We Ranked The 12 Best Old-School Chinese Restaurants In Pennsylvania And Here’s Who Made The Cut

One Pittsburgh dining room has stood on the same downtown block since 1943, and it is the last piece left of a whole Chinatown.

A historical marker went up out front in 2022. That’s a lot of history to share a table with your egg rolls.

Old-school Chinese spots across Pennsylvania carry stories like that. One family has run its place since 1977. Another kitchen keeps serving salt and pepper wings past 2 a.m.

I care about different things depending on the night. Sometimes I want live seafood tanks and a big group order.

Other times I want a family recipe that hasn’t changed in decades.

History pulls some people in, while late hours or crispy roast duck pull in others. The best pick usually depends on what you’re hungry for, and when.

1. Sang Kee Peking Duck House

Calling yourself Philly’s first Chinese BBQ is a bold move.

Sang Kee Peking Duck House backs it up with a menu built around roast duck.

The namesake Peking Duck arrives with scallions, hoisin sauce, and your choice of buns or pancakes. It’s the dish to order if you only get one thing.

Bring a friend so you can try more without guilt.

Noodle soups, rice platters, and beef chow fun round out the Cantonese side of the menu. Stir-fry fans will find plenty of choices too.

The Wonton and Veg Noodle Soup makes a comforting pick on a chilly Philadelphia day.

Want something crunchy? The crispy lobster seafood roll and crispy calamari rings both show up on the menu.

Chao-chau fried shrimp balls are another fun starter to pass around.

Some dishes lean sweet. Coconut shrimp comes with mango sauce, and honey glazed grilled chicken keeps picky eaters happy.

The crispy flounder fillet with honey walnut is a nice twist on a classic.

Soup lovers get serious options here. Chicken Corn Chowder, Hot and Sour Soup with Minced Pork, and Fish Maw Seafood Soup are all listed.

Young Zhou Fried Rice or Spicy Szechuan Noodle can finish the job.

Address: 238 N. 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

2. Chinatown Inn

Few restaurants can say a historical marker stands out front.

Chinatown Inn earned one in 2022, honoring Pittsburgh’s original Chinatown.

The restaurant has served guests on Third Avenue since 1943. Today it’s the last remaining part of that old neighborhood.

Eating here is a little like having lunch inside a history book.

The family story is just as long. Founder Tong handed management to his son, Soo Lim Yee, in 1948.

In 1988, ownership passed to stepson Jonathan Yee and his wife, Wei.

Jonathan and Wei still run the place. That kind of staying power is rare anywhere.

In a downtown that keeps changing, it feels pretty special.

So what should you order? Cantonese Pan-Fried Noodles come with vegetables, chicken, roast pork, or beef.

General Tso’s Chicken is also a featured favorite on the menu.

Start with Cold Chinese Egg Noodles tossed in sesame sauce. Scallion Pancakes and Crab Rangoons are easy wins for the table.

Glazed and Marinated Chicken Wings work well if you’re feeding a crowd.

Chicken Teriyaki is on the appetizer list too, which is a fun surprise. Take a minute to read the marker before you go inside.

It’s part of the meal, really.

Address: 520 Third Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

3. David’s Mai Lai Wah

Night owls, this one’s yours. David’s Mai Lai Wah serves Cantonese food until 2:15 a.m.

Hong Kong native David Chan opened the restaurant in 1982. Its late-night following started around 1992.

David still owns it, and his daughter Priscilla Chan serves as general manager.

The big name on the menu is the salt and pepper chicken wings. They’re the reason many people show up.

Order them first and figure out the rest later.

For years after the pandemic, the place ran as takeout only. Renovations brought the dining room back with a new floor and rectangular tables.

A green neon sign now glows inside.

Look around while you wait. A mirrored wall reflects photographs of Hong Kong’s neon signs.

You’ll also spot Philadelphia’s Chinatown Friendship Arch on the walls.

The menu sticks to classics that taste great late. Shrimp Egg Rolls, Vegetarian Spring Rolls, and Shanghai Spring Rolls are all options.

Barbecued Spare Ribs and Barbecued Roast Pork please the meat lovers.

Fried Shrimp is another solid pick for sharing. Hours start at 4 p.m., so this isn’t a lunch stop.

Think of it as your reward after a long evening out in the city.

Address: 1001 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

4. Hong Luck Restaurant

Late February 1977 marked a big moment in Levittown.

That’s when Hong Luck Restaurant first opened, and the same family still owns it. Nearly five decades later, it proudly wears the old-school Chinese restaurant label.

The menu covers a lot of ground. You’ll find Cantonese, Hunan, Szechuan, and Polynesian styles all in one spot.

That Polynesian side fits the tiki lounge perfectly. The space can handle small gatherings or large parties.

Birthday crew, anyone?

Appetizers lean nostalgic in the best way. Steak Kebabs, Chicken Kebabs, and Paper Wrapped Chicken bring retro charm.

Fried Chicken Wings and BBQ Spare Ribs keep the table busy.

Soup choices cover the classics. Wonton, Egg Drop, and Hot and Sour are all available.

