Best Affordable Chinese Restaurants in Richmond | Affordable Chinese Food

30 restaurants in Best Affordable Chinese Restaurants in Richmond | Affordable Chinese Food

• And Dim Sum — Chinese: Fragrant clouds of steam rise from a parade of bamboo baskets, filling the air with the scent of ginger and toasted sesame in a space that hums with modern energy. Translucent dumplings and crispy, golden-hued delicacies invite a communal feast, where the ritual of tea-pouring meets a vibrant tapestry of flavors crafted for lingering and sharing.
• Gigi Tea — Chinese: Gigi Tea is a sun-drenched sanctuary where the delicate fragrance of steeping leaves and the soft clink of porcelain create a serene escape from the city’s hum. Artfully crafted brews range from floral oolongs to creamy, modern infusions, each paired with whimsical treats that transform a simple afternoon break into a sensory celebration. Whether you’re seeking a quiet corner for reflection or a vibrant space to share a colorful boba with friends, this charming tea house invites you to slow down and savor every nuanced sip.
• Elephant Thai — Thai: Elephant Thai transports diners to the heart of Southeast Asia, where the vibrant energy of a bustling night market meets a warm, inviting atmosphere filled with the fragrance of lemongrass and Thai basil. The kitchen masterfully balances the fundamental harmonies of Thai cuisine, crafting everything from velvety coconut curries to fiery, wok-charred noodles that burst with authentic spice and citrusy brightness. It is a soulful destination where every dish tells a story of tradition, inviting guests to linger over a sensory feast that is both comforting and exhilarating.
• Boba Tea and Snow Ice House RVA — Chinese: This vibrant sanctuary of sweetness invites guests into a world of playful textures, where the air is filled with the refreshing aroma of premium brewed teas and tropical fruits. Towering mounds of ribbon-thin snow ice melt instantly on the tongue like flavored clouds, while chewy, hand-crafted boba pearls add a whimsical touch to creamy milk teas and sparkling fruit infusions. It is a colorful retreat that transforms a simple afternoon treat into a sensory celebration of coolness and craft.
• Hunan East Chinese Restaurant — Chinese: The air at Hunan East crackles with the fiery aroma of toasted chilies and fermented black beans, drawing diners into a space where bold, smoky flavors take center stage. Woks hiss with intensity as chefs masterfully balance searing heat and deep spice, delivering vibrant plates that celebrate the rustic, soul-warming traditions of Hunan province.
• Lucky Chopsticks — Chinese: Vibrant neon glows against the rhythmic clatter of woks in this high-energy haunt, where the air hangs heavy with the aromatic warmth of toasted sesame and scorched chilies. Guests dive into a parade of steaming handmade dumplings and glistening, fire-kissed noodles that bridge the gap between time-honored tradition and modern street-food flair. This bustling sanctuary celebrates the art of the shared meal, turning every clink of a chopstick into a lively exploration of bold, soulful flavors.
• Bamboo Cafe — Chinese: Stepping into this verdant sanctuary feels like discovering a hidden tropical garden, where sun-drenched natural textures and swaying bamboo accents create an atmosphere of effortless tranquility. The kitchen focuses on bright, aromatic flavors and crisp, garden-fresh ingredients, offering a sensory retreat where guests can linger over fragrant brews and vibrant, wholesome plates.
• Peking Restaurant — Chinese: Stepping into Peking Restaurant feels like entering a timeless sanctuary of Northern Chinese culinary tradition, where the air is thick with the savory, spiced aroma of slow-roasted duck. Golden-skinned poultry is carved with precision at the table and served alongside delicate pancakes, while steaming bamboo baskets of handmade dumplings provide a comforting, authentic heart to this vibrant dining experience.
• Ho Wah Chinese Restaurant — Chinese: Golden light spills over a bustling dining room where the savory perfume of five-spice and toasted sesame oil invites diners to linger over classic comforts. From the delicate pleats of hand-folded dumplings to the smoky char of wok-seared specialties, every dish captures a vibrant balance of texture and tradition. It is a welcoming neighborhood cornerstone where the clatter of chopsticks and the warmth of shared platters create a soulful, authentic connection to time-honored Chinese culinary arts.
• New China Dragon — Chinese: The air is thick with the savory perfume of ginger, garlic, and toasted sesame, drawing diners into a space where the rhythmic clang of the wok provides a lively soundtrack to the meal. Golden-crisp textures meet vibrant, sauce-glazed vegetables in dishes that celebrate bold, time-honored flavors, creating a reliable sanctuary of warmth and culinary tradition. Whether sharing steaming platters of family-style favorites or enjoying a quick, comforting bite, guests are treated to an experience that feels like a soulful neighborhood embrace.
