New Authentic or Reasonably Authentic Chinese Since 2014

I don't know if this deserves its own thread, and the mods can determine where to put it if necessary. I think there has been a reasonable influx of more authentic or reasonably authentic Chinese food pop up in Chicago since 2014 but especially the last few years.

I started putting together a list of places that are at least reasonably authentic that have opened since 2014 and are still open (to my knowledge) today. Most of these are centered in Chinatown but some in other areas like Lincoln Park, Lakeview, downtown, etc. I did count some bubble/milk tea places as part of this. You'll see a bigger influx since 2017 here.

On a map: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1SsPGb ... sp=sharing

Coming Soon

* Shaxian Snacks - ~227 W Cermak (Chinatown) | Fujian | June or July 2020
* Yao Pickled Fish - ~226 W Cermak (Chinatown) | Cantonese - Pickled Fish | Summer 2020
* Haidilao - Michigan & Cermak (South Loop) | Hot Pot | End 2020
* Xiaolongkan - 2237 S Wentworth (Chinatown) | Hot Pot | June 2020
* Lao Sze Chuan - 616 S Wabash (South Loop) | Sichuan | Sometime 2020
* The X Pot - 150 W Roosevelt (South Loop) | Hot Pot | Summer 2020
* Qiao Lin Hot Pot - 2105 S Jefferson St (East Pilsen) | Hot Pot/Chongqing | April 2020
* Lao Jiu Men - 2026 S Clark St (Chinatown) | Hot Pot | March 2020
* Xiang Hotpot - Unknown Location (Chinatown?) | Hot Pot | Sometime 2020
* Liuyishou - Unknown Location | Hot Pot | Sometime 2020
* Tai Chi Bubble Tea - 1158 W Taylor (University Village) | Bubble Tea | March or April 2020
* Mycha - 5930 W Lawrence (Portage Park) | Bubble Tea | Sometime 2020
* Te'amo Boba Bar - 2169 S China Pl (Chinatown) | Bubble Tea | Sometime 2020



2020
* Mrs. Gu Skewers Hot Pot - 2407 S Wentworth (Chinatown) | Sichuan (skewer hot pot)
* MingHin Cuisine - 1234 S Michigan (South Loop) | Dim Sum, Cantonese
* Mr. Dumpling - 2485 N Clark St (Lincoln Park) | Sichuan, Northern
* Eat Me Milk Me - 1111 W Randolph (West Loop) | Bubble Tea
* Spicy Grandma Kitchen - 2353 S Wentworth (Chinatown) | Sichuan (Skewer hot pot)
* My Place - 1307 S Wabash (South Loop) | Cantonese
* Chi Yatai - 2002 S Wentworth, basement (Chinatown) | Bubble Tea
* Tao Tea - 5014 N Broadway (Uptown) | Bubble Tea



2019
* Jiao - 18 S Wabash (Loop) | Dumplings
* Xi'an Dynasty - 2218 N Lincoln (Lincoln Park) | Xi'an
* Lao Peng You - 2020 W Chicago (Ukranian Village) | Xi'an
* Shu Tin Xia - 2428 S Wallace (Chinatown) | Sichuan, Hot Pot
* La Mom Kitchen - 3312 S Halsted (Bridgeport) | Shanghainese
* Chengdu Aroma - 3227 N Clark (Lakeview) | Sichuan
* Tan Lu - 2101 S China Pl (Chinatown) | Grilled Fish
* WuFu Hunan Cuisine - 3205 S Halsted (Bridgeport) | Hunan
* D Cuisine - 2733 N Clark (Lincoln Park) | Dim Sum
* Memoir Spicy Pot - 2002 S Wentworth, basement (Chinatown) | Chongqing/Sichuan
* YY Hot Pot - 1343 W 18th St (Pilsen) | Hot Pot
* Chef Xiong - 2143 S Archer (Chinatown) | Sichuan
* Hello Jasmine - 2026 S Clark (Chinatown) | Taiwanese
* J's Snack House - 2002 S Wentworth, basement (Chinatown) | Sichuan
* Mean Bao - 1139 W Taylor (University Village) | Dumplings, Dim Sum
* Juisy Fruit + Tea - 2157 S China Pl, floor 2 (Chinatown) | Fruit Tea
* Star Ice Kitchen - 335 W 31st St (Bridgeport) | Dessert, Bubble Tea
* Mango Mango - 2161 S China Pl, floor 2 (Chinatown) | Dessert
* Tea Ninja - 3139 N Broadway (Lakeview) | Bubble Tea
* Taichi Bubble Tea - 6800 N Sheridan (Rogers Park) | Bubble Tea
* Gathers Tea Bar - 1311 W Taylor (University Village) | Bubble Tea
* Kurimu - 1159 W Taylor (University Village) | Bubble Tea, Ice Cream


Another restaurant called "Chengdu Wuweiyuan Hotpot Restaurant" coming to 3335 S Halsted maybe. Others coming..

