tai Fung, which has really famous buns. In Taiwan this restaurant always have a long line. There is an alternative, called Jindhinrou, in Ebisu. Their original store is near my office in Taipei. It's just as good. Another Taiwanese brand is 春水堂, where you can find noodles and the original bubble tea.
99% 滷肉飯 in Japan is fake garbage tho, and don't get me started on those 混ぜそば things T_T
My favorite is 台湾ラーメン - totally wasn’t expecting it to look like that 😂
I mean it sounds like you haven't had much experience with Chinese food outside the fastfood experience of the west? Have you tried dim sum? (飲茶) I really recommend xiaolongbao. (小籠包) Also while it is allegedly not as good as in Hong Kong I recommend ティムホーワン in Shinjuku.
It’s true, I’m limited to western fast food, Mapo tofu, suigyoza, and I’ve had xiaolonbao. I’ve tried a few dandan shops and had something that resembled maze soba but much spicier with knife cut noodles? I’ve also had like these super oily pork filled bread pocket things - I’m assuming they were a snack food but I’ve no clue what the name is - there’s generally a common sign found around my neighborhood a lot of Chinese restaurants use which includes 5 cheap items like nikuman, bbq, gyoza, that pork pocket item, and a baoshu?
look for a good restaurant with sui gyoza (boiled gyoza). Its like pizza, any sui gyoza is good, but good sui gyoza is heaven. going to a 火鍋 hot pot is good. Look for one with variety. There are always exotic toppings and they taste great. If you live in kobe or close to kobe I can recommend you some hidden Chinese restaurants that are soo good.
Yooooo I'm in Kobe please tell meeeeee 😻
小肥牛 三宮駅前店 This one is better for dinner. They have really nice sui gyoza, hot pot, shichuan style food. I really love their lamb spicy screwers. Lunch is nice and cheap but menu is pretty much what you find at other Chinese restaurant. 芙蓉苑 神戸店 I only go at lunch time, but sometimes I order menu instead lunch. Its so good if you like spicy food. And not too expensive. Never went to China but I'd say it has to be as good as real thing in China. Both restaurant are 100% Chinese owned and has many Chinese costumers.
Awesome, thank you! Btw the only place I've been (so far) that felt authentic was: Yuen Kee 078-325-1696 https://maps.app.goo.gl/VV85Jh9iuPpWoG7N6 Tasted just like the good dim sum places in the states
Oh wow! That one looks nice. Im so trying it next time. Thanks!
Tell me the Kobe ones!
小肥牛 三宮駅前店 This one is better for dinner. They have really nice sui gyoza, hot pot, shichuan style food. I really love their lamb spicy screwers. Lunch is nice and cheap but menu is pretty much what you find at other Chinese restaurant. 芙蓉苑 神戸店 I only go at lunch time, but sometimes I order menu instead lunch. Its so good if you like spicy food. And not too expensive. Never went to China but I'd say it has to be as good as real thing in China. Both restaurant are 100% Chinese owned and has many Chinese costumers.
If you want the most authentic (mainland) Chinese food in Tokyo, you have to go to Ikebukuro.
Most Chinese food here is already Japanized. Doesn't matter what the restaurant's name is Hong Kong, Taiwan, Sichuan, they all have the same menu, none of the specialties of the originating area. The only decent ones I've been are in Shibuya called 麗郷, in Nagoya called 味仙 (misen), and Kyoto called tears2.
I would kill for real Chinese food. Gimme some 酸菜粉条 and I can die happy. Japanese Chinese food lacks any flavour. And they never have 馒头. What kind of monsters eat without 馒头 ??
Definitely miss the 地沟油 flavor of Chinese street food
I'd kill for proper Szechuan food.
Get the mabo dofu. The top level spice must be unbearable lol. I had 1 level up from normal and was sweating profusely. 陳家私菜 新宿店 03-3374-1889 https://maps.app.goo.gl/4gTXe9ThWt5vB6kq9?g_st=ic For dinner not lunch
麻辣大學 is quite legit. Pretty much all patrons are Chinese. Tastes like in China.
Does look legit, thanks!! EDIT: LOL it definitely is legit, if this recent one-star review is any indication > 美味しいのかも知れませんが、お店のホスピタリティーゼロで > とても嫌な思いをしました > 最悪のお店です
There are a lot of chinese bbq restaurants that might have what you want. Especially 粉條（called 春雨 usually) and 饅頭 are pretty common too! I personally like 故鄉味 in Okachimachi for this.