• Crazy Thai — Thai: The air at Crazy Thai hums with energy and the intoxicating scent of charred chilies and fresh galangal, drawing diners into a space where traditional street food meets a bold, modern spirit. Every dish is a vibrant collision of sweet, sour, and spicy notes, from the smoky depth of wok-seared noodles to the bright, citrusy punch of herb-laden salads that capture the soulful heat of Bangkok.
• Ginger Thai Taste — Thai: Step into a vibrant sanctuary where the air is thick with the intoxicating fragrance of lemongrass, kaffir lime, and the sharp, warming zing of fresh ginger. The kitchen masterfully balances the bold heat of bird’s eye chilies with the silky sweetness of coconut milk, crafting soul-warming curries and wok-seared specialties that dance across the palate. It is an inviting space where traditional Thai soul meets modern culinary flair, offering a sensory journey that lingers long after the final savory bite.
• Tops China — Chinese: The rhythmic clatter of woks and the savory perfume of toasted sesame oil fill this bustling neighborhood hub, where the vibrant energy of a classic Chinese kitchen is on full display. Steam rises from golden-fried favorites and glossy, sauce-drenched stir-fries that balance bold spices with delicate sweetness, offering a comforting and reliable taste of tradition in every steaming container.
• Ting's Chinese Restaurant — Chinese: The rhythmic clatter of the wok and the fragrant steam of hand-pleated dumplings create a sensory symphony at Ting’s, a neighborhood gem where tradition is served with heartfelt hospitality. Deep mahogany accents and soft lighting set the stage for a feast of bold, umami-rich flavors, transforming every meal into a vibrant celebration of authentic Chinese culinary artistry.
• Good Taste Chinese Restaurant — Chinese: Stepping into this vibrant neighborhood gem, guests are greeted by the rhythmic clatter of woks and the savory perfume of ginger, garlic, and toasted sesame. The kitchen turns out glistening plates of Cantonese classics and spicy Sichuan favorites, where tender meats and crisp vegetables are tossed in rich, soul-warming sauces that celebrate the depth of traditional Chinese flavors. Whether sharing a family-style feast at a large round table or enjoying a quick, comforting bowl of noodles, every meal captures the essence of authentic culinary heritage.
• Thai Top Ten — Thai: Vibrant energy pulses through this inviting space, where the air is thick with the intoxicating perfume of fresh basil, kaffir lime, and toasted chilies. The kitchen masterfully balances the five pillars of Thai flavor—sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy—delivering a parade of soul-warming curries and wok-fired classics that transport diners to the bustling heart of Southeast Asia.
• Got Dumplings — Chinese: Steam swirls through the air of this lively eatery, where the rhythmic tucking and folding of dough creates a backdrop for a menu centered on the art of the perfect dumpling. Diners dive into plump, hand-pleated parcels bursting with savory fillings, ranging from pan-seared classics with a golden crunch to delicate steamed varieties that melt away in a pool of fragrant chili oil. It is a vibrant neighborhood hub where the simple joy of a shared plate and a steaming bowl of noodles offers a warm, flavorful escape from the bustle of the day.
• Tea-do — Chinese: This vibrant social hub pulses with energy, where the rhythmic shake of tea canisters and the sweet aroma of brewing jasmine create an inviting sanctuary for bubble tea enthusiasts. Guests customize a kaleidoscope of colorful infusions, pairing chewy tapioca pearls and creamy lattes with an array of crispy, savory snacks that turn a simple afternoon pick-me-up into a playful sensory celebration.
• Peter Chang Scott's Addition — Chinese: Set within the industrial-chic pulse of Scott’s Addition, this high-energy destination marries modern urban flair with the bold, aromatic heat of authentic Szechuan soul. The air hums with the scent of toasted cumin and numbing peppercorns as diners share towering, golden-crisp bubble pancakes and fiery, dry-fried specialties that showcase a masterful balance of time-honored tradition and contemporary culinary edge.
• Mom's Siam 2 Restaurant — Thai: Stepping into Mom's Siam 2 feels like entering a vibrant sanctuary where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of toasted spices, fresh galangal, and kaffir lime. Guests gather around tables laden with steaming bowls of coconut-rich curries and wok-seared noodles that dance with the bold, balanced heat of traditional Thai soul food. It is a lively neighborhood gem where the warmth of home-style cooking meets a contemporary energy, inviting diners to linger over every fragrant, hand-crafted bite.
