The West Coast is known for having some of the best Chinese food on this side of the world, and Victoria is no exception. From light and crispy wok delights to delicately steamed pork buns, the restaurants on this list will see you leaving with a pleasantly full stomach and, ideally, a snack for later.
This place is so authentic the daily specials are listed in Chinese, and you may need your server to translate. Luckily, the full and varied menu is written in English, so the hardest part will be deciding which dishes you want. The food is flavourful and so fresh that you can hear the chef chopping vegetables while waiting for your meal in the classically simple dining room. Generous portion sizes almost guarantee you'll be able to enjoy a midnight snack once your main course wears off.
Dishes such as sweet and sour pork or beef with broccoli are on this menu and are cooked up fresh and tasty. The real gem here, however, is the wide variety of dim sum that is cooked to order. Shrimp dumplings, steamed pork buns and Shanghai noodles are all often-requested favourites. A casual atmosphere and large dining area with a lot of tables make this a great place to gather friends and family for a big feast.
Don't let the older, simple decor fool you when you walk into Young's. Serving Victoria for more than a quarter century, the restaurant's food is always fresh and arrives at the table quickly. When you're in the mood for something hot and spicy, their Szechuan dishes are almost ethereal. For the gentler palate, traditional dishes are also prepared with care. Reasonable pricing, friendly service and generous portions make this a perfect pick.
What West Coast Chinese restaurant list would be complete without one that specializes in seafood? Deep-fried prawns and spicy fish fillets are two dishes that are particularly outstanding here. The restaurant features shabby-chic Asian decor, but it is comfortable and clean. The real find here is the unique flavours that stand out from dishes that seem to taste the same everywhere you go. This chef has more than one flavour profile up his sleeve.
Cantonese and Szechuan dishes made with fresh, local products are what sets J & J's apart from many other restaurants in their class. The restaurant is bright and clean, with a glass-walled kitchen so you can see the chefs making your dinner right before your eyes. In addition to a wide selection of traditional dishes, the menu also includes gluten-free and vegan sections to accommodate everyone's tastes.
When you walk into a Chinese restaurant and it's filled with mostly Asian patrons, you know the food there is going to be great. Sun Wah is definitely no exception. Their menu is vast and doesn't leave out Canadian favourites, but they also have authentic, traditional dishes you have to try. The modern and bright decor is very pleasant. If you are a fan of wor wonton soup, their version is a standout dish and includes almost everything but the kitchen sink.