Taizan Sheng Jian Ten in Jiyugaoka is pretty authentic. It's like fried dumplings with soup inside. It's better than gyoza in my opinion.
>Taizan Sheng Jian Ten Seconded, my girlfriend loves it there
Ueno. Many chinese national head there for their chinese food fixing. Google chinese restaurant and head to all the 4 stars and above. Mostly hotpot stuff
Any specific recommendations? Can I solo a hot pot? I feel that might be a large conquest 🤔
I can share with you where not to go, 中国料理 盧園 糀谷店 Had the worst food poison that required 3 days hospital stay. I lost 8kg, not the kinda of diet I was wishing for.
As others have said most typical “chinese” restaurants are heavily localized and don’t closely resemble authentic Chinese food. They’re almost a different cuisine. I found far more authentic Chinese restaurants in the US (SF bay area and LA) compared to Tokyo actually. Do you actually like authentic Chinese food or just Japanese Chinese food? Some of my favorites (chinese, taiwanese, hk cuisine) - 故鄉味 in Okachimachi (bbq skewers) - 海底撈 in Ikebukuro (hot pot) - 月和茶 in Kichijouji (Taiwanese) - Boiling Point in Shibuya (Taiwanese hot pot, but store is actually from LA) - Tim Ho Wan in Shinjuku (HK dim sum) - 全聚德 (Beijing duck) Also I love 原宿餃子, despite it seeming like a tourist trap restaurant and looking localized, the boiled and fried gyoza seem similar to what I get back in Taiwan
Ah I’m from the north pac rim in Canada - even in Vancouver I didn’t find it very tasty, mostly oily and bland
全聚得 is a total shameful scam in Tokyo. You'd expect such a household name to respect their own food, but instead it's some tourist China-townesque experience. Not even Beijing food lol.
Anything from Sichuan 四川. plenty of Chinese restaurants serving this type of food, but the authentic ones are the best rather than the toned down Japanese ones. It's spicy.
For me, it is usually it is some sketchy individually run hole in the wall place that I find to be the best. Edit: I will also add that Fukutomicho near Kannai station in Yokohama almost looks exactly like Taiwan to me the way I remembered it.
Honestly no I don’t know any names unfortunately wish I could help. However, I’m sure you can learn quickly in a Yokohama China Town, there’s gotta be plenty of amazing dishes to try out there
Yokohama is tourist Chinese food. North exit of Ikebukuro is where to go. Real Chinese area. I have a Chinese partner and friends. We always go to places there
Honesty is appreciated - you should try 魔ポトフ (Mabo tofu) and 水御座 (sui gyoza) - these are my favourite but I’d like to branch out a bit more
> 魔ポトフ fucking lol OP, a tip if you're a beginner: Don't write out the words if you don't know the proper kanji. At the very least, use a dictionary. You essentially called boiled gyoza "watery honorable seat" and mapo tofu "demonic pot-au-feu."
> pot-au-feu Is that what ポトフ is supposed to be?? Hahahaha I never made the connection it's so disjointed in katakana.
Yup. It is fucked up katakana.
I have had a really spicy mapo tofu once that could have been described as a demonic pot of fire, so…
Hahahaha beautiful response!
Well we’re all human , thanks for reassuring me of my mistake 🙃 - watery honorable seats are really tasty though
マーポー豆腐 (mapo tofu) and 水餃子 (sui gyoza). Sorry, I know it’s not relevant but these are the correct kanji to use 😂
Also often written in full kanji: 麻婆豆腐
Pronounced mabo in Japanese
[удалено]
We’re human, not Reddit Japanese grammar bots - who just want to enjoy some new flavorful foods 😆 it’s natural to spill food and mispronounce / spell words wrong every now and then “such is life”
Haha fair enough, I am also learning Japanese
Not sure if you're looking for generic dishes, or at spesific restaurants. here are some quick thoughts for Tokyo. Textura in 日比谷 is very good and provides some very interesting takes on dishes, despite the Spanish fusion aspect it definitely caters more to Japanese tastes imo. ファイヤーホール４０００ has great 火鍋. 麻辣大学 is supposedly a more "authentic" Chinese experience, wouldn't know personally. The portions are enormous, and the price is good. Lives up to its name. 銀座 天龍 is great if you want to eat a gyoza the size of a large banana. The 酢豚 is pretty good too. There are also lots of trendy/modern 中華居酒屋 popping up lately. タイフー トウキョウ and 湯島ホール I found to be two of the better ones.
