When you think of dining in Corpus Christi, you probably think of seafood. But, did you know Corpus Christi is home to some of the most delicious and authentic Chinese food in South Texas?
Calk it up to fresh ingredients or the local fish market, but either way, the Chinese food in our bayside town is beyond is beyond tasty!
Today, I’m sharing my five favorite spots to grab the best Chinese food in Corpus Christi. You can’t call yourself a true local Chinese cuisine expert until you’ve tried them all!
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Map of the Best Chinese Food Restaurants in Corpus Christi
The fanciest Chinese restaurant: Dao Authentic Chinese Cuisine
Dao Restaurant is the fanciest Chinese restaurant in Corpus Christi.
Okay, you don’t exactly need to wear a ballgown when dining at this Chinese restaurant, but the upscale atmosphere of Dao Restaurant certainly calls for a little nicer attire than the stereotypical Chinese hole in the wall.
My favorite menu items? The tropical pineapple fried rice combines the perfect mix of authentic Chinese food with fresh seafood of Corpus Christi, and the addicting steamed bun appetizers are one of their signatures. Adventurous eaters should also check out the authentic fried rice with, wait for it… shredded duck!
For the less adventurous, Dao also offers a special Americanized Chinese food section which features a variety of less authentic menu choices, like wonton soup, crab-meat rangoons, sweet and sour shrimp, and orange beef.
- Address: 2033 Airline Rd G3 Corpus Christi, TX 78412
- Website: Dao Restaurant
Best take out: JaJa Cafe Restaurant
JaJa Cafe is an authentic Chinese food restaurant with affordable, high-quality dishes. If you’re looking for classic Chinese takeout done right, JaJa is your spot.
The “Chinese Combo” section of the menu does a great job with all the staples. (I’m looking at you, for all you Orange Chicken and General Tsos fans.) But for my money, the real heroes of the JaJa menu sit in the “Authentic Chinese” section. Special shout out to their Twin Pepper Beef/Chicken/Fish!
The atmosphere at JaJa is casual and family friendly. You order at the counter and they bring it out, or if you’re like most people, you just grab takeout. This plus the massive portions and dirt cheap prices make JaJa cafe the best Chinese takeout in Corpus Christi.
- Address: 5714 McArdle Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78412
- Website: Jaja Cafe
Best Asian fusion: Z Counter
Z-Counter is classic Asian fusion, with absolutely delicious cuisine that combines many flavors from many Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and more.
Z-Counter is an affordable dine. True to the name, it’s counter service, with specialty dishes that cost less than 10 bucks. Some of the most appreciated specialty dishes include crispy pork belly fried rice, Chinese sausage fried rice, and even the Mongolian Cheesesteak. (And yes, that’s exactly what it sounds like… an Asian Cheesesteak with marinated beef plus cheese and peppers.)
Overall, the Z-Counter dine-in experience is relaxed and welcoming, with portions that are large enough to share. You also have the option of calling Z-Counter ahead and picking up your order to-go.
Oh, and no visit to Z-Counter is complete without ordering a glass of the thirst-quenching Vietnamese mint lemonade.
- Address: 1220 Airline Rd #155, Corpus Christi, TX 78412
- Website: Z Counter
Best Chinese Buffet: Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet
Okay, okay… I know some of you love Chinese Buffets, so this one goes out to you.
When you want to eat ’till you’re completely stuffed, Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet is your spot! This place is an all-day buffet, with the top-notch variety that separates a so-so buffet from a great one.
For seafood lovers, you’ll find plenty of shrimp, crab legs, and scallops. There’s even a fresh sushi bar with sashimi, California rolls, and various house rolls. For meat lovers, there’s steak, ham, and tons of poultry. For the veggies, there’s a salad bar. And… are you catching the trend?
(Did I mention there’s a full dessert bar?)
I mean, they’ve even got a Koi pond!
- Address: 5274 S Staples St, Corpus Christi, TX 78411
- Website: No Website
The most seafood options: Golden Crown Chinese Seafood Restaurant
It’s simple. It’s plain. But oh, is it good!
When you’re craving those classic Chinese appetizers like perfectly crispy egg rolls, delicious crab wontons, or warm and toasty egg drop soup, Golden Chinese Seafood Restaurant is your spot.
In a true ode to Corpus Christi, they seem to specialize in seafood dishes. I mean, they even put seafood in the name! You’d hope this means they’re serious about their seafood dishes, and from everything I’ve tried, they are.
The chef’s special section of the menu is packed with ocean-based specials, like the Sesame Shrimp, Scallops and Beef, and Golden Crown Shrimp Kew, although my personal favorite might be the shrimp curry.
- Address: 6601 Everhart Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78413
- Website: No Website