Pick one and you can’t really go wrong.

For mains, General Tso’s Chicken and Sesame Chicken are popular picks. Sweet and Sour Chicken hits that throwback note.

House Noodles and Roast Pork Fried Rice fill out the order.

Vegetable Lo Mein works for meat-free eaters. Fried Dumplings and Egg Rolls make easy add-ons too.

Online ordering handles pickup or delivery when staying home sounds better than going out.

Address: 2221 Veterans Highway, Levittown, PA 19056

5. Ting Wong Restaurant

Breakfast at a Chinese barbecue counter? Ting Wong opens at 8 a.m., so yes, roast duck before noon is fair game.

The vibe is straightforward and no-frills. Nobody comes here for fancy decor.

People come for traditional Cantonese and Beijing-style cooking in generous portions.

Roast pork and roast duck over rice are the signature moves. The plates typically come with vegetables and soup.

That’s a full meal without much effort on your part.

Wonton noodle soup is another reason to stop in. Hong Kong Style Noodles, congee, and hot rice entrees fill out the menu.

Fried rice is there for the classic crowd.

Feeling adventurous? Check the Chef’s Specials.

Dragon Well Tea Shrimp and Lotus Pond Stir-Fry sound like dishes worth a second look.

Mapo Tofu and the Pan-Fried Stuffed Trio add more variety. Garlic-Flavored Paper-Wrapped Pork Ribs bring some fun to the table.

Crispy Paper-Wrapped Whole Fish and Spicy Twice-Cooked Pork Stir-Fry round things out.

Grabbing food to go? A self-service ordering machine makes takeout quick.

The kitchen stays open until 10 p.m., giving you plenty of chances to swing by.

Address: 138 N. 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

6. Hong Kong Garden

Same spot, same name, same family since 1980. That combo makes Hong Kong Garden the oldest Chinese restaurant in Lancaster County to pull it off.

Think about how much Lancaster has changed in that time. This dining room on Columbia Avenue kept going anyway.

That’s real commitment to the craft.

The menu is huge. Over 160 items appear on the take-out list.

You could order something new for months and still have choices left.

Here’s a nice perk. Diners often receive complimentary fried wontons and hot tea.

Small touches like that make a meal feel friendlier from the first bite.

Portions are known for being generous, so plan on leftovers. Tomorrow’s lunch is basically handled.

Your fridge will thank you.

Eating light or avoiding meat? Vegetarian entrees are available.

Steamed entrees without sauce can be made upon request too.

That flexibility helps when your group has different needs. Grandma, the gym fan, and the picky kid can all find something.

The relaxed setting makes it easy to linger over tea.

It’s a solid stop after exploring Lancaster. You get decades of family history with your dinner.

Address: 1807 Columbia Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603

7. Tai Lake Seafood Restaurant

Dinner might still be swimming when you arrive. At Tai Lake Seafood Restaurant, you can pick live fish straight from the tanks.

The restaurant opened in 1988. It’s recognized as the pioneer of Hong Kong Style Cantonese seafood restaurants in Philadelphia’s Chinatown.

Plenty of places followed its lead.

Crab fans should look at the wok-fried Dungeness crab with minced pork. Steamed oysters with ginger and green onion are another standout.

Honey walnut shrimp brings a sweet crunch. Rice lovers get options galore.

Salted fish fried rice is a classic Cantonese pick. House Special Fried Rice and Shrimp Fried Rice keep things simpler.

The menu goes far beyond seafood. Beef, pork, poultry, bean curd, and vegetables all get sections.

Casserole congee and noodles are there too, including beef chow fun.

Adventurous eaters can try jellyfish or snails. Steamed fish and fried crabs are popular as well.

It’s a great place to test your bravery one bite at a time.

Groups with mixed tastes do well here. Everyone can order their own thing and share.

Tai Lake has long been known for late-night dining, but published closing times vary. Check the restaurant’s current hours before planning a meal after midnight.

Address: 134 N. 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

8. Lee How Fook Restaurant

Winning Best of Chinatown 2018 from Philly.com is no small feat.

Lee How Fook has been a Chinatown favorite for over 30 years.

The name even sounds like good luck. The menu mixes Cantonese comfort with takeout classics.

Freshness gets plenty of attention in the kitchen.

Salt Baked Squid is a smart order for crunch lovers. Pan-Fried Noodle with Beef and Dried Ho Fun Noodle with Beef are hearty picks.

Jumbo Shrimp with Broccoli keeps it simple.

Want the familiar stuff? General Tso’s Chicken and Orange Chicken are both here.

Chicken with Black Bean Sauce adds a savory twist.

The appetizer list could be a meal on its own. Fook’s Roast Pork Buns and BBQ Roast Pork stand out.

The Buddha Delight Roll is a fun vegetarian choice.

Dumpling fans have choices. Steamed Pork Soup Dumplings and Pan Seared Pork Dumplings both appear.

Scallion Pancakes and Crispy Shrimp Rolls are easy add-ons.

Planning a party? A private room holds up to 50 people, and a party menu is available.

