The Chinese Lunar New Year is a time of tradition, family gatherings and incredible food, and thus, it’s the perfect time to review the stories and traditions of some of the oldest Chinese restaurants in America.
Chinese restaurants in the United States are more than a place to eat. Since their establishment in the country, they have become cultural hotspots that have helped introduce Americans to beloved dishes and flavors from Chinese cuisine.
They include a century-old noodle parlor, iconic dim sum houses and other restaurants from all over the country, each with its own story to tell.
Pekin Noodle Parlor, the Oldest Chinese Restaurant in America
The Pekin Noodle Parlor was established in 1911 in Butte, Montana, making it the oldest Chinese restaurant in the country at 114 years old. It was founded by Hum Yow and Tam Kwong Yee and features private booths with curtains, a design choice typical of the early 20th century. In 2023, the restaurant was honored as an American Classic by the James Beard Foundation.
This award recognizes locally owned restaurants that have that have ‘timeless appeal’ and are cherished by the community. Customers have highly recommended the Chop Suey at Pekin Noodle Parlor.
The oldest Chinese restaurant in the United States, Butte, Montana pic.twitter.com/I5b3g1tWHA
— Robert Sietsema (@robertsietsema) June 26, 2023
Nom Wah Tea Parlor, 105 years
Located in Manhattan’s Chinatown, Nom Wah Tea Parlor is renowned for its dim sum offerings. When it was first established in 1920, it originally operated as a bakery and a tea parlor and eventually evolved into a fully functional restaurant.
The establishment remains a popular dining spot in New York City, particularly for its Original Egg Roll recipe, which features a crepe-like wrapper filled with chicken and veggies.
Doyers Street in Chinatown, New York City. Last night (Saturday).
Nom Wah Tea Parlor is a popular restaurant on this street. pic.twitter.com/h1NOepE5p1— NewYorkCityKopp (@newyorkcitykopp) August 25, 2024
Tai Tung Restaurant, 90 Years
As Seattle’s oldest Chinese restaurant, Tai Tung has been a popular dining spot for the community since 1935. This makes the establishment 90 years old. It gained fame in the 20th century, as it was the favorite dining spot of martial artists and Hollywood star, Bruce Lee. The restaurant has also featured in a movie, “The Paper Tigers.”
Frank Fat’s in Sacramento, California has operated for 86 years
This restaurant was founded by an immigrant known as Frank Fat and has been a staple in Sacramento’s dining scene since 1939. It is famous for dishes like honey-walnut prawns, and its banana cream pie. Frank Fat’s also received the James Beard Foundation Award as an American Classic in 2013.
There is a fantastic Chinese restaurant that's been operating here in Sacramento for 80 years called Frank Fat's and I can't wait to go back when I can. It has this crazy interior that's a combination of legit ancient Chinese art and gaudy 80's art deco and I love it. pic.twitter.com/t2J29dkDU0
— Ben Prunty (@benprunty) December 22, 2020
Panda Inn, 52 Years
Founded by Andrew and Peggy Cherng, along with Chef Ming-Tsai Cherng, Panda Inn is the precursor to one of the best-known fast food chains in the country, Panda Express. The restaurant, located in Pasadena, California was overhauled in 2024, and its menu now reflects the cuisine from Cherng’s hometown of Yangzhou.
Panda Inn’s signature dish is the Mandarin Chicken, which features crispy chicken and spicy Mandarin sauce.
The 50-year-old Pasadena restaurant that inspired Panda Express gets a sleek new design refresh https://t.co/I5DyOMEF66 pic.twitter.com/1buJSmL0fb
— Eater LA (@eaterla) February 9, 2023
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