2018
* Friend BBQ - 2358 S Wentworth (Chinatown) | Chinese BBQ
* Xiao Mei Xing - 2615 S Halsted (Bridgeport) | Chinese BBQ, Dongbei (Northeastern)
* Szechwan JMC Chinese Kitchen - 243 W Cermak (Chinatown) | Sichuan
* Shan Shaan Taste - 2002 S Wentworth, basement | Shaanxi, Shanxi (yes different, but similar)
* Sizzling Pot King - 769 W Jackson (West Loop) | Hunan, Chongqing/Sichuan
* WJ Noodles - 810 W Jackson (West Loop) | Sichuan
* Grandee Cuisine - 215 E Grand (Streeterville) | Dim Sum, Cantonese
* Grand Mongolian Hot Pot - 2904 N Broadway (Lakeview) | Hot Pot
* Daguan Noodle - 2230 S Wentworth (Chinatown) | Yunnan
* Kuan Zhai Alley - 2002 S Wentworth (Chinatown) | Yunnan, Sichuan
* Wentworth Seafood House - 2229 S Wentworth (Chinatown) | Cantonese, Seafood
* Hello Jasmine - 500 W Madison (Loop/West Loop) | Taiwanese, Bubble Tea
* Gao's Kabob - 232 W 22nd Pl (Chinatown) | Chinese BBQ
* JIAN - 131 N Clinton, French Market (West Loop/Loop) | Tianjin
* Meet Fresh - 2026 S Clark (Chinatown) | Dessert
* TSoCAA - 2026 S Clark (Chinatown) | Bubble Tea, Dessert
* Bao Bing - 857 W Fulton Market (West Loop) | Taiwanese, Dessert
* Elitea - 2002 S Wentworth, basement (Chinatown) | Bubble Tea
* Bingo Tea - 2150 S Archer (Chinatown) | Bubble Tea
* Te'amo Boba Bar - 520 N Michigan (Streeterville) | Bubble Tea
* Te'amo Boba Bar - 1115 E 55th St (Hyde Park) | Bubble Tea
* Hubba Bobba - 1013 W Webster (Lincoln Park) | Bubble Tea
* Bingo Tea - 1130 W Argyle (Uptown) | Bubble Tea
* TBaar - 1223 W Devon (Rogers Park) | Bubble Tea
* L'Ours Bakery Cafe - 1424 W Taylor (University Village) | Bubble Tea, Dessert


2017

* MCCB - 2138 S Archer (Chinatown) | Sichuan
* ML Kitchen - 1138 W Taylor (University Village) | Sichuan
* Min's Noodle House - 3235 S Halsted (Bridgeport) | Sichuan
* Northern Taste - 3409 S Halsted (Bridgeport) | Dongbei
* Taste of Canton - 3324 S Archer (McKinley Park) | Cantonese
* A Place BY DAMAO - 2621 S Halsted (Bridgeport) | Sichuan
* Taipei Cafe - 2609 S Halsted (Bridgeport) | Taiwanese, Dessert


2016

* Happy Lamb Hot Pot - 2342 S Wentworth (Chinatown) | Hot Pot
* Slurp Slurp - 2247 S Wentworth (Chinatown) | Lanzhou
* B.I. Tea & Dim Sum - 131 N Clinton, French Market (Loop/West Loop) | Dim Sum
* Chatime - 2017 S Wells (Chinatown) | Taiwanese, Bubble Tea
* TBaar - 2234 S Wentworth (Chinatown) | Bubble Tea

Honorable mentions:
* Duck Duck Goat - 857 W Fulton Market (West Loop)
* Imperial Lamian - 6 W Hubbard (River North)


2015

* Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings - 2002 S Wentworth (Chinatown) | Dumplings, Dongbei
* Dolo - 2222 S Archer (Chinatown) | Dim Sum, Cantonese
* Tang's Garden Restaurant - 1826 S Canal (Pilsen) | Dim Sum, Cantonese
* St. Alp's Teahouse - 2157 S China Pl (Chinatown) | Taiwanese, Tea
* Macau Tasty House - 2826 S Wentworth (Armour Square) | Macanese
* MingHin Cuisine - 333 E Benton (Lakeshore East) | Dim Sum, Cantonese
* Vivi Bubble Tea - 333 S State (Loop) | Bubble Tea
* Kung Fu Tea - 4925 N Broadway (Uptown) | Bubble Tea


