Best Hole-in-the-Wall: Chopstix 

Chopstix is a true hole-in-the-wall in a strip mall near Lomas and San Pedro, open since 2005 and serving some of the most authentic Chinese cooking in the city. Local lore says Jackie Chan loved the place while filming in New Mexico and inspired a mustard greens and pork dish that still carries his name.  

The menu is printed in both English and Chinese with photos, allowing diners to explore dishes like eggplant in garlic sauce, spicy green beans, vinegar and sugar ribs, or rich dong po pork belly. They are well-known for generous portions served in a cozy, unpretentious space.  

Best Comfort Takeout: Rising Star Chinese Eatery 

Rising Star Chinese Eatery is a locally owned Chinese and Cantonese spot in Northeast Albuquerque that's built for easy weeknight takeout, with online ordering and a pickup window.  They are known for being one of the fastest local options for flavorful American Chinese food.  

The lunch specials come with a spring roll and a pot of jasmine tea at a price that's hard to beat. Regulars go for the General Tso's chicken, crab Rangoon, egg rolls, and fried rice, all made fresh in generous portions. Their lunch prices are affordable, which means they are often packed on weekdays during lunch service. Takeout can be the best option for those on a lunch break.  

Best Authentic Sichuan: Red Chilli House

Red Chilli House opened in 2024 in Petroglyph Plaza on the Westside and quickly became one of the city's go-to spots for real Sichuan and Hunan cooking. The menu is unapologetically spicy and aromatic, but the staff will adjust the heat to whatever you can handle.  

Regulars come for the wontons in chili oil, the dry-fried spicy chicken loaded with peppercorns, twice-cooked pork, and a signature grilled fish, much of it made from scratch right down to the house-made wonton wrappers. Their steamed pork buns and BBQ pork buns also have many local fans. The made-to-order dishes here may take longer than people expect given the quick cook times at many American-style Chinese restaurants.

Best Dim Sum: Ming Dynasty 

Ming Dynasty has been the city's go-to for dim sum for years, and it's one of the only places in New Mexico making it fresh in-house. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, the dim sum carts roll through the dining room from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and diners can order off the dim sum menu the rest of the week.  

For those dining in, their sizzling dishes offer a dramatic flair during service. The Cantonese kitchen turns out BBQ pork buns, pork and ginger dumplings, glass shrimp, potstickers, and a legendary salt and pepper pork chop.  

Best Chinese Buffet: Royal Buffet 

If you want a Chinese buffet in Albuquerque, NM with a lot of variety, Royal Buffet fills the old Furr's space on San Mateo with an all-you-can-eat spread. Along with the usual chicken, beef, and pork dishes, you'll find a sushi bar, a Mongolian grill, and a mix of Japanese and American options, which makes it an easy pick when everyone wants something different.  

They also serve fish and seafood, such as mussels. Go in expecting variety and value rather than a fine-dining experience, and you will leave happy. Royal Buffet is open daily, with a senior discount on select days. 

Best Hand-Pulled Noodles: Tasty Noodles & Dumplings

Tasty Noodles & Dumplings took over a longtime spot in Uptown in 2023 and rebuilt the menu around fresh, hand-pulled Lanzhou-style noodles and handmade dumplings. The Lanzhou beef noodle soup and the dan dan noodles are the signature dishes, along with soup dumplings, pork and scallion baos, and pan-fried dumplings.  

Everything's made to order; the portions are large, and when the menu says spicy, it means it. There's also a Chef's Special section with creative dishes like jalapeño pork belly and spicy boiled beef.

Best for Adventurous Eaters: Fei's Cafe

Fei's Cafe is a small husband-and-wife spot where the chef trained in Sichuan and Chongqing. The menu rewards curiosity, with dishes like Chongqing duck blood curd, stinky tofu, and boiled fish in chili sauce sharing space with more familiar plates like kung pao chicken.  

There are solid vegan and vegetarian options too. People rave about the freshness of the dishes, the authenticity of flavor profiles, and the value overall, when considering the quality of the ingredients and serving sizes.  

Find Your Home in Albuquerque at Sedona Ridge

These restaurants stretch across the city, but Sedona Ridge keeps you central to the best of them, with most just a short drive away on Albuquerque's Northeast side. The community offers 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments in Albuquerque, NM with upgraded kitchens, contemporary cabinets and counters, brushed nickel fixtures, remodeled baths, and a private balcony or patio.  

Residents get views of the Sandia Mountains, as well as a swimming pool, a fitness center, a 24-hour package hub, and a pet-friendly setting. Contact our team to schedule a tour and discover how convenient living here can be!