Maryland, particularly the densely populated corridor stretching from Baltimore to the Washington D.C. suburbs (the DMV area), boasts one of the most vibrant and diverse Chinese food scenes on the East Coast. Whether you are craving the fiery heat of Sichuan, the delicate artistry of soup dumplings, or authentic Yunnan flavors, Maryland has a restaurant to satisfy.
Here are 10 of the best Chinese restaurants across the state, celebrated for their authenticity, quality, and devoted following.
The Top Ten Maryland Spots
1. NiHao (Baltimore)
Known for its sophisticated approach and contemporary Chinese cuisine, NiHao is often lauded as one of Baltimore's best. The menu features innovative takes on classic regional dishes, prioritizing fresh, high-quality ingredients.
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Specialty: Green Peppercorn Flounder Fillets and the Sizzling Chengdu Crispy Rice Seafood.
2. Peter Chang (Multiple Locations)
Named for the renowned former chef at the Chinese embassy, Peter Chang's Maryland locations are a pilgrimage site for fans of intense, regional Chinese flavors, particularly Sichuan.
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Specialty: Dry-Fried Eggplant and the signature Bamboo Fish.
3. Bob's Shanghai 66 (Rockville)
A no-frills destination for authentic Shanghai-style cooking. This restaurant consistently earns praise for its dough-based dishes and comforting cuisine, though it often requires a bit of a wait.
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Specialty: Signature Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) and the Wontons in Spicy Sauce.
4. Pepper House (Ellicott City)
Located in Howard County, this restaurant gained national attention after being ranked among the country's best by Yelp for its outstanding Sichuan food.
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Specialty: Beef Dry Pot and other intensely aromatic Sichuan dishes rich in chili oil and peppercorns.
5. Water Song Yunnan Kitchen (Baltimore)
This unique eatery introduces diners to the distinct, bold flavors of Yunnan province—a region heavily influenced by Southeast Asian spices and ingredients.
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Specialty: Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles (Guò Qiáo Mǐxiàn) and Spicy Tofu Salad.
6. Shanghai Taste (Rockville)
A strong competitor in the Montgomery County "Chinese food mecca," this spot focuses heavily on refined Shanghai cuisine and is famous for rivaling Bob's Shanghai 66 for the best soup dumplings.
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Specialty: Excellent variety of traditional and pan-fried soup dumplings.
7. Joe's Noodle House (Rockville)
A long-standing, family-run favorite in Rockville, Joe's offers a massive menu covering diverse regional Chinese specialties, from Taiwanese to Sichuan.
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Specialty: Wide array of noodle soups and the Spicy Cumin Lamb.
8. Hollywood East Cafe (Wheaton)
Located inside a mall, this cafe is a popular weekend destination, particularly known for its traditional Cantonese approach.
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Specialty: Authentic Cantonese Dim Sum service and a strong à la carte menu.
9. China House (Baltimore)
A local institution in Baltimore known for prioritizing quality, authentic flavors, and notably cooking without MSG.
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Specialty: Consistent, fresh seafood dishes and crispy dumplings.
10. Sichuan Jin River (Rockville)
Located near the famous Bob's Shanghai 66, this restaurant specializes in high-quality, authentic Sichuan cuisine, often praised by those seeking a true taste of the region.
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Specialty: Offal dishes and classic Sichuan preparations, like Mapo Tofu and Wontons in Chili Oil.