2014

* Xi'an Cuisine - 225 W Cermak (Chinatown) | Xi'an
* Little Lamb Hot Pot - 2201 S Wentworth (Chinatown) | Hot Pot
* Lao Sze Chuan - 520 N Michigan (Streeterville) | Sichuan
* Kung Fu Tea - 2126 S Archer (Chinatown) | Bubble Tea



There are also a number of places that serve bubble/milk tea that are new or new-ish but the places aren't necessarily specifically Chinese such as Taiyaki in Lincoln Park and Ice Q in Roscoe Village.

This is awesome; thanks for compiling! Two additional notes: New China Station (2411 W. North Ave) and Serai (2169 N Milwaukee; Malaysian but with an excellent Chinese selection too).

annak wrote:This is awesome; thanks for compiling! Two additional notes: New China Station (2411 W. North Ave) and Serai (2169 N Milwaukee; Malaysian but with an excellent Chinese selection too).

Thanks. I believe New China Station is over 10 years old. As far as Serai goes, it's mainly Malaysian food though yes there are a few authentic Chinese items on the menu. I'd probably add it to an "Honorable Mention" list, maybe. Fun fact - I was the first ever paying customer at Serai

I think on Check Please Octarine described Peppercorns Kitchen as reasonably authentic.

nr706 wrote:I think on Check Please Octarine described Peppercorns Kitchen as reasonably authentic.

It definitely is, though it's in Evanston which is why I didn't include it. There are some places that have opened in Evanston in this time frame that are reasonably authentic or authentic IMO:


* TEAlicious BUBBLE - 1565 Sherman Ave | Bubble Tea | 2019
* Shang Noodle & Chinese - 608 Davis St | 2017
* Peppercorns Kitchen - 620 Davis St | Sichuan | 2016
* Tsim Sha Tsui Cafe - 1627 Chicago Ave | Chongqing/Sichuan, Taiwanese | 2015
* Lao Sze Chuan - 1633 Orrington Ave | Sichuan | 2014
* Kung Fu Tea - 726 Clark St | Bubble Tea | 2014


There's a Lao Sze Chuan which opened in Skokie in 2014 as well.

It was in the fall of 2013, but I think Chengdu Impression's opening was as important as any in the expansion of authentic Chinese, Szechuan specifically, to areas that previously weren't exposed to it. It's importance wouldn't be what it was, if it weren't as damn good as it is. If you're going to break precedent, have your fundamentals down. And CI definitely did.

Great list, charting what we've been lucky to experience.

marothisu wrote:
* TEAlicious BUBBLE - 1565 Sherman Ave | Bubble Tea | 2019
* Shang Noodle & Chinese - 608 Davis St | 2017
* Peppercorns Kitchen - 620 Davis St | Sichuan | 2016
* Tsim Sha Tsui Cafe - 1627 Chicago Ave | Chongqing/Sichuan, Taiwanese | 2015
* Lao Sze Chuan - 1633 Orrington Ave | Sichuan | 2014
* Kung Fu Tea - 726 Clark St | Bubble Tea | 2014

There's also Hunan Spring, 635 Chicago Ave, which I haven't tried, but I know people who like it. It's authentic in one way, though — the owner was indicted last year on tax evasion charges, similar to the charges against Tony Hu.

Very useful list! Thanks for doing this.

However,

marothisu wrote:A place called Eat Me, Milk Me

I have questions.

bweiny wrote:It was in the fall of 2013, but I think Chengdu Impression's opening was as important as any in the expansion of authentic Chinese, Szechuan specifically, to areas that previously weren't exposed to it. It's importance wouldn't be what it was, if it weren't as damn good as it is. If you're going to break precedent, have your fundamentals down. And CI definitely did.

Great list, charting what we've been lucky to experience.

I actually considered going back to 2013 only because of Chengdu Impression. I remember some of my friends who lived in the area were really happy that there was finally an authentic Chinese place near there.

There should probably be more coming too. There is that new retail mall at the corner of Archer & Wells which will probably get a bunch of places. There's only one I can see from a building permit perspective in the works right now - which is "BBQ House". Whether that is Korean BBQ or Chinese BBQ, no idea.

