{"id":467333,"date":"2025-12-23T20:27:24","date_gmt":"2025-12-23T20:27:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/467333\/"},"modified":"2025-12-23T20:27:24","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T20:27:24","slug":"chef-helen-yung-shares-her-favorite-chinese-food-spots-for-the-holidays-in-metro-phoenix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/467333\/","title":{"rendered":"Chef Helen Yung shares her favorite Chinese food spots for the holidays in metro Phoenix"},"content":{"rendered":"

Helen Yung is the chef and co-owner of Sweet Republic<\/b><\/a>, one of the country\u2019s first gourmet ice cream purveyors \u2014 based right here in the Valley. <\/p>\n

Yung\u2019s not only an expert on mint chip and salted caramel swirl. Raised in Hong Kong, she loves Cantonese food \u2014 but she knows her stuff when it comes to just about any region in China. And these days, you can find a wide variety of Chinese food styles in metro Phoenix, if you know where to look.<\/p>\n

Many of us go for the Americanized version \u2014 and a good place to find that is China Chili<\/b><\/a>, which is so slammed at the holidays that the big, central Phoenix restaurant has a limited menu on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, along with limited hours you can find on their website.<\/p>\n

Yung\u2019s never been to China Chili, but she spoke recently with The Show\u2019s Mark Brodie<\/a> about the best spots to eat Chinese food over the holidays \u2014 and gave us enough suggestions to keep us in noodles for all of 2026. Here are several of her favorites, in no particular order. <\/p>\n

No matter where you go (or order from) on Dec. 24 and 25, be sure to call ahead to check hours and wait times.<\/p>\n

With two locations in Scottsdale, including one by Pinnacle Peak, Jade Palace<\/b><\/a> is a classic with the holiday crowd \u2014 with four-hour lines if you don\u2019t plan ahead. According to their website, they do take reservations! The menu features fan favorites like egg drop soup, lo mein, fried rice, spare ribs and lettuce wraps.<\/p>\n

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Asian Cafe Express in Mesa.<\/p>\n

Asian Cafe Express<\/b><\/a> in Mesa is located in the same strip mall as H Mart<\/b><\/a> and across the street from Mekong Plaza<\/b><\/a> \u2014 which is good news for lobster lovers. Yung likes to stop by one of the grocery stores ahead of time to pick out a fresh lobster, which ACE happily cooks for her. There\u2019s nothing fancy about the decor here \u2014 but the walls are covered with photos of menu items like chili salt wings, wonton soup and orange chicken that will make you forget the lack of ambience. You can order off an \u201cAZ Style\u201d menu or get adventurous with the Hong Kong selection, featuring dishes like congee and squid.<\/p>\n

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Great Wall in west Phoenix .<\/p>\n

Great Wall<\/b> in west Phoenix doesn\u2019t have a website, but you can see their menu on Instagram. There\u2019s a big menu with all kinds of exotic dishes like gravy-covered fried rice. And don\u2019t miss the dim sum \u2014 served old school-style from metal carts that make the rounds in the cavernous space with chow mein, pork buns and chicken feet; you might see Yung and her family there on a Sunday morning.<\/p>\n

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Yung highly recommends Nee House<\/b><\/a> in Phoenix \u2014 as well as its new companion, Hao Hao<\/b><\/a> in Scottsdale. She\u2019s a big fan of Hao Hao\u2019s egg white crab fried rice.<\/p>\n

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Chou’s Kitchen in Chandler.<\/p>\n

Chou\u2019s Kitchen<\/b> <\/a>in Chandler features northeastern Chinese cuisine, including hearty stews and lots of noodles and dumplings.<\/p>\n

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Mesa\u2019s Best Hong Kong Dining <\/b><\/a>is one of Yung\u2019s favorite spots for BBQ and roast meats.<\/p>\n

Finally, if you\u2019re “A Christmas Story” fan, you might be craving Peking Duck this time of year. Stellar 66<\/b> <\/a>in Gilbert will flame yours tableside for a memorable holiday dining experience.<\/p>\n

A few more tips from Yung: eat dumplings for good luck. If you\u2019re looking to get just a little adventurous, try the walnut shrimp; every restaurant does it differently. If you\u2019re really looking to step out, make it bitter melon or stinky tofu. And if you really want to test a chef\u2019s talents, order the beef chow fun.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n