Durham has a lot going for it, like historic tobacco warehouses turned tech hubs, artisanal coffee shops, and research campuses we’d consider trading our morning coffee for. And, don’t worry, there are a lot of great Chinese restaurants, too—that don’t require sacrificing your caffeine fix. This guide spans Durham’s culinary scene and covers just about everything, whether you’re in the mood for soup dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, or General Tso’s with a Southern twist.
Peony Asian Bistro
$ | (919) 419-8800 | WEBSITE
Peony Asian Bistro is an easy neighborhood pick for quick meals, particularly ones that don’t make your wallet wince when you hand over your cash. A dark dining area and cozy tables that feel like mini versions of the takeout counter set the scene, and the $12 lunch specials showcase consistent quality.
With a reliable menu, you can expect—and be very happy with—dishes like excellent egg rolls with a dipping sauce that leaves a slight crunch on your tongue and a plate of deceptively simple sushi punched up with fresh ingredients. Takeout orders are refreshingly easy to get, even just an hour out.
Kwik Wok
$ | (919) 596-0868 | WEBSITE
Durham County isn’t exactly overflowing with must-visit Chinese spots, which is why Kwik Wok remains a dependable staple in the area. The cozy, unchanged interior feels like it’s been transported straight from a classic neighborhood joint, and it’s consistently reliable for combination specials, customizable dishes, and satisfying classics. When in doubt, go for the Beef with garlic sauce—it’s a standout with onions, green peppers, and water chestnuts.
China Buffet
$ | (919) 403-7878 | WEBSITE
China Buffet is Durham’s quintessential neighborhood spot for Chinese food. It’s walk-in friendly, has quick service that works for a casual lunch or a family dinner, and a menu of solid crowd-pleasers like steaming lo mein and sesame chicken you can see on Instagram before it leaves the kitchen. When you want a satisfying meal but don’t want to actually put in any effort to wait for it, China Buffet is your answer.
Asian Kitchen
$ | (919) 490-5678 | WEBSITE
Asian Kitchen is a no-fuss Chinese spot where you should go when you want free egg rolls, bustling tables, and a dining room lined with towering noodle bowls. Dishes like pulled noodles or shrimp fried shaved noodles are hearty and authentic, and should be doused in the provided duck sauce and chili oil from the family-sized dish on the table.
This is the kind of place where the staff seems to greet decades-long regulars every five minutes, so don’t be surprised if you get the same treatment and are offered a complimentary tea before you’ve signed the check.
Hong Kong Restaurant
$ | (919) 401-1972 | WEBSITE
Drive through the greater Durham area on any evening and you’ll immediately notice the steady stream of takeout orders from Hong Kong Restaurant. Singapore noodles, crab Rangoon, veggie lo mein, and other Chinese-American classics are staples here, but what you’re really craving is their fresh and tender pork egg rolls—crispy wrappers filled with savory pork and vegetables. Or, if it’s that kind of night, you can enjoy generous portions of hot and sour soup with great steamed rice.
If you want to avoid long wait times, order ahead.
Handy Kitchen Chinese Restaurant
$ | (919) 471-0237 | WEBSITE
The remedy for your persistent craving for authentic Chinese food is always Handy Kitchen Chinese Restaurant. The unassuming spot serves traditional favorites like hot and sour soup brimming with flavor, as well as Hunan tofu and other vegetarian options. They’re open daily, but lunch hours are always lively with locals from the surrounding neighborhood or office workers grabbing pork egg rolls, lunch specials, and other generously portioned dishes on their midday break.
Orient Garden
$ | (919) 806-3333 | WEBSITE
Fresh, plentiful Chinese dishes are the main draw at Orient Garden. The takeout-focused Durham spot, which is known for its high-quality food, is a weeknight go-to. Pick up some tender white meat chicken with sesame sauce or wings that satisfy right away, or go for the $18, two-entree combo. Just be sure to save room for the garlic broccoli with lo mein, a hearty meal that’s one of the best takeout options in the area.
Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant
$$ | (919) 479-8339 | WEBSITE
Anyone looking for authentic dim sum should go to Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant. It’s a Chinese spot that’s best known for their ridiculously good cart service. Everything is fresh and made-to-order, which should be motivation enough to skip your usual lunch spot and snag a table. Get the Singapore noodles, a must-try, plus shrimp dumplings, sui mai, and chicken feet.
And if you’re craving dim sum at lunch (it’s not served midday, which can be disappointing), head a few blocks down to another Chinese restaurant for your fix.
New Top’s China Restaurant
$ | (919) 401-8406 | WEBSITE
New Top’s China Restaurant is takeout heaven. The unassuming spot in Durham is home to the area’s best sesame chicken, no question. We’re happy ordering here for that dish, some fried rice, and a combo on the go. There are other standouts on the menu as well like General Tso’s chicken, seafood delight, and lo mein, but if you’re in the mood to indulge, go for the shrimp and broccoli with shrimp fried rice, a seafood feast with large, plentiful shrimp, fresh veggies, and more.
China Star
$$ | (919) 383-4800 | WEBSITE
Think of China Star as Granville County’s version of a classic Chinese takeout spot, minus the generic experience. The food is absolutely memorable, and the restaurant is a fantastic place to dig into a plate of Pork Belly Banh Mi, make your way through a pile of great crispy fried noodles, and soak up the genuine, welcoming atmosphere from the friendly lady who runs the family-owned business.
So don’t just grab takeout; instead, take your time basking in the fun and funky interior and occasionally making eye contact with the sleek bar area, perfect for large groups.
Chopstix Chinese
$ | (919) 220-1188 | WEBSITE
The neighborhood’s top Chinese takeout is at Chopstix Chinese, the reliable spot known for generous portions and friendly service. Everything from the all-you-can-eat buffet to the family meal delivery is a crowd-pleaser, especially the massive dinner special with soup, fried rice, and General Tso’s chicken. It’s the ideal place for a last-minute weeknight dinner, since ordering near closing time is never an issue.
Or use it as a landing pad next time you’re running errands in the area and need immediate sustenance at an amazing value.
Spring Rolls Durham
$ | (919) 251-8768 | WEBSITE
Another casual spot for Chinese food in downtown Durham is Spring Rolls Durham (by the owner who ensures everyone feels like family). Expect orange chicken, veggie fried rice, and chicken lo mein on the menu, but, as the name suggests, the spring rolls and egg rolls are where you should direct all of your attention. We’re fans of the spring rolls with their fresh, delicious filling, and the egg rolls are also a hit.
You can grab your generous portions to go, or snag a seat in the cozy, friendly dining room and order one of their sweet, tasty drinks to wash it all down.
