# Authentic Chinese food spots in San Mateo > Made for those who prioritize culinary heritage and refuse to compromise on the authenticity of their Chinese meals. Source: https://www.atly.com/united-states/california/san-mateo/best-authentic-chinese-food ## Places (9) ### 1. MalaTown Express 自选麻辣烫 Chinese restaurant offers a clean, bright, and modern environment with a self-serve sauce bar that adds a fun, customizable element. The atmosphere feels cozy and welcoming, less crowded and chaotic than similar spots. Large bowls and an affordable price point distinguish the experience. - Address: 77 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/MalaTown-Express-自选麻辣烫 ### 2. Taste of Shaxian Bright, spacious interior with an orange theme and cozy vibe creates a peaceful atmosphere. The place offers authentic Chinese cuisine with a fast casual energy and is kid friendly. Background music and natural lighting add to the homey feel. - Address: 38 E 4th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TasteOfShaxian ### 3. Prime BBQ Interior blends subtle Japanese decor with upside-down umbrellas hanging from the ceiling, creating a cozy and refined atmosphere. Music complements the vibe without overpowering, supporting a chill dining experience. Tables feature heated trays to keep skewers warm, enhancing the relaxed pace of meals. - Address: 33 W 25th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/PrimeBBQ ### 4. 李面请 大碗刀削面 Li's Knife Cut Noodle Small, brightly lit space offers an authentic Chinese noodle shop atmosphere with free noodle refills and exceptional noodle texture. The place fills up quickly, often leading to waits over 30 minutes, especially during busy hours. Cleanliness and tight seating stand out as notable features of the interior. - Address: 121 W 25th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/李面请-大碗刀削面-Li's-Knife-Cut-Noodle ### 5. No.5 House Small space with in-house dumpling making and clean, tasteful décor creates a chill, relaxing vibe reminiscent of a Taipei street market. The menu leans toward Northern Chinese flavors despite Taiwanese labeling, featuring standout dishes like pan-fried bao and authentic beef noodle soup. Seating is limited, and ordering happens via QR code at the table. - Address: 5 S Ellsworth Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/No5-House ### 6. Ten Seconds Yunnan Rice Noodle Bright and clean interior creates a simple, welcoming atmosphere. Locals frequent the place, drawn by authentic Yunnan-style rice noodle soups with light, flavorful broths and chewy noodles. Service involves self-seating and QR code ordering, with meals served at a moderate pace despite the name suggesting quickness. - Address: 215 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TenSecondsYunnanRiceNoodle7 ### 7. Fish With You 鱼你在一起下饭酸菜鱼 Small, clean space with a cozy vibe and open kitchen creates an authentic atmosphere. Seating is limited but allows for relaxed dining without rush. Known for fresh fish and spicy pickled mustard soups, it offers a distinctive, comforting Chinese meal experience. - Address: 150 S B St, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Fish-With-You-鱼你在一起下饭酸菜鱼 ### 8. Little Shanghai Restaurant Small interior with a low ceiling creates a crowded, noisy atmosphere during peak hours. Authentic Shanghainese cuisine draws mainly Asian diners who often reserve in advance. Consistent quality and affordable prices make it a popular spot despite limited parking and tight space. - Address: 17 E 25th Ave E, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/LittleShanghaiRestaurant ### 9. TAI ER SICHUAN CUISINE 太二川菜 (SAN MATEO) Restaurant offers authentic Sichuan dishes with a lively, modern vibe and clean, stylish interior. It features generous portions of signature fish dishes amid a bustling atmosphere that can be loud. Seating includes bar options, and the menu is limited but focused on bold flavors. - Address: 98 E 4th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TAI-ER-SICHUAN-CUISINE-太二川菜-SAN-MATEO ## Get this data directly This page comes from the Atly Places API, which scores close to 2 million places against more than 1,400 intents — "nice view", "work friendly", "gluten free", "dog friendly" — from what real reviewers say, with the statements behind every score. - **MCP server:** `https://agentic-api.atly.com/mcp` — connect it in ChatGPT or Claude. Nothing to install. - **Guide for agents:** - **OpenAPI contract:** - **No key needed to start.** `POST https://agentic-api.atly.com/v0/keys` with an email raises the quota. Coverage is densest in the United States, with pockets in Mexico, Israel and Thailand.