On top of that, there is a warehouse being renovated currently on Cermak next to the river kind of around the corner which is going to be turned into 200 hotel rooms with a huge Chinese grocery store (43,000 sq ft), spa, multiple restaurants, coffee shop, and a food court (https://www.465wcermak.com). The developer of both of these is minority owned by a Chinese grocery store company from NYC called Good Fortune, which has 15 or 20 locations in NY/NJ, California, Texas, etc. The website mentions 99 Favor Taste (Hot Pot) and Hot Space (grilled fish) going into this place, which are both Chinese restaurants from NYC. It also will have a huge dim sum restaurant. I have a feeling that there might be some more NYC based Chinese restaurants open in both of these buildings in the near future. Friend BBQ on Wentworth is a NYC-based restaurant (called Friendship BBQ there).

Also right across the river around Jefferson & 21st, another Chinese developer renovated part of an industrial building into a mall and they're planning another 130,000 sq ft of retail space on the vacant land across the street with over 200 new residential units. I think the mall is actually completed recently but no idea what's going in there.

marothisu wrote:* Shan Shaan Taste - 2002 S Wentworth, basement | Shaanxi, Shanxi (yes different, but similar)

Thanks a ton for this. Question: is there a difference between Xian and Shaanxi?

Vital Information wrote:Thanks a ton for this. Question: is there a difference between Xian and Shaanxi?

I am by no means an expert in this. Xi'an is the capital of the Shaanxi region. Shaanxi and Shanxi are next to one another as regions and as far as I know, the cuisines are pretty similar. Both use vinegar a bit in the dishes but I know that Shanxi has a special vinegar created in the region and the dishes might be slightly saltier than Shaanxi and the vinegar taste might be different too.

I'll probably have to ask my wife for more explanation..

marothisu wrote:I started putting together a list of places that are at least reasonably authentic that have opened since 2014 and are still open (to my knowledge) today.

My 2020, as opposed to 420, goal is to try each and every restaurant on this list and post with pics. If they close before I get there I'll take a picture of the storefront ala Clark Griswold.
Really interesting list, thank you for posting.

G Wiv wrote:My 2020, as opposed to 420, goal is to try each and every restaurant on this list and post with pics.

I know you hardly need any advice, but in the spirit of encouragement, don't limit yourself to the Louis CK bang-bang, this task calls for a G Wiv bang-bang-bang[-bang?], if one ever did.

G Wiv wrote:

marothisu wrote:I started putting together a list of places that are at least reasonably authentic that have opened since 2014 and are still open (to my knowledge) today.

My 2020, as opposed to 420, goal is to try each and every restaurant on this list and post with pics. If they close before I get there I'll take a picture of the storefront ala Clark Griswold.
Really interesting list, thank you for posting.

I commend you on your goal! I am excited to hear about this all. Check back for updates too. There's a few more places opening soon I think - such as a skewer pot place (hot pot but the meat is on skewers).

Just added a new place to the list which is Mrs. Gu Skewers Hot Pot at 2407 S Wentworth. I found out that Tony Hu actually opened this. It is a famous chain from Chengdu in China that serves skewer hot pot ( Chuan Chuan Xiang). Skewer hot pot is basically hot pot but where everything is on skewers instead of "loose."

My own introduction to this was in Chengdu a few years ago and I loved it. We had it a few times on my last visit there.

It looks like the outpost in Chicago does it the way they do it in Chengdu. The skewers are more buffet style in that they are premade and in coolers. You go up and pick whatever you want and bring it back to your table. Some could be on color coded plates. The ones I had in China just count the skewers and that's what you pay based off. It also looks like they have the sesame oil in sealed aluminum cans for the dipping sauce instead of making you go to a common shared station for it which is the way they do it there too. Makes sense as it's a chain from China but it's good that so far they didn't modify too much of the "experience."

marothisu wrote:* Tsim Sha Tsui Cafe - 1627 Chicago Ave | Chongqing/Sichuan, Taiwanese | 2015

Great list. I will not live long enough to go to half of these.

The reason Tsim Sha Tsui caught my eye is it is the district of Hong Kong where my budget hotel was located my first trip to China. I was there for seven days (long enough to recognize the name when taking the train). I ate well -- but didn't encounter Sichuan food until I was in Chongqing, on the other side of the country. I'm guessing they might have picked the name because Tsim Sha Tsui district is where a lot of the casual eateries and street markets are located, rather than because there is any connection between Tsim Sha Tsui and Chongqing. No real insight here -- just amused at the choice of name, given the cuisine.

Cynthia wrote:

marothisu wrote:* Tsim Sha Tsui Cafe - 1627 Chicago Ave | Chongqing/Sichuan, Taiwanese | 2015

Great list. I will not live long enough to go to half of these.

