Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Pasadena

Chinese lunch spots

Made for those who want a quick and efficient Chinese meal during their workday.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Go China Restaurant image 1
Go China Restaurant image 2
Go China Restaurant image 3
View all
Chinese restaurant

Cozy dining room with smooth jazz and friendly atmosphere offers a quiet, elegant setting. Clean interior maximizes limited space with comfortable booths. Known for exceptional Chinese food and reasonable prices, it attracts those seeking quality without loud crowds.

Orange chicken stands out with strong flavor and good portion size. Fried rice and dumplings offer solid value and satisfy with generous servings. Hot and sour soup and Mongolian beef add variety to the menu.

Many lunch specials offer good variety and value. Options include orange chicken and string bean beef with service sometimes slow around lunch hours.

People are saying

"The food delivery was hot and tasty."

"The lunch specials here are amazing for the price."

"You have to try this Chinese food; it's a local favorite."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers many lunch specials that are affordable.

2

Parking is available behind the restaurant and in the Ralph's lot.

3

The restrooms are very clean and well-maintained.

02
Wok Master image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, unassuming Chinese restaurant with generous portions and affordable prices. Atmosphere is casual and quiet, often staffed by a single person. Offers strong vegan options and dishes praised for crispy tofu and flavorful entrees.

Egg drop soup stands out as a highlight. The menu features solid options like kung pao chicken, orange chicken, and satisfying lunch specials with chicken chop suey and garlic chicken.

Lunch features chicken chop suey and specials with orange chicken and garlic chicken. The food draws repeat visits and groups for midday meals.

People are saying

"The food here is so tasty and packed with flavor."

"This lunch spot's food is super delicious and satisfying."

"This Chinese food is amazing and so affordable."

Good to know

1

Wok Master shares its parking lot with other businesses, so parking may be difficult during peak hours.

2

The cost of $35 for two plates was reasonable in Pasadena.

3

The restaurant offers great options for vegans, especially since it shares a lot with Drink Erva.

03
LT9 Teas . Desserts . Foods - Old Town Pasadena image 1

Minimalist design with natural light and plants by windows creates a cozy, calming atmosphere. Seating is limited but includes a comfortable couch and outlets, making it suitable for studying or hanging out. The space combines cleanliness with a homey vibe, appealing to those seeking a quiet spot.

Sesame chicken noodles offer a flavorful experience with a rich sauce. Wonton soup features tender chicken and a satisfying broth. The menu also includes pork knuckle over rice and dim sum options.

Lunch specials cost around $9 and include two large pieces of tender Hainan chicken over tasty rice. Meals come with a generous portion of chicken soup and a drink, offering good value during weekdays.

People are saying

"The milk teas here are perfectly sweet and full of flavor."

"This Lunch Spot's Hainan chicken is tender and flavorful."

"The Hainan chicken here is so tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

There was a parking lot for $10 all day right next door.

2

The kitchen closed at 8pm, even though the store was open until 9pm.

3

The lunch special is available Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 3 PM.

04
Me + Crรชpe image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, cozy space offers a classic Chinese atmosphere with a clean, bright interior. The vibe is chill and unassuming, attracting those seeking authentic savory crepes and a variety of flavorful dishes. Limited seating encourages takeout, creating a casual, quick dining experience.

Crepes feature fillings like Peking Duck, Cumin Lamb, and Pork Rib with a hint of Sichuan peppercorn. Congee combos come with a fresh Chinese donut and offer solid flavor.

Offers a quick lunch on the go with a chill vibe. Suitable for casual meals with others or solo visits.

People are saying

"I thought the crepes here were so good and flavorful."

"The congee combo with a fresh Chinese donut is amazing."

"The cumin lamb at this Lunch Spot is delicious and crispy."

Good to know

1

There is no restroom available for customers inside the restaurant.

2

Street parking is difficult; a public lot charges $1 for the first two hours.

3

Parking options include metered street parking or nearby garages.

05
Egg Roll Express image 1
Chinese restaurant

Newly refurbished dining room offers a cozy atmosphere with freshly prepared egg rolls and flavorful classic dishes served family style. Food is made to order, creating a pleasant, relaxed pace despite a small waiting area. Quality shines in dine-in meals, especially with crispy textures and balanced spices.

Crispy egg rolls have a satisfying exterior and flavorful fillings. The kung pao chicken offers a perfect balance of spice and flavor, while the chicken chow mein features thick, tasty noodles.

Lunch specials offer great deals with generous portions. Most dishes come family style, making combo deals a solid choice.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's food is fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"I loved their crispy, flavorful egg rolls."

"The Chinese food here is so fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid a wait due to made-to-order food.

2

The dining area is closed; only takeout is available.

3

Lunch specials offer great deals and are served family style.

06
Lunasia Dim Sum House Pasadena image 1

Dim sum restaurant with two-level seating and private glass cubicles for distancing. Atmosphere is loud and crowded, with concrete walls that amplify noise, making conversations challenging. Popular for modern dim sum offerings and suited for large groups despite the noisy environment.

Dim sum features delicious shrimp dumplings, char siu bao, and hot and sour soup. Traditional items like turnip cake, siomai, and string beans come out with great texture and flavor.

