Best Chinese food within 45 minute radius of Friendship Heights?

[Anonymous]

Meiwah in Dupont. The one in Chevy Chase is ok, works if you want delivery.

No, see, this is what the OP is trying to avoid. She lives next to Meiwah Chevy Chase and recognizes that this isn't actual Chinese cuisine. It's food court chinese, a whole nother category (but great when you're PMSing!)

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much for the recos, everyone! Please keep 'em coming! We will probably try out most or all of these places, in our quest for great Chinese food. I can't believe it's so difficult to find good Chinese easily in the nation's capital! (?!)

[Anonymous]

I can't believe it's so difficult to find good Chinese easily in the nation's capital! (?!)

Proportionately speaking, the Chinese population of the District of Columbia is -teeny- compared to other cities in the US. Miniscule. That's why. Chinese places here can get away with standard Americanized slop because there's hardly anyone to keep them honest.

[Anonymous]

Seven Seas in Rockville (in the strip mall behind TJ Maxx).

[Anonymous]

PJ's Rice Bistro in White Oaks Mall in Wheaton (or is it Glenmont).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I can't believe it's so difficult to find good Chinese easily in the nation's capital! (?!)

Proportionately speaking, the Chinese population of the District of Columbia is -teeny- compared to other cities in the US. Miniscule. That's why. Chinese places here can get away with standard Americanized slop because there's hardly anyone to keep them honest.

Where are you from, OP? I lived in the bay area for 3 years and it was by far the best and most authentic chinese food I've ever had, barring China (where I spent 3 months, so have a good feel for authenticity!). It is definitely crap around here, although there are a few places that have one or 2 good things. For ex, there's a noodle place in chinatown (chinatown express, maybe) that has decent Shanghai soup dumplings.

[Anonymous]

peking duck house in falls church. life altering

[Anonymous]

Joe's Noodles has gone downhill in the last year. So disappointing. We were just there two weekends ago to give it another shot and we waited 40 minuites for our food (not crowded at all). Some came out very hot (like it was microwaved) and some came out cold. Service was bad (although never great - much worse).

Much more salty than I remember it.

[Anonymous]

I promise you that Shanghai Village in Bethesda is the best.

[Anonymous]

Some others

Sichuan Pavilion next to Rockville Town Center
Michael's Noodles in off Shady Grove

I 2nd China Bistro (Mama dumplings)

Bread Corner has interesting Chinese pastries/buns

[Anonymous]

One Hung Guy is good- In Dupont

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I promise you that Shanghai Village in Bethesda is the best.

I like this place when I'm in the mood for peking duck, but I think it generally falls into the "acceptable but Chinese-American" category. I've heard North China in Bethesda can be "authentic" but I've yet to find anyone who's tried it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I promise you that Shanghai Village in Bethesda is the best.

I like this place when I'm in the mood for peking duck, but I think it generally falls into the "acceptable but Chinese-American" category. I've heard North China in Bethesda can be "authentic" but I've yet to find anyone who's tried it.

I have tried it. Pretty disappointing, didn't compare well to any of the Rockville places.