West Meets East at These Chinese Restaurants Where Authetntic Flavors Shine

Din Tai Fung was founded in Taipei, Taiwan, in 1958 as a cooking oil retail shop, before transitioning in 1972 into a full-fledged restaurant. It has since become world-renowned for its soup dumplings and noodles, and Seattleites are thrilled to have two outposts of this delectable, raved-about restaurant here in their fair city. (The tradition of Din Tai Fung continues in global locations like Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, China and Thailand.) Guests laud the shrimp and pork shao mai dumplings, as well as other, noodle and rice dishes.

Lovers of Asian cuisine delight in this Chinese restaurant in the International District that opened in 1992. Sichuanese cuisine is known for its spiciness and diversity of fresh ingredients. Flavors come from "three peppers: pepper, chili and peppercorn," and the beauty of Sichuan dishes lies in its spicy spectrum. The eatery, "Old Szechuan Restaurant" in Chinese, was founded by Chef Kao Hsiao-Suna, who is said to have introduced the "Mala Huoguo" - "Hot and Spicy Hotpot" to the United States. Popular dishes include Mapo Tofu ("Pocked Face Grandmother Bean Curd"), Huiguo Rou ("Twice-Cooked Pork") and Liang Fen (or "Cold Noodles").

One of the district's grand old-timers (open since the 1930s), Tai Tung capably keeps pace with the flashier, hipper establishments by keeping its focus on what's really important: the food. Indeed, menu stalwarts like Kung Pao shrimp, Singapore-style vermicelli, and mu shu pork have been drawing raves from three generations of customers. Once a haven for Seattle's night owl diners, Tai Tung looks to have changed little decor-wise from its heyday (think dark wood paneling and Formica tabletops) as one of the town's only late night eateries. Patrons laud this International District venue for gems like the garlic spare ribs (served Chinese-style, of course).

Convenient to the Seattle Center, this understated little Chinese joint has made quite a name for itself in Queen Anne circles, thanks to its terrific prices and tasty Mandarin fare. At lunchtime, especially, the place stays packed with the hungry clientele enjoying everything from moo shu pork to kung pao chicken (all combinations come with rice and an egg roll). Owner Yu-Mei Wang has been called a "hands-on entrepreneur with a warm, smiling countenance and lots of style," and since she likes to connect with her patrons, she's been known to make the rounds and sit down for a friendly chat with her customers.

Located in Kent's Great Wall Shopping Mall, this Chinese restaurant may seem a little over-the-top to first timers, especially when the afternoon dim sum lunch carts roll around â€" any apprehension quickly fades once you've tried the shrimp dumplings, though. Regulars rave about the menu's broad array of dinner dishes, with the choices ranging from Thai-style tilapia flavored with lemon grass and cilantro, to Szechwan seafood hotpot, to Peking duck, to a seafood hotpot that comes with shrimp, squid and finfish. Reservations accepted during the week, but for groups only on the weekend. If you're seeking tasty Chinese food outside city limits, this may just be the perfect spot for you.

Highly regarded by local food critics, Judy Fu has firmly cemented herself in the company of the Puget Sound's finest Chinese chefs. Scintillating Mandarin and Szechuan dishes include shrimp or chicken mu shu, crispy tea-smoked duck with hoisin sauce and Land and Sea clay pot stew. With its contemporary yet unpretentious ambience and great menu, Snappy Dragon tends to get quite crowded at times, so reservations are recommended (but will only be taken for groups of six or more). Aside from its delightful name, this eatery in the Maple Leaf neighborhood is lauded for its spectacular service, friendly vibe and favorite dishes like boiled dumplings with pork.

Ideal for those looking for something a bit different that won't break the bank, this Chinese standby in the International District earns high marks from regulars. Honey Court emphasizes quality food, fresh ingredients and friendly service over the fancy decor you might find at rival places. Specialties include steamed whole tilapia, sautéed fresh squid with broccoli and shredded squab with crispy lettuce, but what the customers truly adore is honey-walnut prawns. In addition, the dim sum is a terrific lunch option. On weekends after the clubs shut down, Honey Court has been known to stay open even later than usual.

This fashionable Chinese bistro gets high marks with Seattle diners who like reliable, family-friend chains; loyal fans also adore the contemporary interior and eclectic menu. Start with do-it-yourself lettuce wraps; some say that these alone are worth the trip. Afterwards, go any route you like, from Szechwan to Hunan, Cantonese to Shanghai. Chang's daily specials are always worth considering; keep your fingers crossed that they include Szechwan shrimp or pan-fried noodles. According to owners, "Many guests don't realize that P.F. Chang's has a scratch kitchen...We hire chefs, not kitchen managers. Even the simplest tasks, like julienning carrots, are done with passion. The pinches and folds in the dim sum must be perfect." This attention to detail has helped the restaurant gain longstanding popularity.

For diners with exotic palates, this is one of the most popular spots in the International District (or perhaps the entire city). If the crowded restaurant lobby doesn't deter you, then you're in for a treat. Choose from a wide selection of Hong Kong-style dim sum as waiters push bamboo steamer-adorned carts past your table. The steamed pork buns are moist and perfectly salty-sweet, while the steamed shrimp dumplings are plump, firm and bursting with flavor. To finish up, be sure to try a dish of egg tarts, which exhibit perfect flaky pastry shells to go along with the smooth custard filling.

Ask around, and you'll quickly discover that Wild Ginger is a definite Seattle favorite. The James Beard Award-winning restaurant that introduced the satay bar to the U.S. also welcomes an eclectic mix of business people, families and celebrities. Fragrant Duck is the signature dish, but Pow Wok Lamb and Drunken Quail are excellent choices as well. The lively atmosphere is made even better by friendly servers and live jazz, which is a Monday night specialty. Attached to popular, subterranean music venue Triple Door and its Musicquarium Lounge, this is the perfect spot to grab a delicious meal before hearing live tunes; why not make a night of it?