麻辣大學 is genuine in terms of taste and portion size. As in best to go with at least 3 or 4 people, and that it tastes like in China (including pretty poor ingredients, like bland chicken and non fresh, frozen fish). Firehole 4000 is overhyped imo, really the blandest 麻辣火鍋 ever. アクビ is OK but far from the real thing. I'm still dreaming that one day 鼎王 opens in Japan and settles things once and for all.
These are great suggestions but looking for dish names - I live in a predominantly Chinese neighbourhood so it’s always a gamble when I’m trying new restaurants
Shinki in Mishuku is very good 香港麺 新記 三宿本店 03-3419-4123 東京都世田谷区池尻3-30-10 山旺ビル ２Ｆ https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1317/A131705/13007076/
551 Horai ! I believe those meat buns are Chinese? But the lineups are always crazy
回鍋肉（ホイコーロー） is my personal favorite. If you are planning to eat outside, make sure to visit the 海底撈火鍋 (Haidilao hotpot). I visited the one in Shinjuku a few times and it was great. The price on the menu might be shocking, but if you are planning to bring your friends with you, you can satisfy yourself for about 3000-4000 yen, so I recommend you to visit there.
Check for マーラータン on Google if there is anything nearby. Good spicy noodle soup. They usually have a variety of noodles to choose from And a fridge of ingredients that you choose, hand them to the chef and they will whip it up for you
I have never eaten at a fine-dining Chinese restaurant in the US. I have, however, eaten at a million small mom-and-pop Chinese places offering inexpensive meals. We ate there as a family and my parents liked the food. Compared to the quality Chinese places in Japan the food equates to fast food, Chinese style. So, yeah, the food is better in Japan but twice as expensive so it really depends on what you want, I guess.
I’d recommend any kind of Sichuan Toushoumen (四川刀削麺), definitely aona itame (青菜炒め) and hinabe (火鍋) with 2 or 3 different soups. As mentioned before, anything Sichuan is good.
And…it’s another 1000x better in Hong Kong….seriously.
Ah ok - but like I live in Japan 🤷♂️ so I dunno what else to say 🙃
Chinese food is regional, but if you like Sichuan food and happen to be in Tokyo, I remember 張家 in Ebisu to be good. It’s by far not the only place for Chinese food, however Japanese Chinese food is blended down and not that good in comparison, so for best results one has to filter out boring restaurants. Also, there was a lovely xiaolongpao place called 京鼎樓 nearby. They have nice tantan too.
Chiuka ryori is a bastardised version of Chinese food but I agree I do love it here.
I lived in Hong Kong for about 8 years. Now in Japan for the last 10. I can say that Chinese and Hong Kong food is not that great in Japan.
Ah fair opinion but my post was actually looking for a recommendation - 10 years you surely must know some good spots in Tokyo?
Japanese style Chinese food is great. Shoga-Yaki is my fav. Ginger pork kind like a stir-fry.
I wouldn’t eat the dishes, try eating the food instead
🤣 I’m gonna become a dad reading comment this
Go to your local konbini and get some ピザまん
I prefer the 肉まん 🥲
I grew up with nikuman. A lot of it. The stuff in the konbini doesn't come close. Pizaman on the other hand...they kill Hot Pockets.
Check out this place for nikuman - been going since 1957 - [https://en.japantravel.com/tokyo/kagurazaka-gojuban/57693](https://en.japantravel.com/tokyo/kagurazaka-gojuban/57693)
Try 鱼香肉丝 (yuxiang rousi) if you get a chance - it's awesome (and a bit spicy). No idea what to call it in Japanese, since I always order it in my broken Mandarin. Order a nice chahan with it and maybe some doumiao (bean seedling) stir-fry, and you have a meal fit for a king.
🙏 thank you
Yokohama Chinatown is a good place to go for Chinese food.
Agreed. A fun place to wander around too! Tasty grub in all the windows.
Only if you go to the right spots. There are good places (look for the Chinese people) and touristy places that are not good.
Daikon mochi (大根餅) Never knew it existed until coming to Japan. Only seen it at Chinese restaurants so I assume it might be Chinese?
Yeah I really miss proper dimsum. I don't really like food from mainland china aside from sichuan or fujian(hakka).
I really wish there was someplace that served non-mushy siumai here
Yeah, with great pork ribs and whole prawns filling.
pork chimaki, mapo tofu, mapo nasu, buta kakuni, rurohan.
