Guys night out might get all the attention, but let’s not forget that authentic Chinese cravings are definitely a real thing too. And just like planning that perfect evening, finding the right spot can be a complete mess. Anyone who thinks all Chinese restaurants are created equal is leading a life of lies. There’s always that one friend who insists on extra chili oil, someone announces a strict no-MSG policy, and everyone else still looks at chicken feet like they’re in kindergarten.
Wok Inn Restaurant
$ | (250) 765-8829 | WEBSITE
You and the crew are craving something real tonight. Head straight to Wok Inn. The flavor-packed haven on the Kelowna dining scene isn’t as flashy as some of the other Chinese spots in town, but that’s exactly what makes it so memorable. If you’re looking for something truly satisfying, this is where you go.
You’re going to start with the hot and sour soup to get your taste buds ready for what’s to come, and then dive into the $45 Dinner for 4 because this is your feast and everyone else is just watching.
J-Wok Express
$ | (778) 484-1688 | WEBSITE
You know that as long as you have enough Chinese food to eat, you’ll be happy wherever you end up. J-Wok Express is a fantastic Chinese restaurant on Gordon Drive and one of the best places to get takeout in the entire city. But no matter how good those containers of food taste going down, you’re going to need variety at some point. Good news – their menu is actually very solid and you’re doing some serious damage to that chicken chow mein whether you know it yet or not.
Mekong Restaurant
$$ | (250) 763-8000 | WEBSITE
It’s tempting to picture your Chinese food craving as some epic culinary adventure that requires reservations weeks in advance, but the truth is it’s just going to be you and your family wanting something consistently delicious. When you’re hungry and just need something satisfying and dependable, Mekong Restaurant is always the solution.
The spacious, affordable Chinese-Vietnamese spot in Kelowna has fantastic ginger beef and sweet and sour chicken balls and any other Asian comfort food you could want.
Imperial Banquet Restaurant
$$ | (250) 765-1129 | WEBSITE
Sometimes you just know in your heart you’re going to need leftovers for tomorrow. In which case, head straight to Imperial Banquet. This fantastic spot not only has some of the best Chinese food in town, but its big renovated space is also ideal for rolling up with a big group whose appetite has been building all week. The family-style platters for around $85 that easily feed up to six hungry diners are actually an outrageous deal. Happy food coma.
HONG KONG GARDEN RESTAURANT
$ | (250) 765-8885 | WEBSITE
Hong Kong Garden Restaurant is the Kelowna oldie-but-goodie that shouldn’t be overlooked. In fact, this place is delivering better food than it ever has before. The unassuming Chinese spot has exceptional cuisine – the ginger beef and dinner combo are musts – and more generous portions than you’ll find at most places in the area.
But most importantly, this restaurant remains a highly recommended choice with consistently delicious food and is ideally situated for those seeking authentic and satisfying Chinese meals.
New Empress Chinese Cuisine
$ | (250) 860-3883 | WEBSITE
Attention: the Chinese restaurant you used to love to get takeout from is back. And though they no longer have their original location, the new spot is just as welcoming and full of regulars looking to get their fix of amazing Chinese food. The traditional menu has been perfected, the portions are generous, and there’s a great dining area with lots of room for your family to enjoy a meal together all evening.
Yum Yum Tree
$ | (250) 860-7378 | WEBSITE
Yum Yum Tree is one of those spots that no matter what, you know everyone will walk away satisfied. It’s got a convenient mall location, a food court style setup, and reasonable prices for the area. And while it’s hard to go wrong with anything off their meat-focused menu, our move for a quick lunch is to head right to the takeout counter. What says comfort food better than grabbing some sesame chicken or sweet and sour pork to enjoy with your family?
Wok Out Restaurant
$ | (250) 763-3888 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in Kelowna’s restaurant scene, Wok Out might not be the first spot that comes to mind when you’re scrolling through delivery apps. But trust me, this Chinese restaurant is absolutely worth seeking out. The space feels surprisingly spacious, with warm lighting, comfortable booths, and the incredible aroma of fresh ginger beef wafting through the air.
The portions here are famously generous, offering fantastic value for your dollar, while the friendly staff happily accommodates any dietary needs—whether you’re avoiding meat, dairy, peanuts, or mustard. Don’t miss their standout ginger beef, the fresh chicken fried rice, or the satisfying almond chicken and flavorful noodles. Wok Out remains a top choice for anyone craving delicious, hot Chinese food in the area.
Golden Island Asian Cuisine
$$ | (778) 753-6628 | WEBSITE
When you’re craving authentic Chinese food in Kelowna, Golden Island Asian Cuisine is very likely going to come up. The challenge is deciding among the many solid options we have. So I’ll make it simple – head to Golden Island. This local favorite is moderately priced compared to other spots, but you’re paying for generous portions, exceptional service, and a welcoming atmosphere that isn’t overly modern or sterile.
Definitely try the Chop Suey, Fried Rice, or their authentic Cantonese Chow Mein – you won’t be disappointed.
Xing Yun
$$ | (250) 765-0430 | WEBSITE
As if being one of the best Chinese restaurants in the Interior wasn’t already enough, the Kelowna location of Xing Yun has another gift for you and your friends: homemade mushroom baos. That’s right, wash down some fabulous Dim Sum and pork belly with a glass of bubble tea in a business complex dining room that always seems about one friendly owner away from being a full-out hidden gem. The hotels are right outside for afterward.
Basil Leaf Asian Fusion Restaurant – Glenmore
$ | (778) 484-6688 | WEBSITE
Even in all its fusion confusion, Basil Leaf Asian Fusion Restaurant – Glenmore remains one of the best modern Chinese/Asian spots in Kelowna. The Glenmore location (there’s another somewhere, but it’s forgettable) gets packed on the weekends, so try for a table during the week. And then just sit back, enjoy the friendly staff, go to town on your spicy lemon grass pho, and sip unique coffees until you’re too content to remember that you meant to save room for the delicious Blackened Tofu Appy.
Dragon King Restaurant
$$ | (250) 861-1305 | WEBSITE
Three words – UberEats friendly. That convenient option alone is enough to get even your most particular friend off her couch and into ordering, but at Dragon King, you can assure everybody they’re getting some pretty incredible Chinese food too. The move at this local favorite is the wonton soup, the salt and pepper squid, and all the tofu hot pot the table can handle.
Despite being a rather modern place, the atmosphere is always welcoming and there’s a massive round table in the corner that seats up to a large group.
Asian Pear Buffet
$$ | (250) 868-0038 | WEBSITE
There’s no shortage of Chinese buffets in this town, but we’d be doing you a disservice to skip over the classic Asian Pear Buffet. And while Kelowna has plenty of upscale spots that tourists are currently flocking to, our pick is always this reliable buffet. Tucked away in a convenient location, Asian Pear has been serving the same wide variety of dishes for years, and most of it is genuinely good.
So grab a seat at one of their clean tables, be served by friendly and humorous staff who actually welcome you, and be glad you chose this spot over the fancier options tonight.
