"Dumplings, egg foo young, dry-stirred beef, and a host of Chinese American favorites are on offer at this north Dallas restaurant (don’t sleep on the handmade noodles section). The restaurant celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024, earning an award from Eater Dallas for being a local legend. Co-owner April Kao still makes trips to China annually to source ideas for the restaurant from the country’s regional cuisine, while her husband George is likely to be the person serving folks behind the bar or manning the host stand, if various family members don’t beat him to it. Best for: This simple dining room has a lot going on, from the dumpling-making station to the ceiling covered with red umbrellas. Head here for the fourth date and beyond, family meals, last-minute nights out without a reservation, and friend catch-ups." - Courtney E. Smith
"It’s time for baby’s first soup dumplings, and they might as well be some of the best dumplings in DFW. This classic Dallas spot, which been around for 50 years this year, has always been accessible and family friendly. From the dumplings to jian bing (a folded crepe that is popular Beijing street food), there are fun dishes to introduce the kids to in a restaurant loaded with traditional Eastern decor and cooking methods. Adults can enjoy any traditional Chinese-American dishes they imagine, and incredible handmade noodle dishes." - Courtney E. Smith
"Starting (or just dabbling in) Chinese food for Christmas Eve is something everyone should strongly consider — especially when there’s a classic, excellent spot like Royal China in town. Chow down on dumplings galore, an incredible array of soups, Chinese American favorites, and incredible vegetarian options." - Courtney E. Smith
"Celebrating a 50-year run, this longstanding Chinese restaurant is beloved in the community for consistent hospitality and reliably great food. Second-generation owners George and April Kao are the warm, familiar faces welcoming guests and steering the kitchen to stay current with trends, helping the restaurant remain the default choice for many seeking Chinese food in Dallas and a centerpiece of the city’s hospitality scene." - Courtney E. Smith
"Tucked into the massive shopping center at Preston and Royal, this North Dallas institution has a devoted crowd of regulars. Try the excellent chilled dan dan noodles, which are hand-pulled in-house, and xiao long bao (soup dumplings). Chinese American favorites like kung pao and sesame chicken also get a serious upgrade on this menu." - Didi Paterno