• Nisa Thai Asian Cuisine — Thai: Nisa Thai Asian Cuisine transports guests to a vibrant sanctuary where the air is perfumed with the bright, citrusy scent of lemongrass and the warmth of toasted spices. The kitchen masterfully balances the five fundamental flavors of Thai cooking, serving up velvety coconut curries and wok-fired specialties that burst with fresh herbs and bold, aromatic heat. This inviting retreat offers a soulful dining experience that celebrates the rich traditions and hand-crafted artistry of Asian culinary culture.
• Wong Gonzalez — Mexican: Wong Gonzalez pulses with an electric energy where the vibrant spirit of a Mexican cantina harmonizes with the bustling soul of a traditional Chinese kitchen. The air carries the irresistible scent of wok-charred spices and zesty lime, inviting guests to explore a playful landscape where soy-glazed meats meet hand-pressed tortillas in a bold celebration of cross-cultural flavors. Beneath glowing neon lights, this high-octane space offers a spirited dining experience that bridges two culinary worlds with effortless, colorful flair.
• Mom's Siam — Thai: Bathed in the warm glow of golden accents and the fragrant steam of simmering curries, this inviting sanctuary brings the vibrant soul of Southeast Asia to the neighborhood. Woks hiss with the energy of street-side cooking as delicate balances of sweet, sour, and spicy dance across plates of aromatic jasmine rice and herb-flecked noodles. It is a place where the comfort of a home-cooked meal meets the bold, complex layers of traditional Thai artistry, inviting guests to linger over every bright and soul-warming bite.
• Fu Wah Chinese Restaurant — Chinese: Fu Wah welcomes diners into a lively atmosphere where the "breath of the wok" fills the air with savory plumes of garlic and toasted sesame. From the delicate steam rising off hand-folded dumplings to the satisfying crunch of perfectly glazed poultry, every dish captures a balance of heat and harmony that transforms a simple meal into a celebrated neighborhood tradition.
• Go Dragon Asian Grill — Chinese: The air hums with the rhythmic clatter of woks and the savory aroma of searing meats, drawing diners into a vibrant space where bold East Asian flavors take center stage. Each plate arrives bursting with color and heat, featuring smoky, flame-kissed proteins and crisp vegetables tossed in house-made glazes that perfectly balance sweet, salty, and spice. It is a high-energy destination where the art of the grill meets the soul of Asian street food, offering a fresh and fire-brightened feast for the senses.
• Li's Garden — Chinese: Li’s Garden unfolds as a serene retreat where the gentle clatter of porcelain and the aromatic steam of jasmine tea set the stage for a soulful exploration of traditional flavors. Vibrant stir-fries leap from seasoned woks with a signature smoky char, while delicate, hand-pleated dumplings offer a tender contrast to the bold, ginger-infused sauces that define the house style. This inviting neighborhood gem captures the essence of a shared family meal, wrapping guests in a warm atmosphere that celebrates both freshness and time-honored culinary craft.
• A Kitchen — Chinese: This intimate culinary sanctuary strips away the pretense of fine dining, inviting guests into a minimalist space where the rhythmic sounds of a bustling open kitchen provide the evening's soundtrack. Vibrant, seasonally-driven plates emerge from the heat to celebrate the purity of raw ingredients, offering a sensory journey that feels both sophisticated and as comforting as a meal shared in a close friend’s home.
• The Patio Thai Restaurant — Thai: Lush greenery and soft ambient lighting transform this alfresco escape into a tranquil sanctuary where the vibrant aromas of lemongrass and Thai basil linger in the evening breeze. Diners feast on a tapestry of bold, aromatic flavors, from the fiery depth of hand-ground curries to the delicate balance of sweet and citrus in wok-tossed specialties, all served with a sense of warm, genuine hospitality.
• Kokee Tea — Chinese: This vibrant sanctuary celebrates the art of the modern brew, where the rhythmic shake of ice and the swirl of colorful infusions create a lively, refreshing escape from the everyday. Each hand-crafted cup marries premium tea leaves with the playful texture of honey-soaked pearls and bursts of fresh fruit, offering a sophisticated yet whimsical journey through contemporary flavors.
• Kung Fu Tea — Chinese: Step into a vibrant, high-energy space where the rhythmic sound of cocktail shakers and the satisfying pop of oversized straws create a lively soundtrack for the day. Velvety milk teas and jewel-toned fruit infusions are hand-shaken to perfection, paired with warm, honey-soaked tapioca pearls that offer a signature chewy contrast to every cool, customizable sip. This modern tea house transforms the art of the brew into a playful, sensory experience that is as refreshing as it is indulgent.