The Real Chinatown of DC

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At one point, Gallery Place/Chinatown in DC actually had chinese establishments but not today.  Today it comprises of a beautiful gate and Starbucks and Urban Outfitters with a literal translation of their store name.  Where did Chinatown go?  Maryland!

Rockville, MD has become a home for many Chinese and Taiwanese individuals - making it possible to do your day to day errands without actually speaking english.

Noteworthy Super Markets

  • Great Wall - This is probably the biggest Chinese market in the area.  You can speak chinese and get around fairly quickly.
  • HMart/Grand Mart - The next biggest for your asian snacks and needs is H Mart or Grand Mart.  They are two different stores but concept is the same.  These are mostly Korean (if not all) oriented.  It's very simple.  No one really speaks english in either of these establishments.  You either speak the language of whoever works there (generally not American) or you shop in silence.

Restaurants
There isn't a specific order.  It's whatever came to my mind as I was typing this.

  • Bob's 66 - Like any proper Asian establishment, this one is cash only.  This places serves up delicious Taiwanese food including stinky tofu, duck blood, and oyster pancakes. Shaved ice is really good (it's not shaved snow...i'm not sure if you can't even find shaved snow around here...will keep looking)
  • Szechuan Jin River - The English name of this place is ever changing but it is located by Rockville Town Center and snuggled right up to the fire department.  They serve up some very delicious szeshuan cuisine but imho, it's not as spicy as it should be.  This place brings some folks to tears, but if you're used to the pain, it won't register on the spicy scale.  I have to request "extra extra spicy" everytime I go there.  
  • Oriental East - This place is actually located in Silver Spring, MD and they serve up one of the best dim sum's in the area.  They don't make soup dumplings (FYI) but it is pretty good and at a decent price.  They open at 11 on weekends for dim sum but I would recommend showing up an hour early.
  • China Bistro - This place is on 355/Rockville Pike.  They're known for their dumplings...so get dumplings here :p
  • A&J Restaurant - This is also off of 355/Rockville Pike.  Unlike Oriental East (Hong Kong style dim sum), this place serves up northern chinese style dim sum and small dishes.  
  • East Pearl  - This place is awesome for there house rotiserrie duck and Canto food in general.  (I'm a big fan of their congee)
  • Mama Wok and Teriyaki - This is a really nice place for just casual dining.  All of their chinese dishes are outstanding.  Of the notable few, they have a great crispy beef, and a fish head casserole (chinese style not thai style).  I have eaten here for 10+ years and still loving it.
  • Joe's Noodle House - Another szechuan establishment.  It is pretty good but I happen to like szechuan Pavillion slightly better.  
  • Bread Corner - This is an amazing Chinese/Taiwanese bakery.  The baker actually studied in Europe and makes amazing Portugese style egg tarts.  They have all of your standard stuff breads (chocolate, taro, peanut, bbq, creme, etc) and also serve bubble tea.  Bubble tea is OK (better at Jumbo Jumbo).  On a normal day, if you come here after 3PM, expect the good stuff to disappear.  The baker only makes a set amount each day.  They also have day old discounted baked goods if you don't care about freshness.
  • Jumbo Jumbo - This place is awesome because 1) they have really good bubbles for their bubble tea (great consistency) and 2) they serve up some mean taiwanese street food.  Make sure to order off the taiwanese section of the menu ;)
  • Maria's Bakery and Cafe - I come here for Chinese style fruit cakes.  Birthdays, special events...they make whatever size cake you want.  Just give them some heads up.
  • Paul Kee - Another restaurant found in the middle of Silver Spring.  Why is this place amazing?  Because they have honey glazed rotiserie, amazing pan fried noodles, and did i mention they're OPEN TILL 2 AM?  
  • Hunan Cafe - If you don't feel like trekking to VA for some delicious Peking Duck...then come to Hunan Cafe off in Gaithersburg, MD.  It borders so close to Rockville but didn't quite make it.  Portions are pretty good for the price...all other foods are ok.
  • Silver Fountain -  For some reason Dim Sum loves Silver Spring.  This is the second best if you don't feel like staking out Oriental East.
  • Full Key - This used to be my favorite Canto restuarant in the area.  The only reason East Pearl topped this establishment is because East Pearl is closer to me.  Full Key has amazing Cano food and their rotiserie is mouth watering.  Go early because they will run out.
  • Michael's Noodles - This place has decent spicy Roasted Beef noodle soup.  The only reason that I go here is for the noodle soup.  Granted I live 5 minutes away so it makes sense to me.  Otherwise, food is OK, you can do better for a bigger party elsewhere.
  • Yoyogi Sushi - OK...this isn't exactly chinese but it is run by Chinese people.  It's a stretch but wanted to put it up here regardless.  They have cheap sushi for a decent quality.  Good local spot to hit up.

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