In recent years, Ridgewood has quietly transformed from a charming suburban enclave into a destination for authentic Chinese cuisine, rivaling nearby culinary hubs. Here, it’s all about regional specialties—from delicate dim sum to fiery Sichuan dishes—that you simply won’t find elsewhere in Bergen County.
Wok 18
$ | (201) 357-5795 | WEBSITE
Ridgewood has a respectable Chinese food scene, and Wok 18, a reliable takeout spot on a convenient street corner, is setting the standard. The menu brings classic Chinese-American favorites to life with honest preparation, and pairs them with efficient service. Call ahead for pickup if you want to ensure your order is ready exactly when promised.
The offerings stay consistent throughout the year, but expect satisfying dishes with clear attention to dietary needs served in sturdy takeout containers: vegetable mei fun, kosher ramen, and gluten-free options with fresh ingredients.
Hunan Taste Montclair
$$ | (973) 783-6800 | WEBSITE
Hunan Taste Montclair shifts its focus from Cantonese classics to the fiery heart of Hunan province. Spacious and comfortable, it’s a perfect spot for family dinners or casual gatherings—the Peking Duck alone justifies the visit. The duck is served with perfectly crisp skin and traditional accompaniments, including a rich hoisin sauce prepared with care. The hot and sour soup is thick and robust, brimming with flavor, while the tangerine chicken delivers a bright, citrusy punch.
With super-comfy seating and noise-dampening black carpeting, the atmosphere feels both lively and relaxed. Dishes like scallion pancakes and beef with chili peppers arrive in generous portions ideal for sharing, and the attentive staff thoughtfully packs leftovers while offering hot towels at the meal’s end. Convenient parking behind the restaurant and across the street makes it an easy choice for authentic, satisfying Chinese food that welcomes all.
XIN LA GONG FU 辛辣功夫 麻辣烫 신라쿵푸 마라탕
$$ | (917) 981-0877 | WEBSITE
Is it worth braving the spice levels at Xin La Gong Fu just for a bowl of their signature malatang? We think so. But there’s a larger menu if you need more than just fiery broth. Stop by for dinner to share generous portions of their shrimp fried rice, tofu skin, and different daily specials. Sometimes, that’s things like vegetable stir-fries bathed in—you guessed it—spicy mala sauce, and rice packed with fresh shrimp and seasonal greens.
Yee Kee Chinese Restaurant
$ | (973) 595-6969 | WEBSITE
There’s always a line snaking out the door at Yee Kee Chinese Restaurant. The food is made from recipes perfected over decades—there’s the legendary half chicken with fried rice and hot sauce by the plateful (plus family-sized portions), with flavors like classic BBQ sauce that some swear is actually mumbo sauce, or a rare, old-style homemade ice tea.
Crisp, fresh vegetables in the stir-fries are another Ridgewood staple worth waiting for, as are the unbeatable prices that keep regulars coming back. After you savor whatever catches your eye, linger at your table to chat with the friendly staff who treat you like you’re in a 5-star restaurant.
New Hop Shing Kitchen
$ | (973) 779-6366 | WEBSITE
If there’s one Chinese restaurant in Ridgewood you’ve heard about, it’s probably this one, run by a young Chinese couple who have cooked in town for years. Make it your regular spot, and arrive with an appetite. Inside this family-owned establishment, you’ll have a choice of generous and filling dishes built around classic Chinese flavors, many of which are house specialties. A meal typically costs around $36 and includes a free can of soda.
On any given visit, that might result in the must-try house special chowmein, perfectly seasoned stir-fries, or comforting soups that keep customers coming back.
Green Garden
$ | (201) 862-9998 | WEBSITE
This no-frills, late-night Chinese spot basically demands you have a satisfying meal. The food arrives steadily from the kitchen in a straightforward dining room, and the menu focuses on classic flavors from Sichuan and Cantonese traditions, with reliable favorites that deliver every time.
Many dishes are generous portions with familiar combinations, like the Chicken in Garlic Sauce with its balance of savory and spicy notes (something like a comforting stir-fry) or the fluffy Chicken Fried Rice made with tender chicken, eggs, and scallions. Definitely stop by, especially after hours when people pour into Ridgewood from all over New Jersey.
First Wok
$ | (973) 256-8671 | WEBSITE
This genuine mom and pop Chinese restaurant in Ridgewood has been a beloved local spot for over 10 years. People typically come here for the lunch special Monday through Saturday, which features generous portions of flavorful dishes like General Tso chicken. And while it’s tough to find Chinese food that isn’t overly greasy, First Wok offers standout house lo mein perfectly spiced with their authentic hot chili oil.
Settle in for a sit-down meal in the clean, bright dining room, or grab some tasty steamed dumplings to go with their fast service.
Hop Sing Chinese Restaurant
$ | (201) 343-6080 | WEBSITE
You’ve been running errands all morning and suddenly it’s dinnertime—you’re famished, and need a dependable place right now. Hop Sing Chinese Restaurant is the answer. A family-owned favorite for years, the kitchen serves up generous portions of Chinese American classics at prices that won’t break the bank. The Wonton Soup is a must-try, rivaling any you’d find back home, and the Fried Pork Dumplings are praised for their incredible flavor and spot-on texture.
