Where to Find the Best Chinese Food in Des Moines, IA
Des Moines is crammed with top-notch restaurants, including dozens offering authentic Chinese cuisine. If you’re hankering after some crab rangoons, hot and sour soup, or sesame chicken, you’ll have no problem finding what you need. Here are ten top restaurants to find some of the best Chinese food in Des Moines, IA.
10. Taste of China (4212 Douglas Ave Ste A, Des Moines, IA 50310-3659)
Takeout joints don’t get much better than Taste of China. The menu is packed with authentic Chinese dishes and American-Chinese favorites, including Shrimp Toast, Carb Rangoons, Hot and Sour Soup, Sesame Chicken, and Mongolian Beef. There’s also a good selection of noodle and rice dishes along with numerous vegetarian options.
9. China Place (3013 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311-3926)
Affordable, consistently excellent, and with a menu designed to satisfy every possible combination of sweet, sour, and savory cravings, China Place has established itself as a firm favorite among Asian food fans in Des Moines. The Cashew Chicken never fails to draw rave reviews… but then again, neither does the Beef and Broccoli, the Hot and Sour Soup, Crab Rangoon, or almost anything else on the menu.
8. Heavenly Asian Cuisine & Lounge (225 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265)
With its contemporary cuisine, top-notch service, and elegant, gorgeously decorated dining room, Heavenly Asian Cuisine & Lounge is ideal for special occasions. Even if the occasion didn’t start off as special, it soon will be once you’ve had a bite of their Heavenly Asian Cuisine & Lounge. Standout dishes include the Fatty Beef with Sour Soup, Crystal Shrimp Dumpling, Tea Smoked Duck, and Sichuan Chili Bean Sauce Barramundi. Don’t leave before trying one of their delectable Fried Sesame Yam Cakes.
7. Fawn’s Asian Cuisine (1107 E University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316)
Expand your culinary horizons and give your taste buds a treat at Fawn’s Asian Cuisine, an Asian fusion restaurant where you can pick and mix between Thai, Lao, and Chinese dishes. Along with favorites like Kung Pao Chicken, Red Curry Chicken, Crab Rangoons, and Egg Rolls, there’s also a tempting section of salads, soups, rice and noodle dishes. Whatever you order, be sure to accompany it with one of their famous bubble teas.
6. Wasabi Chi (5418 Douglas Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310)
Take a culinary tour of Asia at Wasabi Chi, a restaurant that dishes up some of the very best Chinese, Japanese, and Thai flavors in De Moines. The bright, contemporary dining space is a lovely place to linger over wontons or egg rolls with friends, while solo diners can make use of the bar counter. The food is modern, with excellent presentation and generous portions. The Spicy Kimchi Ramen is unfailingly excellent, but you might also want to dip into their Savory Squid Balls with Sauce, Lemongrass Coconut Chicken Soup, or Tuna Wonton Tacos.
5. China Chef (5010 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315-4501)
If you can’t say no to generous portions of high impact food, served quickly and for a reasonable price, you’re not going to be able to resist China Chef. Offing dine-in, takeout, and delivery options, it’s a firm favorite with locals thanks to its friendly hospitality, explosively flavorful menu, and reliance on fresh produce. Key dishes to try include the Pot Stickers, Crab Rangoon, Mongolian Beef, and Sesame Chicken.
4. Tsing Tsao South (4230 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321)
If you haven’t yet visited the bright and elegantly decorated dining room at Tsing Tsao South, you’re missing out. Whatever you’re craving, there’s a very good chance you’ll find it on the menu, particularly if that craving happens to be for Bar-B-Q Chicken Wings, Jalepefio Crab Rangoon, Chicken Lo Mein, and Egg Rolls. The service is fast and friendly, making it a great stop for a quick lunch. The prices are incredibly attractive too, particularly if you take advantage of one of their lunch specials.
3. New China Buffet & Grill (1201 E Army Post Rd. Ste 238, Des Moines, IA 50315)
According to Trip Advisor reviewers, the Sweet and Sour Chicken at New China Buffet & Grill is the best for miles around. Other dishes worth shouting about include the Wonton Soup (which, in a nice touch, is served with the wontons and broth in separate dishes so you can decide on your own golden ratio), General Tso’s Chicken, Shrimp Chow Mein, and Pepper Steak with Onion. There are around 150 items in total on the menu, making it a great option for a wide variety of tastes. For a budget-friendly meal, stop by to take advantage of their lunchtime offer of fried rice with egg roll and soda for less than $7.
2. Sam’s Fine Food & Egg Rolls (3300 South West 9th Street, Suite 4, Des Moines, IA 50315)
Named one of the best Chinese restaurants in Des Moines by Three Best Rated, Sam’s Fine Food & Egg Rolls unfailingly offers the kind of food most of us would happily eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week. Lively, friendly, and with excellent service from Sam and his team, it’s a great stop for authentic, tasty food, served quickly and at a price that won’t break the bank. The menu is vast, covering everything from Hunan Shrimp to Pork Lo Mein, Sweet and Sour Chicken to Mongolian Beef. There’s also a great selection of vegetarian options along with a kids’ menu for little diners.
1. Le’s Chinese Bar-B-Que (1600 2nd Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314)
If you want to try a new approach to barbeque, Le’s Chinese Bar-B-Que is the place to do it. An unassuming joint with friendly service and a welcoming vibe, it offers customers the chance to tuck into the savory delights of juicy, flavorful barbeque at a price that won’t break the bank. The roast duck is incredibly crispy, juicy, and tender, but don’t miss the roasted pork with crispy skin either. On top of the barbequed meats, there’s also an excellent selection of authentic Chinese soups, noodle and rice dishes, vegetarian options, crab rangoons, egg rolls, and other favorites.
