Top 5 Chinese Restaurants in Knoxville, Tennessee

But with so many to choose from, finding one in your area that offers tasty, authentic, and fresh food can sometimes be a challenge.

Knoxville is no exception. With dozens of Chinese and Chinese-American restaurants throughout the city, you have no shortage of options to choose from. But when you want a great experience, don't just stop at your closest corner store. Instead, you'll want to weed out the great restaurants from those that are just "okay."

Another great reason to find some of the best Chinese restaurants in the area is to choose the right spot to purchase a gift card from for friends and family. While it may seem like an unconventional choice for a gift card, if you want to surprise someone who loves Chinese cuisine or just want a great comfort food option, a gift card to a great Knoxville Chinese restaurant is a great choice.

With a virtual GiftYa card, you can easily pick one of the top Chinese restaurants in Knoxville, Tennessee, and purchase a virtual gift card in the amount of your choosing. Then, add a personalized message, and hit send. Your gift card will be quickly delivered to the recipient of your choice, and they'll be enjoying some tasty Chinese food in no time!

If you're ready to find the right restaurant to purchase a gift card to, keep reading to learn some of the best Chinese food in Knoxville, Tennessee.

1. Golden Garden Chinese Restaurant

A family-owned favorite among locals

5737 Western Ave, Cumberland Estates Shopping Center, Knoxville, TN 37921

Don't let the nondescript exterior fool you. This small, family-owned restaurant is a favorite among locals. The Golden Garden Chinese Restaurant is known for serving up fresh Chinese classics in heaping servings, you'll find all of your favorite dishes, made to order and served hot. From tasty starters like egg rolls and egg drop soup to tasty meals like teriyaki chicken, beef and broccoli, and more. Currently, The Golden Garden Chinese Restaurant is only offering carry-out because of COVID-19, but plan to reopen their dining room soon.

"This place is super delicious and not expensive! My fiancé and I got two orders of sweet and sour chicken which came with rice, two egg rolls, and a large order of their egg drop soup(my favorite thing). Everything tasted amazing with some left over. Also, the restaurant was being very  cautious due to covid. They had a window set up where the door to the dining room would be. Through the window they hand you the food and they hand you the card scanner to scan the card. Once you sign your recipe they have huge bottle of hand Sanitizer sitting on a table outside as well. Overall, a great experience and we will be back." -Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Golden Garden Chinese Restaurant.

2. Szechuan Garden Chinese Restaurant

Oversized platters of Chinese favorites

4211 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920

When you're hungry, Szechuan Garden Chinese Restaurant is the place to go. This classic Chinese restaurant is known for its oversized platters of fresh, delicious foods served piping hot. Order your favorite, or opt for a selection of different dishes to share.

"My favorite Chinese restaurant. I travel from Maryville over here when I am in the mood for Chinese. The food is delicious and the staff are friendly and attentive. So far, my favorite dishes are the Eight Treasure Chicken and the Mongolian Chicken. My wife loves the Mixed Chinese Vegetables. I love the Oh Oh soup which is the same as the Hot and Sour soup with the hot spices. Love it with the crunchy noodles. The egg roll is also delicious. Love eating it with the duck sauce." -Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Szechuan Garden Chinese Restaurant.

3. Happy Garden Chinese

A Chinese buffet brimming with fresh favorites

1510 N Cherry St, Knoxville, TN 37917

Happy Garden Chinese is a popular local option that usually features a large buffet. With chicken, beef, seafood, and veggie options, not to mention plenty of rice, noodles, and sides, there's something for everyone to enjoy. While their buffet may still be on hold due to COVID-19, they're still offering tasty take-out options for visitors.

"Value: 10/10A mountain of food for $7

Quality: 10/10Fried rice actually has flavor and a nice classic wok char, not just msg and yellow food coloring you see some places. The fried chicken in the General chicken has a fantastic crispy crust on it, not just cut up chicken tender bits. The other classic dishes like the beef and broccoli also have great sauces and flavors.

I consider myself a connoisseur if cheap Chinese food. I appreciate the niche qualities of florescent orange chicken and MSG loaded fried rice in "moderation". Every new city I go to, I look for that one great cheap Chinese food place to get a mountain of food for less than $7. I've been in Knoxville for 2 years now, and am beating myself up for not finding this gem sooner. It's everything great about Chinese takeout with some actual soul!" -Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Happy Garden Chinese.

4. Panda Chinese

Classic Chinese take-out with some room for diners.

4424 Western Ave, Knoxville, TN 37921

While Panda Chinese does have room for in-person dining, they're best known for their carry-out. Classic favorites like Lo Mein, fried rice, teriyaki chicken, and more fill the menu, and takeout boxes are served packed full of delicious food. Their fresh-made dumplings are a customer favorite, and an order is enough to share—though you may not want to.

"The Panda IS my favorite Chinese food restaurant in Knoxville! It's quick, delicious and very reasonably priced. I've eaten there once, but typically get take out. It's the best place to grab and go on a lazy Sunday, or really any day!

Their wonton soup is one of my favorites on the menu. You will be doing yourself a disservice if you go and don't get the wonton soup. Trust me on this one, people!

They don't have delivery, sadly. BUT! If I'm going to be lazy and plan to sit around and eat all day, the least I can do is drive and get it, right?

The Panda has definitely got it going on. Five stars from me!!" -Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Panda Chinese.

5. Plum Tree Chinese

Small Chinese restaurant that's known for quick, tasty food.

7052 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919

This next restaurant might be small, but it's still a must-stop for locals and visitors in the mood for some classic Chinese favorites. While Chinese-American food options fill most of their menu, they also offer some Malaysian and Thai dishes to choose from. Plum Tree Chinese is a popular lunch and dinner spot for local residents, who enjoy favorites like moo shu, fried rice, Singapore noodles, and more.

"I have been going to Plum Tree for about six years now, and they are consistently excellent.  They have predominantly Chinese-American fare, as well as some Malaysian, traditional Chinese, and Thai dishes.  They're one of the only places in town to get bao (steamed pork  buns).  I love their egg foo young, moo shu, and beef with kai lan, but everything I've had there is good.

If you eat in, they have tables as well as those tiny two-person booths for an intimate setting. It's definitely a hole in the wall but is much more inviting once you get inside! The service is quick and all their employees are very pleasant. Portions are generous and pricing is reasonable. Takeout is always quick and packaged well." -Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Plum Tree Chinese.

If you love Chinese food, you know that not every restaurant offering it here in the U.S. is created equal. Whether you're in the mood for Chinese-American favorites like fried rice, lo mein, and beef or chicken dishes, or you're looking for a more authentic experience, these Knoxville, Tennessee restaurants are a great choice.