10 Go-To Chinese Restaurants In Maine Loved By Locals
Maine gets a lot of attention for lobster rolls and lighthouses, but there’s another side of the food scene that doesn’t get talked about enough. Chinese restaurants all over the state have quietly built a reputation for dishes people keep coming back for, week after week.
You’ll find them in Portland as well as smaller towns like Winslow and Waterville, serving everything from crispy egg rolls to comforting noodle dishes and rich, flavorful entrees. Some lean into classic takeout favorites, while others mix in a wider range of Asian flavors to keep things interesting.
What really stands out is how reliable these places are. Good portions, satisfying food, and that familiar feeling that makes you want to order the same thing again.
Here are ten spots that locals turn to when the craving hits.
1. Empire Chinese Kitchen – Portland, ME
Portland’s food scene is no joke, and Empire Chinese Kitchen has carved out a legendary spot right in the middle of it all. Located at 575 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, this restaurant has become the kind of place locals mention in the same breath as “favorite” and “must-visit.”
The menu is packed with creative takes on classic Chinese dishes that make every visit feel like a small celebration.
From their perfectly crispy appetizers to deeply satisfying entrees, Empire keeps the quality bar impressively high. Regulars rave about the bold sauces, fresh ingredients, and portions that actually fill you up without emptying your wallet.
The atmosphere is lively but comfortable, making it a great pick for a casual night out or a group dinner with friends.
Chefs here clearly love what they do, and that passion shows up on every plate. If you have never tried Empire Chinese Kitchen, Portland locals will tell you that you are seriously missing out.
First-timers often leave already planning their next visit.
2. Evergreen Chinese Restaurant – South Portland, ME
Some restaurants just have that special energy that makes you feel at home the moment you walk in, and Evergreen Chinese Restaurant in South Portland is exactly that kind of place.
Found at 29 Western Ave, South Portland, ME 04106, Evergreen is a long-running local Chinese restaurant serving classic Chinese-American dishes.
The menu reads like a greatest hits collection of Chinese-American favorites done right. Their wonton soup warms you up from the inside out, and the General Tso’s chicken hits that perfect balance of sweet and savory that keeps you going back for one more bite.
Portions are generous, prices are reasonable, and the staff genuinely makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit.
South Portland locals treat Evergreen like their personal secret, though the word has definitely gotten out by now. Weekend nights tend to fill up fast, which is honestly all you need to know about how good this place is.
Showing up early is always a smart move.
3. Chia Sen Chinese Cuisine – Scarborough, ME
Chia Sen Chinese Cuisine in Scarborough has built a loyal following by doing one thing exceptionally well: serving honest, flavorful Chinese food that never feels rushed or generic.
Situated at 456 Payne Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074, this restaurant serves a range of Chinese-American dishes for dine-in and takeout.
The menu features a wide range of dishes that go beyond the usual suspects. Regulars love exploring the more traditional options alongside the familiar Chinese-American classics.
The dumplings are a crowd favorite, and the soups are the kind of warming, hearty bowls that make a rainy Maine day feel completely manageable.
What really sets Chia Sen apart is the consistency. Whether you order takeout on a Tuesday or dine in on a Friday night, the food tastes just as good every single time.
That reliability is something locals appreciate deeply in a world full of restaurants that promise a lot and deliver just okay. Chia Sen delivers excellent, full stop, and Scarborough residents are very glad it exists.
4. Lotus Restaurant – Auburn, ME
Auburn may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of standout Chinese food, but Lotus Restaurant is working hard to change that reputation one delicious dish at a time.
You can find this restaurant at 279 Center St, Auburn, ME 04210, where it operates as a Chinese and Japanese buffet-style dining spot.
Lotus serves up a menu that blends classic Chinese-American favorites with some genuinely satisfying house specialties.
The lo mein here has a silky texture and just the right amount of seasoning, while the fried rice is the kind that ruins all other fried rice for you going forward. Portions are hearty, which Auburn residents have come to expect and very much appreciate.
The restaurant has a relaxed, welcoming vibe that makes it suitable for everything from a quick lunch to a full family dinner. Service is friendly and efficient, meaning you are not left waiting forever when hunger strikes hard.
Lotus has become a reliable comfort spot for Auburn locals, and on any given night, you will spot familiar faces who clearly feel the same way.
5. Oriental Restaurant – Brunswick, ME
Brunswick is home to some wonderful dining options, and Oriental Restaurant stands right at the top of the list for Chinese food lovers in the area. Located at 13 Mill St, Brunswick, ME 04011, this restaurant serves a mix of Chinese and Filipino dishes in a casual setting.
The egg rolls here are crispy perfection, and the sesame chicken has a glaze that is sweet, savory, and completely addictive in the best possible way.
Locals also give high marks to the soups, which are rich and flavorful without being overly heavy. Every dish comes out looking like someone actually cared about presentation, which is always a good sign.
Oriental Restaurant has that comfortable, no-fuss charm that makes dining feel easy and enjoyable. You are not going to find any pretentious vibes here, just good food served by friendly people who are happy to help you navigate the menu.