Lunch time is usually packed, showing strong demand during midday hours. Visits include both lunch and dinner, but lunch draws a notably busy crowd.

People are saying

"I loved the variety of Chinese food, especially the dumplings and buns."

"The BBQ pork bao were excellent and tasty."

"Ordering at this Lunch Spot is so easy with the QR code."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially during lunch.

2

Expect wait times of 30-60 minutes during peak hours.

3

The restaurant closes early at 8 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

07
China Express image 1
Chinese restaurant

Local mom and pop Chinese restaurant offers authentic cuisine with huge portions and reasonable prices. Menu features made-to-order dishes like chicken chow mein and sweet and sour shrimp, popular for takeout during lunch or dinner. Atmosphere is straightforward and practical, focusing on food quality over extras.

Orange chicken stands out with real orange peel, alongside Mongolian beef and kung pao chicken. Fried rice, chow mein, beef broccoli, and sweet and sour chicken also feature prominently.

Lunch offers daily specials with an egg roll and wonton included for free. Meals come in at $10 or less, making it a solid take-out option for weekdays.

People are saying

"I loved the orange chicken; it's my favorite Chinese food."

"I loved their spicy and authentic fried rice."

"I loved the orange chicken at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

There is no restroom available for customers at this restaurant.

2

Lunch specials are available for $10 or less.

3

The portion sizes are huge, making it great for takeout.

08
Mama Lu's Dumpling House image 1

Spacious restaurant blends Art Deco chandeliers with classic architectural details, creating a classy yet casual vibe. Energy runs high with a buzzing atmosphere that suits gatherings and dates, while a bar area adds an adult touch. The space accommodates both small and large parties comfortably.

Soup dumplings burst with flavor and pair well with spicy wontons. The Szechuan Shrimp offers a strong, spicy kick, while pan-fried and steamed vegetarian dumplings bring solid flavor. Sweet and sour chicken, seafood noodles, and mapo tofu add variety with bold tastes.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here, especially the dumplings, is delicious and juicy."

"The food here is delicious and well-seasoned."

"The dumplings here are good and not salty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended to avoid long wait times.

2

Parking is available around the corner in a lot that costs $1 for the first 2 hours.

3

Prices are affordable, with good portion sizes for the cost.

09
Panda Inn image 1
Chinese restaurant

Open space with high ceilings and a modern-traditional Chinese decor creates a classy, upscale atmosphere. A full sushi bar and sit-down drink bar add variety to dining options. The vibe balances comfort and elegance, attracting those seeking both flavor and refined ambiance.

Orange chicken stands out with its spicy and tasty flavor. Other notable dishes include Phoenix chicken, Mongolian Beef, smoked duck, and mushu pork.

Lunch offers a wonderful experience with a fresh, newly renovated setting. The atmosphere feels lively, especially during special events like grand openings.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the orange chicken."

"The Chinese food here is outstanding, especially the Wagyu Chow Mein."

"I loved this lunch spot and can't wait to come back."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required, and there are no guarantees for booth seating.

2

Parking is available in a garage, and the restaurant validates parking.

3

Expect the restaurant to be busy during dinner hours.

10
Boiling Point image 1
Hot pot restaurant

Small, cramped space with tables placed very close together creates an intimate but busy setting. Casual and functional atmosphere suits quick, fiery hot pot meals with generous portions and traditional Taiwanese flavors. Unique offerings include exclusive boba and sweets only available on site.

Classic Taiwanese flavors like large intestine and stinky tofu hot pot bring strong nostalgia and tradition. Individual hot pot bowls offer options like a fragrant green pepper hot pot and a bold, numbing Spicy Szechuan bowl that pairs well with rice.

Condensed hot pot serves as a fast-paced lunch option here. Located in a busy shopping area, it fits well for quick meals before or after errands.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the broth and flavor."

"The Chinese food here is bold, numbing, and satisfyingly spicy."

"The food at this Lunch Spot tastes delicious and the sauces are the best."

Good to know

1

Parking is usually easy, as there's a parking lot across the street about half a block away.

2

Expect a quick seating experience on weekends, unlike other places with long waits.

3

Reservations are not required, but calling ahead for specific items is recommended.

11
Grandview Palace image 1
Chinese restaurant

Family-owned Chinese restaurant with generous portions and reasonable prices offers a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. Popular among local employees, it seats guests promptly without long waits. Signature dishes include exceptional Kung Pao and flavorful combination meals.

Orange chicken comes with real pieces of orange and stays hot and crispy. The Combination Lo Mein mixes chicken, shrimp, beef, and broccoli for great flavor. Other notable dishes include wonton soup with crispy noodles and BBQ fried rice.

Fast service stands out during lunch with a special lunch menu offering soup, salad, entree, and rice. Choices usually narrow to 2 or 3 dishes, making ordering quick and simple.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is hot and crispy, especially the orange chicken."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was fast and friendly."

"They made my son's birthday special and memorable."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a special lunch menu with discounted prices.

2

Expect generous portion sizes, often enough for leftovers.

3

Delivery service is prompt, typically arriving on time.

Discover more

Pasadena, California

Area guide
Loading Map...