Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Central LA

Affordable Chinese food

A Chinese restaurant that keeps prices accessible while still providing a sit-down experience that feels like a real night out.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Long’s Family Pastry image 1
Long’s Family Pastry image 2
Long’s Family Pastry image 3
View all

Small hole-in-the-wall bakery with onsite pastry production and a take-out only setup. Lines form early due to popular dim sum and baked goods, including unique items like almond rice cake. Atmosphere feels old-fashioned and busy, with one person serving long lines in a compact space.

Offers a wide variety of Chinese pastries and dim sum selections including siu mai, har gow, and BBQ pork buns. Half moon dumplings and sweet pastries stand out as delicious favorites.

Large cake rolls and big custard egg tarts come at low prices. Pastries, dim sum, and pineapple custard buns stay affordable and fresh compared to other spots.

People are saying

"You have to try their dim sum and bakery goods; they're the best."

"You have to try their affordable and delicious pastries, especially the egg tarts."

"I found the pastries here to be super affordable and good quality."

Good to know

1

Long’s Family Pastry is a take-out only establishment.

2

Expect popular items to sell out by 7:30 am.

3

Cash is preferred, but credit cards are accepted with a $10 minimum order.

02
Good Thai Kitchen image 1
Thai restaurant

Cozy space with warm Thai decor and friendly staff creates a calm, inviting atmosphere. Plenty of seating adapts easily for groups, making it casual rather than fancy. Authentic Thai vibe shines through in both ambiance and hospitality.

Orange chicken offers a natural taste and feels lighter than usual versions. Combo dishes include spicy fried Thai rice, egg rolls, and tofu pad thai alongside chicken satay and mango sticky rice.

Food offers affordable prices with tasty options like Pad Thai and a $10 lunch menu. Specials run all day and keep costs low.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"The Chinese food here is delicious and flavorful, not overwhelming."

"The $10 menu lunch is tasty and affordable."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers an all-day $12 specials menu alongside the regular menu.

2

Parking is convenient and easy near the restaurant.

3

Expect portion sizes to be smaller for higher-priced dishes.

03
Zen Mei Bistro image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Small, cozy space with an old-school vibe and handwritten receipts creates an intimate, laid-back atmosphere. The setting feels like a hidden gem with authentic Cantonese charm, offering a quiet, communal energy reminiscent of past Chinatown scenes.

Classic Cantonese dishes come with a homey twist and no MSG. Options like plump BBQ pork wontons in rich broth and pork-heavy century egg congee stand out for their authenticity and comforting flavors.

Offers a great variety of dishes with very affordable prices. Lunch and total meals cost around $59.50, making it a solid choice for budget-friendly Chinese food.

People are saying

"The Cantonese food here is classic with a homey twist."

"My favorite dish there was the hot tea."

"It's so affordable, you get a great variety for the price."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is cash-only, so bring cash for your meal.

2

Parking is metered on the street, and finding a spot can be tricky.

3

Lunch specials offer great value, making meals very affordable.

04
Hui Tou Xiang image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Small space with disco ball ceiling and modern decor creates a casual, bustling vibe. Bar seating and open kitchen window add to the intimate, creative atmosphere. Music and lighting give a relaxed, jazz bar feel.

Dumplings stand out with a crispy exterior and juicy pork filling, made fresh daily by skilled chefs. The menu includes pork belly noodle soup, scallion pancakes, and pork wonton soup with Chinese spinach that tastes authentic.

Prices stay consistently affordable with inexpensive dishes and plentiful portions that offer good value.

People are saying

"These dumplings are fresh, flavorful, and handmade."

"The Chinese food here is fantastic and reasonably priced."

"I found the food here to be excellent and very affordable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant has limited seating, so arrive early or call ahead.

3

Street parking is available, but it can be challenging to find.

05
Jade Wok image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small dining room with traditional Chinese decor and soothing music creates a family-oriented, authentic vibe. Atmosphere stays lively but not loud, with workers chatting and cooking sounds blending into the background. Humble, no-frills setting feels welcoming and comforting.

Sesame chicken comes out crispy with a sweet and tangy sauce. Steamed dumplings stand out as exceptionally flavorful and well-made. Szechuan shrimp delivers a perfect spicy kick, and chow fun noodles are rich, smoky, and loaded with toppings.

Food prices stay consistently affordable here. Meals for two come at a budget-friendly cost without sacrificing quality.

People are saying

"I found the Chinese food here to be super authentic and delicious."

"The food here is good and affordable."

"Their homemade tofu in Chinese food is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is available with metered spots in the front and a lot in the back.

2

The prices are reasonable, and portions are generous.

3

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

06
Mama Lu's Dumpling House image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Dim sum restaurant with banquet-style seating and a retro Chinatown vibe offers a spacious interior suited for large groups. Atmosphere ranges from family-style dining with lively energy to quieter, more rushed moments. Dim sum carts and traditional decor add to the authentic experience.

Dim sum features delicious dumplings and affordable prices. The spicy chili with hot mustard adds bold flavor to the dishes.

Dim sum offers super affordable prices with delicious options. Pricing stays consistently affordable throughout the menu.

People are saying

"The Chinese food's honey garlic pork chop is crispy and aromatic."

"The dim sum here is great, with lots of variety and fresh flavors."

"I found the dim sum here to be super affordable and delicious."

Good to know

1

Visiting on weekends offers a busy yet tasty dim sum experience with trolley carts to choose from.

2

During the Mid Autumn Festival 2024 on September 17, the restaurant encourages celebrating and enjoying their dishes.

3

Parking can fill up quickly during lunch hours.