Check hours before you go, since some sources list Mondays as closed.

Address: 219 N. 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

9. Margaret Kuo’s Kitchen

A chemical engineering degree and a Harvard master’s aren’t the usual path to running a kitchen. Margaret Kuo took that route anyway.

She studied at Taipei Institute of Technology. She later earned a public administration degree from Harvard’s Kennedy School in 1996.

Her cooking career spans more than 40 years.

Her current venture sits at the Promenade at Granite Run in Media. It blends Chinese fine dining with fresh sushi.

That mix makes it great for groups who can’t agree.

Peking Duck is a signature dish. It’s the kind of order that turns dinner into an event.

Traditional classics fill out the rest of the Chinese menu.

Comfort picks are easy to find. Egg Rolls, Wonton Soup, and Pot Stickers are popular.

General Tzao’s Chicken and Roast Pork Fried Rice cover the cravings.

Sushi fans get gourmet rolls and omakase-style options. The Spicy Tuna Roll is a crowd favorite.

A sushi bar lets you watch the action.

Combination platters include Twice Cooked Pork and Jumbo Shrimp with Lobster Sauce. Special culinary events pop up too.

Kuo has been named one of Pennsylvania’s Fifty Best Women in Business.

Address: 1109 W. Baltimore Pike, Suite A, Media, PA 19063

10. Sesame Inn

More than 100 entrees sounds like a challenge. Sesame Inn makes it a menu, and many dishes are unique to the Pittsburgh area.

The kitchen covers serious regional range. Sichuan, Hunan, Shanghai, Peking, and Cantonese specialties all appear.

Each dish is prepared to order with fresh ingredients.

The menu kept growing over time. A full sushi bar joined the lineup.

Popular Thai dishes showed up as well.

Start with Sesame Cold Noodle, a fitting order given the name. Crispy Tofu is a good meat-free pick.

Pork Dumplings and Shrimp Egg Rolls are easy to share.

Crab Rangoons and Vegetable Egg Rolls cover the classics. A House Salad and Avocado Salad add something lighter.

Not every Chinese menu offers avocado, so that’s a fun surprise.

Soup choices include Wonton, Hot and Sour, and Egg Drop. General Tso’s Chicken and Orange Chicken bring familiar flavor.

You can stay safe or explore.

Planning a celebration? A banquet room is available for parties.

This Mt. Lebanon spot has a sister location in North Hills too, which helps western Pennsylvania diners on both sides of town.

Address: 704 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15228

11. Asia Oriental Cuisine

One chef, roughly 90 percent of the entrees. Chef Alex personally cooks most of the dishes at Asia Oriental Cuisine in Allentown.

That hands-on approach keeps the standard high. You’re basically eating food from one person’s careful hands.

It’s a nice thing to know when your plate arrives. The menu leans Cantonese with pan-Asian side trips.

Hong Kong Style Cha Siu, or roast pork, is a must.

The Fitz is another house favorite worth a look. So what’s The Fitz?

It’s an assortment of meats and seafood with cellophane noodles.

Everything comes in a velvety chicken broth. Appetizers travel around Asia.

Chicken Lettuce Cups and Indonesian Tempeh sit next to Thai Chicken Satay.

Chicken Egg Rolls bring it back home. Rice fans can pick Bangkok Fried Rice or Basil Fried Rice.

Curry comes in vegetarian and chicken versions.

A Lemongrass Chicken Salad offers a fresher option. Diet needs?

Most meat entrees can swap in tofu or be steamed without sauce.

The restaurant currently offers takeout only, and there’s a parking lot for customers.

Hours run Monday through Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m., with Sundays closed. Plan an evening pickup rather than a sit-down dinner.

Address: 1102 E. Susquehanna Street, Allentown, PA 18103

12. China Palace

Any menu with a Pu Pu Platter for two earns instant throwback points. China Palace in Monroeville proudly keeps it on the list.

The appetizer section is a nostalgia party. Cheese Wontons and Barbecued Spareribs feel straight out of a classic Chinese American dinner.

Chicken Satay and Scallion Pancakes join in.

Fried Dumplings, Egg Rolls, and General Tso’s Chicken are popular picks. Steamed Dumplings work if you want something lighter.

Sesame Cold Noodles are a tasty starter too.

The Chef’s Specialties get creative. Royal Delight, Seafood Paradise, and Emerald Shrimp and Scallops sound fancy.

Friday’s Beef is spicy, and you can order it any day.

Heat seekers should check the Crispy Walnut Chicken and Crispy Walnut Shrimp. Triple Delight with Garlic Sauce brings more spice.

Have water nearby.

Fried rice gets an upgrade here. Lobster and Shrimp Fried Rice and Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice stand out.

Young Chou Fried Rice covers the classic side.

Pork fans can pick Moo Shu Pork or Twice Cooked Pork. Mongolian Beef and Beef with Chili Sauce are options too.

Pickup and delivery make a cozy-couch night easy east of Pittsburgh.

Address: 4059 William Penn Highway, Monroeville, PA 15146