Chinese cuisine offers countless delights, but when you crave those perfect plates of kung pao chicken, Peking duck, or hand-pulled noodles, you need a trusted guide. While this list doesn’t capture every Chinese restaurant in Woburn, it’s your essential starting point for celebrating Lunar New Year, impressing out-of-town guests, or simply surviving another New England winter.
Sichuan Garden
$$ | (781) 935-8488 | WEBSITE
At this Woburn destination, Sichuan classics are basically the only thing on the menu, aside from starters like cucumber salad and extra crispy cumin fish. The dish that reigns supreme is the one featuring Sichuan chicken wings that fall off the bone with ease. They come with a side of pickles that cut through the richness of the plate, plus a cocktail for two that’s visually stunning and delicious.
This place gets lively around dinner, but seats open up fast, and you’ll be sipping drinks in no time.
Mimi’s Chūka Diner
$$ | (617) 996-6062 | WEBSITE
This cozy Chinese diner tucked into the back of a brewery nails every element of comfort food. Their rendition of pork and cabbage gyoza has crunch from the crispy wrapper, savory filling, and a dipping sauce that’ll stick in your mind for weeks. You’ll have regrets about not ordering more even before you get to your last bite—all the more reason to return next time you need a satisfying meal in an unpretentious spot.
Gene’s Chinese Flatbread Cafe
$ | (781) 938-6888 | WEBSITE
This Woburn spot needs no introduction, but we’ll give one anyway—Gene’s hand-pulled noodles are worth the quick service and the $0.99 iPad ordering fee. We’d slurp their slightly salty house noodles by the bowlful. And you should, too. Head over to try the #16 Hot and Sour noodle soup. It’s loaded with authentic Xi’an flavors and is the centerpiece of every table.
MDM Noodles
$ | (617) 208-8663 | WEBSITE
Not to be confused with the Sichuan places in Boston’s Chinatown, this casual spot in Woburn makes hand pulled noodles, spicy lamb dishes, and dry hot pots. Hone in on the Spicy Cumin Lamb Burger. As much as we love noodles, we’re here for the shaved lamb steak it comes with. It’s perfectly seasoned and wonderfully tender, and the spice leaves a lingering heat on your palate. The fluffy homemade bun and generous portion are an added benefit though.
Peppercorn House
$ | (781) 933-6699 | WEBSITE
This always-packed Woburn Chinese spot offers authentic Szechuan specialties galore. On days when you really want something comforting, it’s the nine-story beef all the way. The dish is savory and rich. There’s an overabundance of tender beef. And the peppercorn wings leave a tingly, numbing sensation in your mouth that somehow doesn’t overpower.
Aries Noodle and Dumpling 春风一面
$$ | (781) 209-0008 | WEBSITE
It’s tough to pick a favorite dish at Aries Noodle and Dumpling, but the Szechuan spicy fish fillet soup nudges ahead of the beef noodle soup just slightly, thanks to that broth. It has a subtle heat and richness that can only be rivaled by the most intricate family recipe passed down through generations. The fish fillet itself is not to be overlooked, though—it’s remarkably tender, and even swimming in that vibrant soup, it holds its delicate texture.
The menu is translated clearly if you need guidance (though the friendly staff’s recommendations are spot-on), and if you’re feeling indulgent, you can’t go wrong pairing it with the pork and chive dumplings. The atmosphere is straightforward and efficient, with orders zipping from phone to kitchen, so you’re in and out with a belly full of authenticity, even if parking requires a bit of patience.
Kaojiu Restaurant
$$ | (617) 487-8440 | WEBSITE
Kaojiu is a Woburn institution for authentic Chinese food, full stop. If you need more proof, look to the consistently bustling dining room and the satisfied regulars who keep returning. The inviting restaurant runs a smooth operation—before you even have time to settle in, someone will appear to check on your table. Go with the crispy tofu. It’s a standout you’ll remember from other Chinese spots, and this version is perfectly executed with a delicate crunch and subtle seasoning.
