Best Affordable Chinese Restaurants in Des Moines | Affordable Chinese Food

18 restaurants in Best Affordable Chinese Restaurants in Des Moines | Affordable Chinese Food

• Silk Elephant — Thai · rated 3/5: Shimmering silk tapestries and warm, golden lighting create an exotic sanctuary where the air carries the intoxicating perfume of fresh basil, ginger, and toasted peanuts. The kitchen transforms vibrant ingredients into a rhythmic dance of heat and harmony, serving up aromatic curries and wok-fired specialties that capture the soulful essence of Southeast Asian flavors with an artistic flair. It is a transportive dining experience that invites guests to linger over bold, complex dishes in a space that feels both culturally rich and effortlessly modern.
• Zuzap Thai Cuisine — Thai: Zuzap Thai Cuisine transports diners to the bustling heart of Southeast Asia, where the air is perfumed with the bright, citrusy scent of lemongrass and the rhythmic sizzle of seasoned woks. Vibrant plates arrive as a masterclass in balance, layering the fiery heat of hand-ground chilies with the cooling sweetness of coconut and the aromatic punch of fresh basil to create an unforgettable, soul-warming journey.
• Cheng's Garden — Chinese: Cheng’s Garden serves as a vibrant neighborhood sanctuary where the enticing scent of sizzling woks and golden-fried treasures immediately sparks the appetite. The kitchen is known for its communal Pu Pu platters overflowing with crispy crab rangoon and tender, glazed spare ribs, offering a nostalgic warmth that lingers in every hand-pleated dumpling and perfectly bronzed egg roll.
• Lucky Lotus — Chinese: Bathed in the warm, golden glow of paper lanterns, this vibrant retreat invites guests to linger over plates that burst with the bright, zesty aromatics of Eastern-inspired soul food. From the rhythmic sizzle of the wok to the delicate crunch of garden-fresh herbs, the kitchen masterfully balances heat and harmony to create a dining experience that feels like a spirited celebration of flavor. Every meal unfolds as a sensory journey through bustling night markets and serene gardens, offering a soulful escape that is both timeless and refreshingly modern.
• Heavenly Asian Cuisine & Lounge — Chinese: Soft neon accents and plush textures create a sultry, modern sanctuary where the bold, aromatic spirit of the East comes alive through every sizzling plate and artfully shaken cocktail. The kitchen masterfully balances tradition and flair, sending out vibrant dishes infused with ginger, lemongrass, and toasted sesame that transform a casual evening into a multisensory celebration of Asian culinary artistry.
• Fong's Pizza — Chinese: This vibrant fusion destination pulses with energy, where the nostalgic charm of a neighborhood pizza parlor meets the bold, aromatic spirit of a classic Chinese kitchen. Guests are greeted by the irresistible scent of golden-fried crab rangoons and spicy dragon wings, while tables overflow with pillowy bang bang bao and crispy Thai sticks designed for spirited sharing. It is a playful culinary crossroads where every bite offers a surprising harmony of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in a setting that feels both familiar and thrillingly unique.
• Banana Leaf Asian Bistro — Thai: Stepping into this vibrant bistro feels like a journey to the heart of Southeast Asia, where the air is thick with the fragrant perfume of lemongrass and sizzling ginger. Vibrant dishes arrive artfully presented on emerald banana leaves, offering a symphony of bold spices and fresh ingredients that bridge the gap between traditional street-food soul and modern culinary flair. It is a lively, sun-drenched space where the rhythmic clatter of woks and the warmth of shared plates create an inviting sanctuary for those seeking an authentic taste of the East.
• Tsing Tsao South — Chinese: This vibrant neighborhood destination invites guests into a space where the rhythmic sizzle of the wok and the aromatic perfume of toasted sesame and ginger fill the air. Golden-hued glazes and crisp, garden-fresh vegetables are tossed with precision, delivering a masterclass in the balance of sweet, savory, and spice. Whether settling into a cozy booth for a family feast or enjoying a quick, steaming meal, diners find a comforting sanctuary of bold flavors and spirited hospitality.
• JJ Jasmine — Thai: JJ Jasmine serves as a fragrant sanctuary where the sizzle of the wok and the aroma of crushed lemongrass transport diners to the heart of Southeast Asia. Each plate is a vibrant tapestry of bold spices and delicate herbs, offering a soul-warming experience that balances the fiery kick of chilies with the soothing comfort of perfectly steamed jasmine rice.
