Best Chinese Foods in USA: Authentic & Americanized Chinese Dishes

Chinese cuisine holds a special place in American dining, celebrated for its diverse flavors, unique cooking techniques, and blend of authentic and Americanized dishes. From dim sum to bold stir-fries, Chinese food offers some of the best Chinese foods in the world, with each dish telling a story. This guide highlights the most famous Chinese dishes in the United States, giving insight into both authentic Chinese dishes and beloved Americanized versions. Let’s explore the best Chinese dishes that define Chinese dining in the U.S., from dim sum favorites to noodle and rice classics, savory meat entrees, and vibrant vegetable-based offerings.

Chicken and Poultry Dishes

Chinese cuisine offers some of the best Chinese dishes in the U.S., especially when it comes to chicken and poultry options.

• Kung Pao Chicken (Authentic or Americanized) – Stir-fried chicken with peanuts, chilies, and vegetables in a spicy sauce, a bold authentic Chinese dish.
• General Tso's Chicken (Americanized) – An Americanized favorite, with crispy chicken in a sweet, slightly spicy sauce, and widely regarded as a good Chinese dish.
• Orange Chicken (Americanized) – Fried chicken tossed in a tangy orange sauce, known for its crispy texture and popularity as common Chinese food in America.
• Peking Duck (Authentic) – Beijing-style roasted duck with crispy skin, served with pancakes and hoisin sauce, a must-try authentic Chinese dish.
• Sesame Chicken (Americanized) – Crispy fried chicken in a sweet, sticky sauce topped with sesame seeds, beloved as top rated Chinese food.
• Szechuan Chicken (Authentic) – Spicy stir-fried chicken with Szechuan peppercorns, bringing a numbing heat that’s typical of authentic Chinese food.
• Hunan Chicken (Authentic) – Stir-fried chicken with fresh chili peppers and vegetables, offering a fiery, clean taste, making it a famous Chinese meal for those who love spice.
• Lemon Chicken (Americanized) – Crispy fried chicken in a sweet, tangy lemon sauce, a lighter Americanized option of popular Chinese food.
• Cashew Chicken (Americanized) – Mild stir-fried chicken with cashews and vegetables in a light soy sauce, a popular common Chinese dish across the U.S.

Beef Dishes

Chinese beef dishes showcase varied flavors, with both sweet and savory options among famous Chinese meals.

• Beef and Broccoli (Americanized) – Stir-fried beef with broccoli in a savory sauce, a beloved Chinese food classic in American dining.
• Mongolian Beef (Americanized) – Thinly sliced beef with green onions in a rich, sweet soy sauce glaze, loved as a good Chinese dish across the U.S.
• Szechuan Beef (Authentic) – Spicy stir-fried beef with chilies and Szechuan peppercorns for a numbing sensation, making it a popular authentic Chinese food.
• Beef with Black Bean Sauce (Authentic) – Stir-fried beef with black beans, garlic, and vegetables for a hearty, umami-rich taste, among the best Chinese dishes.

Pork Dishes

These pork dishes capture the richness and creativity of authentic Chinese dishes and Americanized favorites alike.

• Char Siu (BBQ Pork) (Authentic) – Cantonese barbecued pork with a sweet glaze, enjoyed as a main dish or dim sum filling and recognized as one of the most famous Chinese dishes.
• Moo Shu Pork (Authentic) – Authentic stir-fried pork and vegetables, served with thin pancakes and hoisin sauce. This authentic Chinese food is packed with rich flavors.
• Sweet and Sour Pork (Americanized) – Crispy pork with bell peppers and pineapple in a sweet, tangy sauce, an American favorite among typical Chinese dishes.
• Twice-Cooked Pork (Authentic) – Pork belly first simmered, then stir-fried with spices for a savory, slightly smoky flavor, a staple of authentic Chinese food.
• Red Braised Pork Belly (Authentic) – Pork belly braised in soy sauce, sugar, and spices for a rich, caramelized flavor, loved as one of the most famous Chinese dishes.

Seafood Dishes

Seafood dishes bring unique tastes to authentic Chinese dishes and are highly popular among best Chinese foods in America.

• Sweet and Sour Shrimp (Americanized) – Battered shrimp in a tangy, sweet sauce with bell peppers and pineapple, a common Chinese food with broad appeal.
• Salt and Pepper Squid (Authentic) – Lightly battered squid with salt, pepper, and fresh chili, offering a savory crunch and often considered top rated Chinese food.
• Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallions (Authentic) – Whole fish steamed with ginger, scallions, and soy sauce, known for its delicate, fresh flavor as a typical Chinese dish.
• Honey Walnut Shrimp (Americanized) – Fried shrimp tossed in a creamy honey sauce with candied walnuts, a popular choice among best Chinese dishes.

