The 11 best Chinese restaurants in Amsterdam

A cuisine that I think deserves much more attention: Chinese cuisine. Whether it’s Cantonese or, for example, Sichuan — I absolutely love it. Wonton soup, fresh dumplings… I can never get enough. But which restaurants in the capital serve the very best? These are the 11 best Chinese restaurants in Amsterdam.

The best Chinese restaurants in Amsterdam

1. Sea Palace
Of course, this one couldn’t be left off the list, so it deserves to be mentioned first. A classic, and rightly so; it already looks amazing from the outside, but the interior is great too. The menu features dishes from Canton, Sichuan and Beijing. My favourite? Having an extensive dim sum feast here on a Sunday. And make sure you haven’t eaten too much beforehand, because you’ll want everything on the menu.
Oosterdokskade 8

2. Taste of Culture
I used to live on this street for years, and it really is as dangerous as it sounds. By now, it’s no longer much of a well-kept secret (it was a little more so back then); people have long since learned to see past the fluorescent lights and moderately cosy interior. None of that matters once the food arrives, because it’s amaz-ing. They’re known here for Peking duck, and it really is a must try, but definitely order some dim sum beforehand too.
Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 139-141

3. FuLu Mandarijn
If you like spicy Sichuan dishes, you’re in exactly the right place. Conveniently, the menu indicates the spiciness by the number of chillies next to each dish, and be sure to ask the staff for recommendations too. Fun fact: the sweetness and sourness of a dish are also indicated using candy canes and lemons. Be sure to try the signature Sichuan Sweet & Sour Soup — not too spicy, and oh so delicious.
Rokin 26

4. New King
It’s wonderful to come here on a hungover Sunday for one of their amazing wonton soups. Don’t get me wrong; the rest of the menu is great too, but this is my absolute favourite here and I genuinely drive out of my way for it. And perhaps you think it won’t be very filling because it’s a clear soup… But no, it’s truly a substantial meal.
Zeedijk 115-117

5. Oriental City
A fixture in Amsterdam for many years, with Cantonese dishes on the menu and an enormous number of options for seafood lovers. It’s highly recommended when you’re craving fish and shellfish, but also dim sum; they have a huge selection of that too. Go with a large group (which is generally a good idea when eating Chinese food), because you’ll want to try as much as possible.
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 177-179

6. Full Moon Garden
This place definitely deserves a spot on this list, if only because they have Xiao Long Bao on the menu, also known as soup dumplings. I first had them at Din Tai Fung (and you’re immediately spoiled, because they’re the best in the world there), and nothing in the Netherlands came close… Until Full Moon Garden. They serve the best-known variety here, namely with pork. Seriously, try these and you won’t know what hit you — with ginger, rice vinegar and soy sauce, of course. Divine.
Leidsestraat 95

7. Nam Kee
I don’t need to tell you what to order here, because naturally it’s the famous Nam Kee Oysters: two steamed oysters in black bean sauce. And are they really so special that a book and film were named after them? Yep, they absolutely are. But the fried oysters, or the steamed oysters with ginger, are definitely worth trying too.
Geldersekade 117

8. Dumplings
Quite possibly the best dumplings in all of Amsterdam. Don’t expect table service or to be able to sit inside; this is a tiny food stall where you order something at the counter. You can perhaps take a seat at a table outside. But mein Gott, the food here is so good… The dumplings are truly unparalleled, as are the Chinese pancakes. There are no words.
Nassauplein 60

9. Hoi Tin
You may not expect it, but the buns here are the ultimate recommendation. Warm, fresh pork buns, and they cost practically nothing: 1.80 euros each, and they’re so delicious. Definitely grab one when you’re passing by.
Zeedijk 122

10. Oceania
Never change a winning team; they understand that very well here. If you’ve been delivering quality for decades, there’s no need to change anything. So you know exactly what to expect when you eat here: super-friendly service and authentic Chinese dishes. The name may already give it away a little, but yes: seafood is the speciality here.
Scheldestraat 77

11. Wan Shun Restaurant
This isn’t necessarily the cosiest restaurant, which is why most people opt to get takeaway. The kitchen serves authentic, fresh Northern Chinese dishes, and this remains something of a hidden gem: lovers of truly Chinese food have known about it for years.
Kastelenstraat 110

Read also:

• We love ready-to-eat Peking duck
• 4x Chinese food in The Hague
• Spicier than spicy at China Sichuan Restaurant