Zoe’s Chinese Restaurant
$$ | (617) 864-6265 | WEBSITE
Yes, we know, there’s always a wait to get into this Woburn Chinese spot. But standing in line for food this satisfying is worth it. The classic sweet and sour chicken is iconic. The chicken is crispy and the right amount of tangy. Juicy pork buns are flavor-packed, and the scallion pancake appetizer adds crunch. This is an A+ meal and everyone in line knows it.
Jin’s fine Asian cuisine sushi bar
$$ | (617) 860-6288 | WEBSITE
You don’t need us to tell you that the crowds flocking to Jin’s in Woburn are here for chef Tim’s sushi—the rolls are neighborhood legends, on par with the Celtics’ championship banners. But their spicy cumin lamb is just as worthy of devotion. The aromatic stir-fry comes with tender slices of lamb and your starch of choice, from house fried rice to pan-fried dumplings. Deeply satisfying flavors bring you one step closer to culinary nirvana. Don’t question why. Just visit.
春記生煎 Shanghai Pan-Fried Buns
$ | (857) 449-8075 | WEBSITE
While everything at Shanghai Pan-Fried Buns is worth a detour, we would push someone out of the way to get the last of the pan-fried pork buns. It’s authentic Shanghai cuisine at its best with a crisp, flavorful bun combined with hot, savory soup, tender pork, and that perfect pan-fried crunch. It’s so good you’ll immediately start planning your return visit. But be forewarned, this lively spot in Woburn is prone to running out. So make sure that follow-up visit is an early dinner.
HaoShiGuang好食光
$$ | (617) 903-3327 | WEBSITE
You’ll find excellent beef noodle soup at Gourmet Dumpling House, Taiwan Café, and the other top Chinese spots across Boston. HaoShiGuang好食光 is one of the few that offers Taiwanese fried chicken—and for that we are grateful. It’s crispy, comes with a savory seasoning, and is served in generous portions that make the dish perfect for sharing. There are many Chinese restaurants across the area, but we love this modern Woburn original that’s always welcoming with dish-sharing groups.
Mala Restaurant
$$ | (617) 254-1839 | WEBSITE
The signature dry stir-fried chicken at this Woburn spot gets most of the attention, but the bustling restaurant also knows their way around an outstanding mala dry pot. The Sichuan specialty features perfectly fatty beef and a rich, aromatic broth you’ll want to savor completely. It’s also loaded up with a good mix of ingredients, spicy capsicum, and that authentic Chinese flavor. Round things out with some sliced pig ear and the seafood mala bowl, and you’re all set.
KungFu MalaTang
$$ | (617) 207-8888 | WEBSITE
You’re probably at this Chinese spot with your hotpot blinders on, and while this cozy place does a great rendition of their signature mala broth, you shouldn’t overlook their customizable soup bar. The rich, flavorful broth, served in a pot that seems to hold endless possibilities, is packed with fresh ingredients that soak up all that spicy-savory goodness with a single dip. They come in regular or generous portions, but you’ll want generous.
Wei’s Asian Cuisine
$$ | (781) 224-0098 | WEBSITE
If it wasn’t clear from the name, this comfortable Woburn spot specializes in combination plates. Specifically, combination plates with authentic Asian dishes, and honestly, they do them right. The menu seems extensive at first look, but you’ll soon notice that the combinations are mostly just thoughtful variations of these fresh, balanced dishes, a welcoming atmosphere, and excellent service. We recommend the sit-down experience—it’s relaxed, friendly, and enjoyable.
It’s the perfect setting for these delightful meals and drinks.
Jade Gourmet
$ | (781) 245-1500 | WEBSITE
Our go-to for Kung Pao chicken in Woburn is Jade Gourmet in the strip plaza. The spicy-sweet stir-fry, with tender chicken and crunchy peanuts in a sauce that clings perfectly to every grain of rice, will be devoured by everyone at the table in minutes. The dish is one of the highlights of the lunch specials at this cozy spot and the edible definition of comfort food.