07
ABC Seafood Restaurant image 1
Seafood restaurant

Traditional Cantonese decor sets a familiar tone in a busy space with a to-go window and table service side by side. The atmosphere is lively and often packed late at night, drawing those seeking affordable, quick seafood and dim sum. Food quality varies, but standout dishes like shrimp dumplings and pork chops attract repeat visits.

Combo meals and a full dinner menu include dim sum like savory shu mai and sweet egg tarts. Dishes feature BBQ Pork Chow Mein, Peking Duck, and a savory seafood with bean curd hot pot.

Prices stay affordable with meals that are both delicious and inexpensive. Food comes quickly, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious diners.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"I found the Chinese food here to be really delicious."

"I found the food here to be delicious and affordable."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a lunch special for dine-in customers.

2

ABC Seafood Restaurant is a take-out only place with no seating available.

3

Parking can be a challenge, but the restaurant offers free parking.

08
Mayflower Seafood Restaurant image 1

Classic old school Chinese seafood restaurant with vintage décor and walls adorned by Manny Pacquiao memorabilia creates a nostalgic atmosphere. The vibe blends warm elegance with a slightly grungy, well-preserved feel. Regulars enjoy authentic Cantonese dishes served in a welcoming, family-run setting.

Peking duck comes extremely juicy and flavorful, showing the chefs' skill. Lunch specials include Kung Pao Chicken and Dumplings under $10, with authentic Cantonese dishes like chow fun also available.

Prices stay inexpensive with a no frills approach. The lunch menu offers affordable food selections that taste good.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's seafood dishes burst with flavor and are expertly prepared."

"I found the Chinese food here to be authentic and delicious."

"I found the food here to be delicious and affordable."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials include Kung Pao Chicken and Dumplings for under $10.

2

Mayflower Seafood Restaurant accepts all major credit cards.

3

Parking can be tough; consider using a nearby parking lot.

09
Won Kok Restaurant image 1
Chinese restaurant

Narrow dining space with outdated interiors and busy takeout windows creates a downscale atmosphere. The place draws crowds for its authentic dim sum despite a worn and cluttered setting. Energy feels low key, offering a break from city hustle.

Dim sum features flavorful shumai, savory siopao, and perfectly cooked Peking duck. Items sell by the piece, offering good value and variety including buns, dumplings, fried rice, and noodles.

Chinese food here is inexpensive and authentic with affordable dim sum options. Prices stay low across dishes like baked bbq pork buns, making it a spot for quick, tasty meals without a big bill.

People are saying

"The food here, especially the buns, is worth driving for."

"The dim sum here is excellent and reasonably priced."

"I found the food to be really affordable and tasty."

Good to know

1

The restaurant accepts cash only for all transactions.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Portions have decreased significantly, often not enough for two people.

10
East Garden Restaurant image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, dimly lit space with loud karaoke music creates a lively but noisy atmosphere. Mostly Chinese clientele suggests an authentic dining experience with affordable prices. The setting feels shabby yet charming, adding to its unique character.

Dim sum offers quick bites priced mainly at $4.99 each. Signature dishes include Peking Duck with crispy skin served alongside lotus leaf buns, scallions, and sweet bean sauce, plus standout green beans and shrimp chow mein.

Dishes cost just a few dollars, making the menu very affordable. Prices stay low compared to nearby spots, with a diverse menu that keeps meals tasty despite smaller portions.

People are saying

"The Chinese food, especially the Peking Duck, is surprisingly large with crispy skin."

"This lunch spot has delicious food and fair prices."

"The prices here are affordable, with dim sum starting around $4.99."

Good to know

1

Dim sum prices are low at mainly $4.99 each.

2

Lunch specials start at around $11.99.

3

Parking costs $5 flat rate for one day.

11
Chinatown Central Plaza image 1

Outdoor areas showcase early 1920s Chinese architecture with lanterns and decorations creating a picturesque setting. Atmosphere varies from quiet and empty to lively during events featuring food trucks and live performances. The place blends cultural heritage with family-friendly activities and traditional Asian food options.

Lunch features dim sum with a focus on endless dumplings. Chicken dumplings, fried pork chops with spicy salt, and rice stand out, while wonton soup and egg rolls lack strong flavor.

Shops offer inexpensive merchandise and salons provide very affordable services. Drinks and general shopping stay within a budget-friendly range.

People are saying

"It's interesting to see the variety of shops and Asian curiosities."

"I loved the Chinese food, especially the dumplings and fried pork chops."

"I found the merchandise and salons to be affordable."

Good to know

1

Many shops are closed on Sundays, limiting shopping options.

2

Chinatown Central Plaza hosts various cultural events throughout the year.

3

The Lunar New Year parade is a major event attracting many visitors.

12
King Buffet image 1
Asian restaurant

Asian buffet offers a Mongolian grill and custom grilling station where diners pick fresh ingredients cooked on site. Interior feels modern and spacious with comfortable seating and a quiet, casual atmosphere. Sushi bar and dessert options like chocolate fondue add variety to the experience.

A huge variety of Chinese classics like fried rice, lo mein, and sweet and sour chicken fills the buffet. Dumplings stand out alongside sushi and a Mongolian grill.

Prices stay consistently affordable here. The cost matches well with what they offer, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious diners.

People are saying

"The buffet has so many varieties, like sushi and dim sum."

"I loved the huge variety of Chinese food, including dim sum and a Mongolian grill."

"I found the prices here to be really affordable for what they offered."

Good to know

1

The dinner buffet is available on 12/13/2024.

2

Lunch price increased from $12 to $29 in a year.

3

Expect a 10% service charge added to the bill.

Discover more

Central LA, Los Angeles

Area guide
Loading Map...