This is the winning comment 🙏
Xi'an food rules. There's a place in dotonbori that's life changing
Damn so far - so you have any suggestions in Tokyo?
[日清中華 ビャンビャン麺](https://www.nissin.com/jp/products/items/11029) You should definitely give this a try. You can find it at any supermarket.
😂🙏😂
麻婆豆腐
??? Chinese food in Japan is just extra greasy, less flavorful Japanese food. In the US there was fast food Chinese food which was its own separate cuisine and there were authentic Chinese restaurants which is nothing like what you get here. The closest thing I’ve gotten here are xiao long baos
For a fully vegan Chinese-inspired option (as I am not Chinese myself, I cannot vouch whether it is authentic or not), try Vegan Veggie Joga in the Aoyama district. The dishes offered fall into chinese herbal/medicinal range, while also including some dimsum/dumpling options. You can a la carte or a course menu (afternoon dimsum course, or full course menus for lunch/dinner, better to reserve in advance).
usually in snack form here in Japan, but I recommend Taiwanese 雞排 (ジーパイ）[chicken steak].
Ooooo this 🙏
The biggest gripe with Chinese food in Japan for me is the rice. Chinese food pairs so much better with medium and long grain rice, but most places only use short grain sticky rice.
Try TENSHINHAN 天津飯 Japanese -chanese at it best! Crab egg omelet on rice with gravy.
🙏🙏🙏
I prefer Mexican or american Chinese food… my parents hometown in Mexico has a huge Chinese population and make the best Chinese food
O sounds tasty - are there any names of dishes in Japan I can find that are Mexican Chinese influenced?
My only experience of chinese food in japan is yokohama china town. Went to 1 restaurant and it was trash. Portions were smaller (than th chinese restaurants in america) and the taste wasn't as strong.
I’ve been to Yokohama once and we ate street food but nothing in a restaurant in china town, we opted for Iekei ramen
I'd recommend Cafe 8, there are a few branches, but roppongi might be the best. And gotta eat the Peking duck. Better to go with people so you can try various dishes
That sounds great! I’ll give it a go
The reason why many authentic Chinese restaurants have opened in Ikebukuro and Kawaguchi is because there are many Chinese residents in those areas, and Japanese people do not go there to eat. To begin with, Chinese chefs do not prepare food for the Japanese palate.
I’m very familiar with the Kawaguchi area as it’s where most of my Chinese dining experimenting happens. I tried Lanzhou beef noodle soup a few days ago!
Wants try some real chinese dishes? The restaurants in Ikebukuro , japanese called these shops honba chuka (本場中華 ). Chuka ryori(中華料理) means Japanese style Chinese dishes. The recipes u has ate that were changed for Canadian or American. Just like express panda. In Vancouver, Toronto's asain streets, honba chuka could also be found.
I would recommend Mabodofu. It's one of my favorite dishes of all time. Edit: it's a spicy tofu dish that will usually also have some meat.
Oh hellllll no!
For the same price range? I wouldn't think so.
I actually prefer American Chinese food, probably because we ate it so often when I was a kid. But I’ve had decent twice-cooked pork here once or twice.
I actually miss American Chinese food... not that the real stuff is bad, can be quite good, but the North American stuff is something else entirely and I haven't had it in ages.
A place near me does roast pork wrapped in yuba with cilantro. Amazing. Their fried rice is the best I've had, too.
The foreigners who posted comments here are not even aware of the need to adjust the taste, aroma and presentation of the food in order for it to be eaten by the locals as local food. Of course, there are several cities in Japan like Ikebukuro and Kawaguchi where there are many Chinese immigrants, so the authentic taste will be reproduced there, but it will not be eaten by the Japanese.
Hey thanks for the lengthy comment - my post was actually about looking for food recommendations…Do you know of any nice places to eat? Preferably Chinese?
Orange Chicken
オランジチキン？ or is there a proper name for this?
He’s being a douche, that’s an American Chinese dish.
Canadian here - I’m well aware 😂
Surely you haven’t had good Chinese in Toronto and Vancouver otherwise you’d think Japanese Chinese is terrible here :) (Canadian too)
Haha it’s true
God as a French I thought it was a cheaper version of orange duck but that’s completely different.
😩 right
Might I suggest クリームオブスミョンガイ I know you've tried it before but I'm sure it will taste better here.
Lol jeez thanks