Alabama’s Chinese food scene offers a mix of classic American-Chinese favorites and authentic regional fare. If you’re asking what is the most famous Chinese restaurant in Alabama, hunting for a popular Chinese restaurant in Alabama, or curious about the #1 Chinese restaurant in Alabama, this guide to the top 10 Chinese restaurants in Alabama has you covered. Each entry highlights most popular dishes in Chinese restaurants across the state.
Top 10 Chinese Restaurants in Alabama
1. Great Wall Chinese Restaurant (Birmingham) – Iconic Local Legend
Frequently cited as the most famous Chinese restaurant in Alabama, Great Wall is best known for its spicy-wonton in peanut sauce, Shanghai-style entrees, pad Thai, and Korean noodle soup. A go-to spot for Alabama Chinese food, it merges authentic and Americanized dishes in one menu. With decades of loyal patrons, it’s considered by many the #1 Chinese restaurant in Alabama, consistently delivering the most popular dishes in Chinese restaurants.
2. Palace Chinese Restaurant (Trussville area) – Homestyle Southeast Favorite
A Reddit favorite in Birmingham suburbs, Palace stands out as a popular Chinese restaurant in Alabama with made-from-scratch soups and savory Kung Pao beef (without peanuts for some) . Known for thick hot-and-sour soup and friendly service, it’s often ranked among the best Chinese restaurants in AL by locals, cementing its reputation in regional Alabama Chinese food.
3. Shangri-La (Birmingham) – Affordable Authentic & American
Shangri-La is praised as a budget-friendly, authentic option in Birmingham. Serving a diverse menu of traditional dishes, it’s a well-rated popular Chinese restaurant in Alabama. It’s also part of the top 10 Chinese restaurants in new Alabama, delivering consistent value, great service, and everyday favorites like sesame chicken and beef with broccoli.
4. Super Oriental Market & Red Pearl (Birmingham) – Mixed Market & Menu
This combination of grocery and eatery is a local darling on Yelp, ranking among the top spots for Alabama Chinese food. Known as a popular Chinese restaurant in Alabama, it attracts patrons seeking both carry-out staples and restaurant-style dishes—frequently listed as one of the best Chinese restaurants in AL.
5. Urban Hai (Homewood, opening soon) – Upscale Sichuan Dining Coming Soon
Soon to be one of the most famous Chinese restaurants in Alabama, Urban Hai brings Atlanta-style upscale Szechuan fare—Peking duck, crispy pork belly, mapo tofu—to the Birmingham metro. This highly anticipated arrival aims to rank among 5-star Chinese restaurants in AL and shift Alabama Chinese food into a new realm.
6. Mr. Wang’s (Birmingham) – Reliable, Reviewer-Recommended
Reddit users frequently name Mr. Wang’s as a standout, noting its service and solid food. As a popular Chinese restaurant in Alabama, it’s famed for classic dishes like General Tso’s, friend rice, and crispy duck—offering a mix of authenticity and approachable flavors.
7. Ming’s Cuisine (Birmingham area) – Highly Rated Amen Classic
Ranked high on TripAdvisor, Ming’s Cuisine is among the top-rated best Chinese restaurants in AL. Known for quality Sichuan and Cantonese dishes, it’s a true contender for #1 Chinese restaurant in Alabama, offering the most popular dishes in Chinese restaurants with elegant execution.
8. Hunan Cuisine / Hunan Garden (Birmingham) – Flavor-Packed Hunan Specialties
These sister restaurants (Hunan Cuisine & Hunan Garden) are praised for authentic Hunan-style dishes and high TripAdvisor scores. They’ve earned status as popular Chinese restaurant in Alabama destinations, delivering intense flavors in beloved staples like spicy fish and eggplant.
9. China Doll 2 (Birmingham suburbs) – Family-Friendly Favorite
With high service ratings and consistent quality, China Doll 2 ranks among the top 10 Chinese restaurants in Alabama. Loved for American-Chinese staples—sweet-and-sour chicken, lo mein—it appeals to families seeking comforting Alabama Chinese food.
10. Eating Time (Birmingham, Colonnade Pkwy) – Convenient & Value-Driven
A solid option for dine-in or take-out, Eating Time is featured as a local favorite for Alabama Chinese food. With coupons and online ordering, it’s recognized as a popular Chinese restaurant in Alabama, satisfying cravings with familiar most popular dishes in Chinese restaurants.
🍜 Alabama’s Chinese Dining Scene
From iconic Great Wall and homestyle Palace to high-rated Ming’s Cuisine and the upcoming Urban Hai, Alabama’s Chinese food landscape is diverse and flavorful. Whether you’re searching for what is the most famous Chinese restaurant nearby, craving beloved Alabama Chinese food, or exploring 5-star Chinese restaurants in AL, this list of the top 10 Chinese restaurants in Alabama offers something for every palate. Buon appetito—or, よく食べてください!
