Savor the best Chinese food in Nepean with these top 5 local favorites
I accidentally wandered into a hidden Chinese restaurant in Nepean because I followed my nose instead of my GPS. I mean, who can resist the mouth-watering aroma of young chow fried rice when it hits them right in the nostrils?
Not me, that’s for sure. Only those with ironclad willpower and a heart of stone can resist!
It wasn’t just that one dish though—every place I visited turned out to be a culinary delight. I found myself caught in a delicious whirlwind, wolfing down crispy spring rolls, inhaling sizzling dumplings, and practically making a mess with every saucy bite.
Each restaurant is a gem, just waiting to be discovered by those with a nose for great food and a stomach ready for adventure!
1. Mandarin Restaurant
— Media credit: themandarinrestaurants
Website: https://www.mandarinrestaurant.com/
Address: 290 W Hunt Club Rd
Contact details: +1 613-228-2200
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 11:30 AM to 3 PM, 4:30 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 3 PM, 4:30 PM to 9 PM
Mandarin Restaurant is an extremely popular Chinese restaurant in the city, making it the obvious go-to for anyone craving delicious and authentic Asian cuisine.
It’s known for its buffet setup, allowing you to sample all the classic faves without holding back. Only true foodies will show up with an empty stomach and a game plan for trying everything—because this is not the place for half-hearted munching!
Despite being a Chinese restaurant, they also offer sushi options, which are also popular among patrons. If you stumble upon it while channeling your inner foodie explorer, make sure to get yourself one (or two, or three!).
Oh, and believe it or not, a lot of people hold their birthdays here, making it a hotspot of celebration, indulgence, and good times.
2. Manchu Wok
— Media credit: manchuwok_
Website: https://manchuwok.com/
Address: 100 Bayshore Dr FH2
Contact details: +1 613-828-8880
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Manchu Wok is a local fast-food chain that has been around since the ’80s, serving modern Chinese cuisine with a classic touch. They pride themselves on never using MSG, which I know is a plus for some.
Personally, I don’t think MSG is the villain it’s sometimes made out to be, but you can rest easy here—it’s not on the ingredient list!
Anyway, I urge you to try the honey garlic chicken combo. It’s no secret that sweet and savory perfection is addicting, and this dish is a prime example of that delicious balance.
3. Ng’s Cuisine
— Media credit: ngscuisineottawa
Website: https://ngscuisine.ca/
Address: 1499 Merivale Rd
Contact details: +1 613-228-8818
Operating hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Wednesday – closed
Ng’s Cuisine is a fantastic spot for both Szechuan and Cantonese fare. Now, you might be wondering: what’s the difference?
I’ll be honest—I didn’t know either at first. But after a quick Google search, I discovered that Cantonese dishes are all about subtlety, while Szechuan meals pack a punch with bold, varied flavors.
Now that you’ve had a quick lesson, let me dive into the must-try dishes at Ng’s Cuisine.
First up: the dim sum. You can’t visit a Chinese restaurant and skip out on sampling the dim sum—it’s practically a rite of passage!
Oh, and let’s not forget about the young chow fried rice, a flavorful classic that’s a must-try.
And if you still have room for one more bite, try ordering the spicy pig stomach. It’s a daring dish that will thrill those with a taste for adventure!
4. Sea King Seafood Restaurant
— Media credit: foodies.explorations
Website: https://www.seakingrestaurant.com/
Address: 1558 Merivale Rd
Contact details: +1 613-228-8819
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Tuesday – closed
Foodies who treat dim sum like it’s their lifeblood should make a beeline for Sea King Seafood Restaurant. Serving up authentic Hong Kong-style dim sum, this place is basically a mecca for those who believe dumplings are a major food group.
The har gau, or shrimp dumplings, is definitely a must-try. If you haven’t tried it yet, brace yourself for the harsh truth: you’re totally missing out.
it’s like a little burst of shrimp heaven wrapped in a delicate, translucent skin—one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Other exciting dim sum favorites are siu mai and fung zao.
5. Dumpling? Dumpling!
— Media credit: dumplingdumplingca
Website: https://www.dumplingdumpling.ca/
Address: 261 Centrepointe Dr
Contact details: +1 613-225-3888
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Dumpling? Dumpling! offers an inviting space where patrons can enjoy the ultimate bestseller, the wonton soup—just kidding, though it’s pretty good. It’s obviously the dumplings!
Coming in hot with mouth-watering varieties, you can choose from boiled, steamed, pan-fried, or deep-fried.
They offer options including pork, beef, chicken, shrimp, and vegetarian, so there’s something here to tickle every taste bud and satisfy every craving.
The pork, Chinese chives, and shrimp dumpling is the undisputed star. This exciting dish is a flavor-packed explosion in every bite, blending savory pork with fresh shrimp and fragrant chives.
The vegetarian spring roll is a delicious contender—an equally drool-worthy dish that’s so addictive, you might find yourself ordering seconds before you’re halfway through your first plate.