Looking for a mouthwatering Chinese meal near you?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable Chinese restaurants around Charlotte, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to fill the bill.
1. Ma Ma Wok
Topping the list is Ma Ma Wok. Located at 11914 Elm Lane, Suite 100 in Ballantyne, the vegetarian spot is the highest-rated inexpensive Chinese restaurant in Charlotte, boasting four stars out of 89 reviews on Yelp. Menu items include broccoli with sweet and spicy sauce, dry-sauteed string beans, eggplant with basil and grilled vegetable patties.
"Love this place and amazing food!" wrote Yelper Taylor S. "So awesome that vegan options are marked on their menu. So proud of this place for being the first vegetarian Asian food in this area."
2. Taipei Express
Next up is Eastover's Taipei Express, situated at 731 Providence Road. With four stars out of 75 reviews on Yelp, the Chinese spot has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for a cheap option. Menu items include chicken in garlic sauce with white rice, fried dumplings with ginger, black pepper steak with veggies and more.
3. China Palace
China Palace, located at 9211 N. Tryon St. in University Place, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the cheap Chinese spot four stars out of 75 reviews. The appetizer menu includes spring rolls, teriyaki beef, shrimp tempura and hot and spicy wings. For the main course, check out the shrimp lo mein or pepper steak with onion.
4. Best Wok
Best Wok in east Charlotte is another affordable go-to, with four stars out of 68 Yelp reviews. The lunch menu includes sweet and sour chicken, chicken chow mein and beef with broccoli. Head over to 1717 Sardis Road North to see for yourself.
"The best Chinese in Charlotte period!" wrote Yelper Jeff S., who gave the eatery a five-star review. "The sesame chicken is one of the best I've ever had! Service is good and prices very fair! Everything is good and has a unique flavor. ... This place puts its own spin on all the classic Chinese-American food you know and love!"
5. Honey Bun's Cafeteria
Over in southeast Charlotte, check out Honey Bun's Cafeteria, which has earned four stars out of 49 reviews on Yelp. The restaurant offers classic dim sum dishes, including shrimp dumplings, tapioca cake and bamboo leaf-wrapped sticky rice stuffed with mushroom, dried shrimp and sausage. Dig in at the dim sum spot by heading over to 7323 E. Independence Blvd.
