Where to Find Chinese Restaurants in Thurston County

Craving the bold flavors, comforting classics, and regional specialties of Chinese cuisine? Thurston County offers a diverse lineup of restaurants where you can savor everything from traditional dishes to modern fusions.

Where to Find Authentic Chinese Food in Thurston County

When it comes to Chinese cuisine, Thurston County offers an impressive mix of classic comfort dishes, vibrant street food flavors, and modern Asian fusion. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy sit-down meal, a quick takeout favorite, or an all-you-can-eat buffet, you’ll find plenty of delicious options across the Olympia region. From timeless neighborhood staples to hidden gems, you'll find standout locations like Emperor’s Palace (with locations in Olympia and Lacey), which delivers an extensive menu of traditional Chinese dishes in a welcoming, family-friendly setting. Head downtown to the Streets of Singapore, an Olympia favorite blending Chinese flavors with Southeast Asian influences for a unique street food-inspired experience.

If you're up for an all-you-can-eat adventure, buffets like Main Chinese Buffet and Super Buffet in Lacey offer generous spreads of crowd-pleasing dishes, perfect for diners who want to sample it all. Chinatown Café on Olympia's Eastside is a beloved local gem known for its fresh and flavorful takeout tucked inside a community grocery store, and if you're exploring the Thurston Bountiful Byway, don't miss Red Lantern Asian Fusion in Yelm, combining classic Chinese dishes with creative pan-Asian twists in a stylish, modern space. Here are a few more of our favorites:

1. Far East

218 4th Ave W, Olympia, WA 98501

Nestled on 4th Avenue West in downtown Olympia, Far East is a cozy, family-run gem renowned for its friendly service, affordable prices, and a broad menu that bridges Chinese and Thai classics—from orange chicken to pad Thai and savory curries, continuing the tradition of accessible, community-oriented dining that Chinese-run restaurants have contributed to the area for well over a century.

2. Emperor's Palace

400 Cooper Point Rd SW, Olympia, WA 98502 | 7321 Martin Way E, Olympia, WA 98516

Emperor’s Palace, serving Olympia since 1986 (with a Lacey location opening in 1996), is a beloved family-run restaurant celebrated for hearty, comforting Chinese-American classics like Almond Chicken, Sweet and Sour Pork, and Broccoli Beef—dishes that capture the familiar flavors many of us grew up enjoying, as well as a rich selection of savory soup noodles (like Chicken, Beef, Pork, or Shrimp Noodle Soups).

3. Streets of Singapore

913 Capitol Way S, Olympia, WA 98501

Streets of Singapore in downtown Olympia offers a vibrant and unique take on Chinese flavors by infusing them with Southeast Asian street-food flair—think fragrant Chicken Rice, tangy Nasi Lemak, rich Laksa, and bold Chicken Satay hand-crafted in a cozy, family-run counter-style setting. This intimate spot stands out for its warm hospitality and home-style cooking, delivering a delicious snapshot of Singaporean and regional comfort food.

4. Dough Zone Dumpling House

2480 Marvin Rd NE Ste D, Lacey, WA 98516

Dough Zone Dumpling House brings its beloved Seattle-born dumpling expertise to the South Sound—offering the same handmade, high-quality, and surprisingly affordable soup dumplings, dan dan noodles, and seasonal specialties that have earned it a cult following across Puget Sound. This marks Dough Zone’s 28th location and the chain’s first venture into Thurston County—a major win for locals craving authentic Chinese comfort food without the I-5 drive.

5. Chinatown Cafe

1908 4th Ave E, Olympia, WA 98506

Tucked away inside Ralph’s Thriftway on Olympia’s quirky Eastside, Chinatown Café is one of the city’s best-kept foodie secrets. This unassuming spot serves up generous portions of flavorful Chinese favorites, making it the perfect hidden gem to discover while running errands or exploring the neighborhood. Don’t miss their General Tso’s Chicken—crispy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet heat—it’s a local favorite that keeps regulars coming back for more.

6. China House

4740 Yelm Hwy SE, Lacey, WA 98503

Located in a relaxed strip-mall setting, China House delivers generous portions of comforting Chinese classics—think fried rice, lo mein, savory soups, and crowd-pleasing mains like General Tso’s Chicken and Bourbon Chicken. With a cozy and casual vibe that welcomes solo diners, families, or takeout fans, it’s equally praised for its quick service, versatile delivery options, and a standout tea selection.

Olympia’s Chinatown: A Legacy of Resilience

Olympia was once home to a thriving but little-known Chinatown that shifted locations several times between the late 1800s and early 1900s. Early Chinese immigrants ran laundries, mercantile shops, and restaurants that became essential to the community. According to the Olympia Historical Society, the Hong Yek Kee Company not only sold groceries but also acted as a bank and post office for Chinese residents, keeping the community connected to families overseas. Restaurants like the Pekin Café, later renamed the Shanghai Café, famously served everything from chop suey to steak and eggs—catering to both mill workers and adventurous diners. Though the last Chinatown buildings were razed in 1943, historian Ed Echtle notes that Olympia’s Chinese residents “brought culture, cuisine, and resilience to the city’s fabric,” leaving a legacy that still flavors the region’s dining scene today. - photo courtesy of Olympia Dragon Mural