Scarborough, Ontario, is one of the most diverse food destinations in Canada. When it comes to Chinese cuisine, this neighborhood of Toronto is a true powerhouse. From hand-pulled noodles served in bustling strip-mall eateries to banquet-style dim sum and contemporary takes on Sichuan classics, Scarborough offers some of the most authentic Chinese food you’ll find outside of Asia.
If you’re searching for the best Chinese food in Scarborough, Ontario, this guide will walk you through what makes a great dining experience, the top restaurants to try depending on your occasion, signature dishes you shouldn’t miss, and even how to bring a private chef into your home if you prefer an exclusive, stress-free option.
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What makes great Chinese food?
Chinese cuisine is vast and varied, spanning regions like Cantonese, Sichuan, Hunan, and Northern specialties. In Scarborough, authenticity and creativity coexist, giving diners a wealth of options. But what actually makes a restaurant stand out?
Ingredient authenticity: Look for restaurants that use real Sichuan peppercorns, house-made noodles, or authentic soy sauces rather than watered down versions.
Traditional cooking methods: Wok hei, the “breath of the wok,” makes a difference in stir-fries. Long-simmered broths elevate soups like hot pot or wonton noodle soup.
Ambiance and service: Whether it’s a cozy dim sum hall or a modern dining room, the setting and hospitality matter.
Balance of innovation and tradition: The best places honor heritage but aren’t afraid to experiment, blending classic flavors with contemporary twists.
Chef’s background: Many of Scarborough’s best chefs bring direct roots from China, offering regional specialties you may not find elsewhere in Canada.Want authentic Chinese cuisine without leaving your home in Scarborough? Hire a local chef through Take a Chef and enjoy personalized menus, fresh ingredients, and restaurant-quality service.
Where to eat Chinese food in Scarborough: our top picks by occasion
Scarborough’s Chinese food scene is too rich to reduce to a simple list. Instead, here are thoughtful recommendations based on different dining moods and occasions.
Date night spots
- Dragon pearl buffet (Sheppard Ave). While buffets aren’t usually “date night” material, Dragon Pearl’s upscale interior, lantern-lit ambiance, and variety of dishes make it a unique shared experience.
- Very fair seafood cuisine (Finch Ave E). A refined Cantonese restaurant where you can enjoy elegant dishes like lobster with ginger and scallion, perfect for a celebratory dinner.
Bring local flavors to your kitchen
From market-fresh ingredients to traditional recipes, a private chef turns your home into a true local experience.
Group friendly restaurants
- Perfect Chinese restaurant (Sheppard Ave). A Scarborough staple for large family gatherings, famous for its dim sum spread and banquet-style dinners. Big round tables and lazy Susans make it easy to share.
- Fishman lobster clubhouse (Sheppard Ave E). Known for giant seafood platters, including their towering lobster mountain, this spot is ideal for big groups looking for a feast.
Quick casual bites
- Magic noodle (Midland Ave). Specializing in hand-pulled noodles made fresh to order. Watch the chefs stretch dough in the open kitchen before you dig in.
- Jim Chai Kee Wonton noodle (Highway 7). Famous for oversized wontons and affordable noodle soups, this is a go-to for a fast, satisfying lunch.
Trendy or modern fusion
- Asian legend (multiple locations, including Scarborough). A contemporary chain serving Northern Chinese staples with a modern presentation. Their xiao long bao (soup dumplings) are particularly popular.
- Poonsai Thai & Chinese fusion (Markham Rd). Combines bold Sichuan flavors with Southeast Asian influences for something a little different.
Old school icons
- House of Wong (Midland Ave). Operating for decades, this classic spot serves comforting Cantonese dishes like sweet-and-sour pork, fried rice, and BBQ duck.
- Congee queen (Ellesmere Rd). Beloved for hearty Cantonese comfort food, especially congee bowls paired with Chinese dough fritters.
Prefer to stay in? Book a private Chinese chef at home
Not everyone wants to deal with crowded restaurants, noisy dining halls, or long waitlists. Luckily, you can now experience Scarborough’s Chinese flavors at home by hiring a private chef.
Imagine a professional chef preparing handmade dumplings, Sichuan stir fries, or a Cantonese banquet in your own kitchen. You control the menu, the vibe, and the guest list. The chef handles everything, shopping, cooking, serving, and even cleaning up.
This option is perfect for:
- Romantic dinners where intimacy is more important than atmosphere.
- Family gatherings with comfort food that tastes like home.
- Special celebrations like birthdays or anniversaries where you want exclusivity.
Signature Chinese dishes to try in Scarborough
Scarborough’s Chinese restaurants cover a wide range of regional specialties. Here are dishes you should try at least once:
Dim Sum. Bite sized dumplings, buns, and rolls served from pushcarts or ordered à la carte. Perfect for Chinese Restaurant or Very Fair Seafood Cuisine.
Hot Pot. A bubbling pot of broth where you cook meats, seafood, and vegetables table side. Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot is a Scarborough favorite.
Mapo Tofu. Silken tofu in a spicy chili bean paste sauce with minced pork, offering the numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns. Try it at Lao Shan Dong.
Xiao Long Bao (Soup dumplings). Steamed dumplings filled with broth and pork. Best enjoyed at Asian Legend.
Beijing duck. Crisp skin, tender meat, and thin pancakes with hoisin sauce. Sun Star Chinese Cuisine serves a solid version.
Congee. A rice porridge staple that’s both comforting and versatile. Congee Queen is the go-to spot for this dish.
Neighborhoods in Scarborough known for great Chinese food
Scarborough isn’t just one neighborhood, it’s a patchwork of communities, each with its own Chinese food gems.
Agincourt
Often called “Scarborough’s Chinatown,” Agincourt is packed with strip malls featuring everything from dim sum palaces to noodle shops. Perfect Chinese Restaurant anchors this area.
Sheppard avenue east corridor
Home to seafood giants like Fishman Lobster Clubhouse and upscale buffets. Great for group dining and celebratory meals.
Midland and Finch
Here you’ll find old school icons like House of Wong as well as innovative newcomers serving regional specialties. A must-visit if you want variety.
Ellesmere road
Congee Queen is the highlight here, alongside casual spots that specialize in Cantonese comfort food.
FAQs about finding the best Chinese food in Scarborough, Ontario
What’s the best neighborhood in Scarborough for Chinese food?
Agincourt is considered the heart of Chinese dining, but Sheppard Avenue East and Midland/Finch also offer excellent options.
Is it worth booking a private chef for Chinese cuisine?
Yes. A private chef brings restaurant level techniques and authentic flavors into your home, adapting menus to your dietary needs.
Are there good vegetarian or gluten-free Chinese options?
Absolutely. Many restaurants and private chefs offer vegetable dumplings, tofu-based dishes, and gluten-free stir fries.
Where can I find authentic Chinese food outside tourist zones?
Stick to local favorites in Agincourt or Ellesmere, where family run businesses thrive. These spots attract more locals than tourists.