Vegetable and Tofu Dishes

Chinese vegetable and tofu dishes are well-loved for their nutritional value and vibrant flavors, forming some of the best Chinese foods for plant-based eaters.

• Mapo Tofu (Authentic) – A spicy tofu dish with minced meat, featuring Szechuan peppercorns for a numbing, bold flavor, making it one of the best Chinese dishes for spice lovers.
• Buddha's Delight (Authentic) – A vegetarian mix of tofu and seasonal vegetables, rooted in Buddhist culinary traditions and a great authentic Chinese food.
• Stir-Fried Bok Choy (Authentic) – A simple dish with bok choy, garlic, and light soy sauce, highlighting fresh flavors and often served alongside top rated Chinese food.
• Eggplant in Garlic Sauce (Authentic) – Tender eggplant in a garlic-rich sauce, slightly spicy and savory, a famous Chinese meal for fans of bold flavors.
• Braised Tofu with Vegetables (Authentic) – Silky tofu and vegetables braised in a savory sauce for a satisfying, comforting Chinese food option.

Dim Sum and Small Bites

Dim sum brings a variety of flavorful, shareable bites perfect for any meal and represents some of the best Chinese foods that diners love in the U.S.

• Dim Sum (Authentic) – A collection of small authentic Chinese food items like dumplings and buns, often served with tea for a light, social meal.
• Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) (Authentic) – Shanghai-style dumplings filled with meat and savory broth, creating a burst of flavor and ranking among the top rated Chinese food items.
• Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns) (Authentic) – Sweet, savory pork in a steamed bun, a common Chinese dish especially loved in Cantonese cuisine.
• Egg Rolls (Americanized) – A crunchy, Americanized classic, filled with cabbage, carrots, and sometimes meat. These are popular in Chinese food restaurants across the U.S.
• Spring Rolls (Authentic) – Crispy, thin rolls filled with fresh vegetables and sometimes shrimp, served as an authentic Chinese food appetizer.

Noodles and Rice Dishes

Noodles and rice dishes are common Chinese dishes and represent comfort food at its finest, with varied textures and flavors.

• Chow Mein (Americanized) – Crispy stir-fried noodles with vegetables and protein, offering a satisfying crunch and known as one of the most popular Chinese foods in the U.S.
• Lo Mein (Americanized) – Soft noodles tossed in a savory sauce with vegetables and protein, perfect for a hearty, comforting meal.
• Chow Fun (Americanized) – Wide, flat rice noodles with beef and vegetables, an authentic Chinese dish that offers a taste of Cantonese cuisine.
• Fried Rice (Authentic) – A classic Chinese food with stir-fried rice, veggies, eggs, and meat or seafood, loved for its comforting flavor and status as a common Chinese food.

Egg-Based Dishes

Egg-based dishes are versatile, with variations found throughout typical Chinese dishes in the U.S.

• Egg Foo Young (Americanized) – A Chinese-American omelet with vegetables and sometimes meat, topped with savory gravy, loved as good Chinese food.
• Chicken Foo Young (Americanized) – A variation of Egg Foo Young with diced chicken, offering a rich, satisfying meal.

Hot Pot and Soups

Hot pot and soups provide a warming experience with layers of flavor and are counted among the best Chinese meals to enjoy.

• Hot Pot (Authentic) – A communal dining experience where diners cook raw ingredients in a simmering pot of flavorful broth, offering an authentic Chinese food experience.
• Wonton Soup (Americanized) – Delicate dumplings filled with seasoned pork or shrimp in a light broth, a common Chinese dish that’s mild and comforting.
• Hot and Sour Soup (Americanized) – A spicy, tangy soup with tofu, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms, offering the perfect balance of heat and acidity, making it a good Chinese dish.

Final Thoughts

Chinese cuisine in the U.S. celebrates both tradition and creativity, with authentic Chinese food alongside popular Americanized favorites. From best Chinese dishes like dim sum to robust beef stir-fries and comforting soups, Chinese cuisine offers a world of flavors. We encourage you to explore CookUnity’s menu, where you’ll find globally inspired, chef-prepared meals that celebrate authentic flavors, including delicious Chinese food. Enjoy the convenience of diverse, high-quality meals delivered right to your doorstep, and let your taste buds take a culinary journey across cultures. Try CookUnity today and save 50% on your first week!