Make your way to this bustling local spot, which fills up with regulars and newcomers alike looking for a satisfying meal. For those craving classics, the Sweet and Sour Chicken, General Tso’s, and Shrimp Chow Mein all deliver exactly what you want—fresh, delicious food that’s truly worth every penny.
Red Bowl – Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Asian Fusion Restaurant
$ | (201) 857-5828 | WEBSITE
Red Bowl is a cozy, unfussy Asian fusion spot in a snug Ridgewood storefront that’s also a neighborhood takeout favorite, just off the main drag. We love it for grabbing a few dishes to share at their limited indoor tables with that soothing background music. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the kani salad with mango is exceptional—you can’t go wrong with the Love roll wrapped in that crunchy soybean paper.
They also do great Asian fusion meals and takeout options, like the udon noodles with chicken or the spicy wontons with that perfect kick. Thirsty? The thing to drink is a sweet, creamy Thai Iced Tea.
Goody
$ | (973) 278-3999 | WEBSITE
For some of the best rotisserie chicken in Paterson, head to this Latin-focused spot that’s become a neighborhood favorite. The menu here brings out what makes this place unique: expect things like the signature rotisserie chicken with that bold sauce, awesome fried rice, and basic-but-satisfying fried chicken wings. Karaoke Tuesday is a great time to come and soak up the lively atmosphere—think of it as a weekly party where the whole community shows up.
A casual dinner with friends in the small, crowded space is perfect too, with most dishes priced around $12-$18 and the whole experience feeling like a steal.
TS Ma Chinese Cuisine
$$ | (201) 891-8878 | WEBSITE
If you type “gluten-free Chinese restaurant in Ridgewood” into a search engine, it would likely point you straight to this clean, well-maintained spot on the main drag, nestled in a tidy storefront with nice decor and ample seating. They do authentic Chinese dishes like mapo tofu and string beans in brown garlic sauce, with a thoughtful menu featuring lots of gluten-free options.
It’s most special on a busy weekend evening when the dining room hums with energy, but if you can’t snag a table then, lunch with their generous specials will do just fine.
Great Wall Chinese restaurant
$ | (201) 455-1188 | WEBSITE
Great Wall Chinese restaurant isn’t exactly a hidden gem in Ridgewood, but it’s a reliable spot that delivers exactly what you’re craving after a long day of errands or work. This cozy establishment tucked away in the neighborhood is perfect for a satisfying meal when you want something comforting without the fuss. The chicken and broccoli, sesame chicken, and pork fried rice get ordered so frequently they practically fly out of the kitchen, so calling ahead ensures you get your favorites.
There’s also a solid selection of Lo Mein and fried pork dumplings that hit the spot every time. The friendly staff and kind owner make the experience feel like visiting a neighbor’s kitchen, which is why it remains a go-to for many locals seeking well-prepared, delicious Chinese food.
Shanghai
$ | (201) 482-8079 | WEBSITE
Shanghai is the kind of quaint, authentic Chinese spot you wish you could say you discovered. You should make your way here after a stroll around Ridgewood, around 20 minutes away, for dim sum and classics, like soup dumplings filled with savory broth and scallion pancakes. The menu includes everything from crispy sesame chicken with a hint of ginger to comforting fried rice, with a focus on fresh, light dishes from around China.
While Shanghai is great for a quick bite, we like it best for a full meal, especially if you can bag one of the cozy tables in the lively dining room.
Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant
$ | (201) 797-1169 | WEBSITE
Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant from the team behind Ridgewood’s popular healthy dining scene was a big deal when it opened a few years ago, and the almost unbelievably long counter is still packed pretty much all the time. Order as you go while watching the cooks working away in the open kitchen.
Some sizzling broccoli with chicken, delicately fried house fried rice bursting with balanced flavors, and the individually prepared veggie fried rice are great places to start, paired with something from the list of moderately priced Chinese teas.
Dumpling Chinese Food
$ | (201) 288-5885 | WEBSITE
The takeout from Dumpling Chinese Food is so reliable that they’ve become the go-to spot for Chinese food in Ridgewood. This family-run gem is in a tidy storefront, with a few simple tables if you want to eat in. It’s a great way to end a busy day, especially if you call ahead and your order is ready when you arrive, as delivery drivers come and go efficiently and regulars pick up their usual favorites.
This is a great place to try their consistently fresh shrimp, always cleaned and perfectly cooked. Everything on the menu is made with care, right down to the well-packaged containers that keep your food hot. With plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, it’s a standout for anyone craving delicious Chinese food.
Ya Food Zheng’s Garden
$ | (973) 777-0633 | WEBSITE
Ridgewood is arguably the most reliable neighborhood in New Jersey for American-Chinese cuisine, and Ya Food Zheng’s Garden is the most satisfying spot in recent years. It’s a popular space, so expect a steady crowd for family dinners and come ready to enjoy generous portions. The restaurant is known for its tasty and reliable dishes that riff on classic Chinese-American favorites where the kitchen has perfected its craft.
But you can happily know none of that and still be delighted by the fresh shrimp and broccoli in savory brown sauce, or the flavorful pork fried rice packed with vegetables.
