Atlanta Chinatown

Home of the Chinatown Food Court. Not to be confused with the Chinatown Feud Court, where gladiatoral battles are fought to the death before a baying crowd of foam-mouthed ruffians in the audience. I can’t tell you where that is, otherwise I’d have to feed you.

This is one of my favourite places in all of Atlanta if not my absolute favourite. English spellings ftw.

There are several amazing food stands in here, and two of them in particular stand out. Which are Chongqing – where you can get amazing Lamb Cumin over handmade noodles. And Tsingtao with their amazing lamb cumin Kabob sticks among other deliciousness items.

This was actually constructed before any businesses came here, intended specifically to be a Chinatown, and it works really well and adds so much to the Chamblee area and all of Hotlanta. This is a true destination and surprisingly one which a lot of people haven’t even discovered yet since it’s not right on Buford Highway and it’s a little bit off the beaten path. Of course Lilly has been here and Richard has been here though, as have many other ATL Yelp legends!

Anyway I have a court appearance to make, so I’m out.

A Chinatown Food Court appearance!!!

The first thing that must be explained is THIS IS NOT A CHINA TOWN!!! “Atlanta Chinatown” is the name of the strip mall. Now with that out of the way I need to let you in on one of Atlanta’s two secrets. The first one is all Atlanta Dim Sum sucks. Stop trying to find good dim sum! The 2nd secret is inside this mall there is a food court. Inside that food court at the very end there is a lady standing at a counter. She has been making food for over 40 years and her dishes reflect that commitment. Prices are good for an entree for one but almost all dishes are family size and come with free rice and soup that is self service. Come with as large a group of friends you can muster and order a little something from every stall. Some dishes will be sure to join your list of best ever. My best ever moment was MaPo tofu from the above mention 49 year veteran of this food game.

Come here for the food….IT’S LIFE! This is one of my go to spots in Chamblee, the food is always good. It’s made to order and cafeteria style. I’ve had so much from the various food vendors, I can’t even list it all.

The two vendors to the left as you walk in are more commonly found Asian foods or more Americanized. LAN Zhou Noodle is just that-hand made noodles in broth. China Kitchen and Hong Qing Hot Pot are mixed variety…these are the two I frequent. You can also get whole or half duck from Hong Kong BBQ.

Some stalls take cash only and others will take cards-but they charge an additional 3.5%. It’s not crazy so don’t freak out just bring cash or absorb the extra % charge.

Try something new…don’t just order the same thing you always do!!

I not only fail to understand why this place has such low ratings, but, frankly, I’m a bit shocked at the lame criticisms and not-always-thinly-veiled racism.

I’ve only visited for the superb food court, but I’ve done some window-shopping at the businesses that surround it, and it seems there is an interesting selection of related/relevant stores.

Parking is always available. The property, although not new, is clean and safe. Again, there’s nothing wrong here!

I wanted to experience a real Chinatown. So I decided to drive to Chamblee and am so happy that I did last weekend. I found an awesome bakery that you can see from one of my pictures. They had various Asian cuisine from various parts of China and Taiwan. I really enjoy ordering from two stands. I will be back for sure to try them all! I will write two other reviews to share with you within Chinatown. I definitely recimmend dining at the food court. The food is AMAZING. Make sure you bring cash as well. Some food stands inly took cash.