Best Chinese Restaurants with Egg Rolls in Chicago

1. The Charm of Egg Rolls in Chicago’s Chinese Cuisine

Chicago is renowned for its diverse culinary landscape, and Chinese cuisine plays a significant role in this vibrant food scene. One of the most beloved appetizers in many Chinese restaurants across the city is the crispy, golden egg roll. This iconic dish features a savory filling, usually made with cabbage, pork, or shrimp, all wrapped in a crispy shell and fried to perfection. The egg roll’s balance of crunch and flavor makes it a staple on any Chinese restaurant’s menu, and Chicago is home to many places where these delightful appetizers are served hot and fresh.

2. Top Chinese Restaurants with Delicious Egg Rolls in Chicago

If you're craving the best egg rolls in Chicago, you're in luck. Many restaurants specialize in serving this dish, each with its own unique twist. Here are some of the top spots where you can enjoy this crispy delight:

1. Lao Sze Chuan – A favorite in the city, Lao Sze Chuan in Chinatown serves up egg rolls with a flavorful, crunchy exterior and a deliciously seasoned filling. The restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere makes it a perfect stop for a satisfying meal with family or friends.

2. Phoenix Restaurant – Known for its exceptional Chinese dishes, Phoenix is another Chinatown gem that consistently delivers on quality. Their egg rolls are perfectly crispy on the outside with a savory filling that’s hard to beat.

3. Duck Duck Goat – A modern take on Chinese cuisine, this restaurant by celebrity chef Stephanie Izard offers a fun, lively atmosphere and inventive twists on traditional dishes. The egg rolls here are crafted with creative fillings and served with a zesty dipping sauce, making them a crowd favorite.

3. Why Egg Rolls Are a Must-Have in Chinese Dining

Egg rolls are much more than just a crispy appetizer. They embody the essence of Chinese cooking—balanced, flavorful, and satisfying. The combination of a light, crunchy shell and a well-seasoned filling gives you a taste of what’s to come in the rest of your meal. For many people, egg rolls are a gateway to exploring the full spectrum of Chinese flavors, from sweet and sour to savory and spicy. Whether as a starter or part of a larger meal, these appetizers are a must-try for any Chinese food enthusiast.

4. Personal Experience: A Journey Through Chicago's Chinese Cuisine

On a recent trip to Chicago, I decided to dive deep into the city’s Chinese food scene. My first stop was Lao Sze Chuan, where I indulged in their famous egg rolls. The crispy, golden exterior gave way to a perfectly seasoned pork filling that had just the right amount of spices, accompanied by a tangy dipping sauce. It was a delightful start to a meal that included sizzling plates of Kung Pao chicken and mapo tofu. The egg rolls were a perfect preview of the bold and flavorful dishes that followed.

Later, I visited Phoenix Restaurant and tried their egg rolls. These had a different texture—slightly more delicate but no less flavorful. I loved how they balanced the crunchiness with the savory filling. Every bite was a journey through different textures and flavors, leaving me eager to try more from their extensive menu. Chicago’s Chinese food scene is truly a hidden gem, and egg rolls are the perfect introduction to it.

5. Where to Find the Best Egg Rolls and Other Chinese Delights

For those seeking the best egg rolls in Chicago, there are plenty of restaurants to explore, each offering their own take on this classic appetizer. From Chinatown’s famous spots like Lao Sze Chuan and Phoenix to the creative and modern Duck Duck Goat, Chicago’s diverse Chinese dining scene has something for every taste. Pair these delicious egg rolls with other Chinese delicacies such as dumplings, sweet and sour pork, or a warm bowl of hot and sour soup, and you’ll have a truly unforgettable meal.

Want to discover more great Chinese dishes in Chicago? Check out Chinese Food for a curated list of the best Chinese restaurants in the city, including more places to enjoy egg rolls and other mouthwatering dishes!