Brunswick residents have made this spot a regular part of their dining rotation, and honestly, spending one meal here will make it very clear why that is the case.
6. Ming Lee Chinese Restaurant – Waterville, ME
Ming Lee Chinese Restaurant in Waterville is the kind of spot that has earned its reputation the old-fashioned way: through consistently great food and a staff that genuinely cares about every single customer.
Head to 365 Main St, Waterville, ME 04901, where Ming Lee offers Chinese cuisine with Szechuan and Mandarin influences.
The hot and sour soup at Ming Lee is legendary among regulars, with a depth of flavor that feels like a warm hug on a cold Maine evening.
The moo shu dishes are another standout, offering bold, satisfying flavors that remind you why Chinese food is so beloved across the country. Every item on the menu reflects a kitchen that takes pride in its craft.
Waterville locals appreciate that Ming Lee keeps things real without overcomplicating anything. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable, the prices make sense for a family budget, and the takeout is just as good as dining in.
For anyone passing through central Maine or living right in the heart of Waterville, Ming Lee is the Chinese food answer you have been looking for all along.
7. Asian Cafe – Winslow, ME
Asian Cafe in Winslow might be small in size, but it absolutely punches above its weight when it comes to flavor and value.
Find it at 53 Bay St, Winslow, ME 04901, where the menu includes a mix of Chinese, Thai, and other Asian dishes. This place has become a go-to for locals who want a variety of Asian dishes without any unnecessary fuss.
The General Tso’s chicken here is a fan favorite, featuring that irresistible combination of crispy coating and sticky, flavorful sauce that Chinese food fans dream about.
The noodle dishes are equally impressive, with well-seasoned sauces and perfectly cooked textures that make you want to order a second helping immediately. Portions are generous, which Winslow residents have come to count on.
Asian Cafe has a warm, unpretentious energy that makes every visit feel comfortable and easy. The staff knows many customers by name, which speaks volumes about the kind of community this little restaurant has built over time.
Whether you are grabbing a quick lunch or picking up dinner for the whole family, Asian Cafe in Winslow is always a reliable and delicious choice that locals proudly recommend.
8. Oriental Jade – Bangor, ME
Bangor’s Chinese food scene has a clear standout, and Oriental Jade has been holding that title with confidence for a long time.
Located at 320 Bangor Mall Blvd, Bangor, ME 04401, this restaurant offers a broad menu of Chinese and Asian dishes along with a lounge and bar. Bangor locals know that when the craving hits, Oriental Jade is the reliable answer.
Crab rangoon fans will find their happy place here, as Oriental Jade’s version is crispy, creamy, and perfectly seasoned in a way that makes it hard to stop at just one or two.
The beef lo mein is another crowd-pleaser, with tender strips of beef and noodles coated in a savory sauce that hits all the right notes. Every dish reflects a kitchen that has its technique locked in tight.
Beyond the food, Oriental Jade offers a dining experience that feels genuinely welcoming. The staff is attentive without being intrusive, and the space has a comfortable, relaxed energy that makes lingering over your meal feel completely natural.
For anyone in the Bangor area who loves good Chinese food, Oriental Jade is not just a restaurant, it is practically a local institution worth visiting again and again.
9. Green Leaves Chinese Restaurant and Lounge – York, ME
York, Maine is best known for its beautiful coastline, but Green Leaves Chinese Restaurant and Lounge has given locals and visitors one more very good reason to love this town.
You will find it at US Route 1 in York, ME 03909, and from the moment you sit down, it is clear that this restaurant takes both food and hospitality seriously. The combination makes for a dining experience that feels genuinely special.
Kung pao chicken at Green Leaves has a spice level and depth of flavor that keeps people talking long after the meal is over.
The steamed dumplings are fresh, tender, and filled with just the right balance of savory ingredients that make each bite satisfying. Vegetable dishes here also shine, proving that the kitchen puts equal effort into every section of the menu.
The lounge setting gives Green Leaves a slightly more elevated feel compared to your average takeout spot, making it a great choice for a relaxed dinner with people you enjoy spending time with. York locals take real pride in having this restaurant in their community, and it is easy to see why.
Good food, good atmosphere, and a location in one of Maine’s most charming coastal towns make this a winning combination.
10. New Lewiston Mandarin – Lewiston, ME
New Lewiston Mandarin brings a taste of authentic Chines cooking to the heart of central Maine, and the people of Lewiston have been enthusiastically showing up for it ever since.
Head to 750 Sabattus St, Lewiston, ME 04240, where New Lewiston Mandarin operates as a buffet-style Chinese restaurant. It is a genuinely impressive combination.
The egg drop soup here is smooth, silky, and deeply comforting, making it the perfect starter before moving on to the heartier entrees. The Mandarin-inspired dishes offer layers of flavor that go beyond the standard Chinese-American menu, giving adventurous eaters plenty to get excited about.
Even the classic staples like spring rolls and fried rice are executed with a level of care that elevates them above the ordinary.
Lewiston locals appreciate that New Lewiston Mandarin offers real value without cutting corners on quality or flavor. The service is warm and attentive, and the dining room has a lively, welcoming buzz that makes every meal feel like an occasion.