• Buffet City — Chinese: A sprawling culinary landscape where the air is thick with the savory aromas of a hundred different dishes, inviting guests to embark on a personalized journey through a vast array of global flavors. Gleaming rows of silver chafing dishes reveal a vibrant tapestry of sizzling stir-fries, golden-fried favorites, and chilled seafood, all set within a high-energy space that celebrates the joy of abundance and discovery.
• China Garden — Chinese: Step into a vibrant sanctuary where the rhythmic clang of the wok and the fragrant steam of hand-pleated dumplings create an immediate sense of culinary theater. Golden-roasted meats and crisp, garden-fresh vegetables arrive at linen-draped tables, celebrating a rich tapestry of flavors that range from delicate ginger infusions to the deep, savory warmth of traditional umami-rich sauces. It is a place where timeless recipes and a welcoming spirit turn every meal into a communal feast, inviting guests to linger over pots of jasmine tea and shared plates.
• Taste of China — Chinese: Steaming bamboo baskets and the rhythmic clatter of woks define the energetic atmosphere of this culinary destination, where the air carries the fragrant promise of star anise and toasted sesame. Guests embark on a sensory journey through China’s diverse provinces, savoring everything from delicate, hand-pleated dim sum to bold, spice-laden stir-fries that arrive sizzling and vibrant at the table.
• China Jade — Chinese: Step into a vibrant sanctuary where the rhythmic clatter of woks and the fragrant steam of hand-pleated dumplings create an atmosphere of bustling warmth. Glistening lacquered meats and crisp, garden-fresh vegetables arrive at the table in a symphony of bold sauces, offering a refined journey through the timeless flavors and communal spirit of the East.
• Teriyaki Boys & China Star — Chinese: The air hums with the sizzle of the grill and the sweet, umami-rich aroma of house-made glazes caramelizing over tender cuts of beef, chicken, and succulent shrimp. Diners are treated to a vibrant fusion of textures, where crisp seaweed salads and golden, molten-centered crab rangoons provide the perfect prelude to hearty bowls of flame-kissed proteins and fresh vegetables. It is a bustling neighborhood gem that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, high-energy dining experience.
• De Rice — Chinese: De Rice invites guests into a lively atmosphere where the air is fragrant with toasted spices and the satisfying crunch of golden-fried appetizers. The kitchen masterfully balances textures, pairing the delicate freshness of hand-rolled spring rolls with the rich, savory depth of Heavenly Beef and the playful sweetness of pumpkin plantain fingers. It is a vibrant culinary crossroads where bold Asian flavors and comforting classics come together to create a spirited dining experience perfect for sharing.
• Rolling Wok Cafe — Chinese: The air at Rolling Wok Cafe hums with the rhythmic sizzle of the wok and the savory aroma of golden-fried treasures, inviting guests into a lively space where comfort food takes center stage. From the satisfying crunch of hand-rolled spring rolls to the tender, glazed richness of pork riblets and "heavenly" beef jerky, every dish celebrates bold, nostalgic flavors designed for sharing. It is a neighborhood gem where the simple joy of a perfectly crisped pot sticker or a creamy crab rangoon turns a casual meal into a soulful, sensory feast.
• New China Buffet — Chinese: Stepping into this vibrant culinary hub, guests are greeted by the enticing aroma of sizzling woks and the sight of endless rows of steaming delicacies that promise a journey through classic, comforting flavors. From crispy golden appetizers to savory glazed meats and delicate dumplings, the expansive spread offers a kaleidoscope of textures and tastes in a lively atmosphere where the joy of abundance invites everyone to feast to their heart's content.
• Cool Basil — Thai: Cool Basil invites diners into a vibrant, contemporary space where the air is perfumed with the fragrant scent of Thai herbs and the rhythmic sizzle of the wok. The kitchen balances bold, aromatic spices with delicate textures, crafting plates that range from velvety coconut curries to zesty, herb-forward stir-fries that dance on the palate. Whether enjoying a crisp cocktail at the sleek bar or sharing a family-style feast, guests find a refreshing escape defined by bright flavors and modern Asian elegance.