The reason Tsim Sha Tsui caught my eye is it is the district of Hong Kong where my budget hotel was located my first trip to China. I was there for seven days (long enough to recognize the name when taking the train). I ate well -- but didn't encounter Sichuan food until I was in Chongqing, on the other side of the country. I'm guessing they might have picked the name because Tsim Sha Tsui district is where a lot of the casual eateries and street markets are located, rather than because there is any connection between Tsim Sha Tsui and Chongqing. No real insight here -- just amused at the choice of name, given the cuisine.

Similar reaction here. The name just makes me think of the Star Ferry from Kowloon.

A few new bubble tea milk tea places that have opened in January:

1) Eat Me Milk Me at 1111 W Raandolph. Also has Taiwan style fruit tea, coffee, and some small not particularly Asian food. Also selling clothing from local and Asian designers.

2) Chi Yatai - in the Richland Mall basement food court. Also have the brown sugar milk tea as well as milk tea with cheese cap. The food they serve there is actually Japanese - looks pretty good.

3) Tao Tea at 5014 N Broadway near Argyle Street. Looks like they have some other flavors there like dragonfruit, kumquat, passionfruit, etc as well as option with the brown sugar.


MingHin Cuisine looks like it is taking over the space at 215 E Grand in Streeterville again. IIRC it was MingHin, and then Grandee, and now it looks like it'll be MingHin again soon.

Also, not counting this yet but to let you know that Phodega in Wicker Park is serving Hainanese chicken rice.

I found this place per chance looking at Google Maps - it is supposed to open in March. Specifically - Chongqing style hot pot.

There is an area across the river from Chinatown that could very well become a large extension of Chinatown. Quietly, a warehouse building at 2105 S Jefferson was converted into a mall in the last year. Across the street there are plans to build 7 new buildings on the vacant land with over 125K sq ft of new retail space, restaurants, etc and also over 200 new residential units. Around the corner from that on the east side of the river, a warehouse is currently being renovated for a new hotel and a handful of new Chinese restaurants mainly from NYC. All from Chinese developers.

This new place is called Qiao Lin Hotpot and again will be Chongqing Hot Pot:
https://qiaolinhotpot.com

Qiao Lin Hot Pot is the first foray into the US of a hot pot company from Chongqing founded in 1995. Now their website says opening in April.

I have found my way into WeChat pages in Chinese talking about upcoming Chinese restaurants in Chicago. Here's a few more that might not have made it in the news yet..

* Spicy Grandma Kitchen - I'm not sure if this is open yet but it might be.. at 2353 S Wentworth. They deliver on Chowbus. It does skewer hot pot just like the new Mrs. Gu a few buildings south.

* Shaxian Snacks ( 沙县小吃) - Fujian food and a huge chain in China with a NYC location. Coming to Cermak near Xi'an Cuisine. Opening around June or July?

* Yao Pickled Fish (姚酸菜鱼) - Chain from Shenzhen. Supposed to open on Cermak acdross from Shaxian Snacks. Summer opening? Apparently there's no restaurant in Chicago yet that specializes in this type of fish. I've had this style before and am a big fan. Spicy and sour.

* Haidilao - Eater switched up this and Xiang Hot Pot (which is awesome!). In fact, Haililao which is a major hot pot chain in China with 400+ locations in China, Japan, Korea, US, Canada, etc will be coming to Cermak & Michigan Ave.

https://www.instagram.com/haidilaohotpotus/?hl=en

* Qiao Lin - Talked about this before. First US location of a Chongqing hot pot restaurant which will open at 2105 S Jefferson St. That location is the former home of Hong Kong Noodle Company, old warehouse converted into a new mall called Jefferson Square. Slated to open in April - pictures look nice.

* Lao Jiu Men (老九门) - opening soon in the strip mall with Meet Fresh at 2026 S Clark. Hot pot chain from China with locations in Toronto and London. Might be their first US location.

* Yuehuafang (月花坊) aka Moon & Flower House - a mini chain from Flushing NYC with locations in Brooklyn and Boston. Coming soon to both Chicago and Philadelphia. Serves up fried chicken, popcorn shrimp, burgers, fruit tea, bubble tea, etc with Chinese twist. Location will be 2300 S Archer Ave suite 209 in the new retail center on Archer.

* Jianghu BBQ - at 2171 S China Place in Chinatown. Looks like it's Korean BBQ, but all the words inside are Chinese and they might have Chinese food too.

* Mr. Dumpling - at 2485 N Clark St in Lincoln Park. Not open yet, and this is presumptuous but keep your eyes peeled for this.


Of course, there are more things opening including a XiaoLongKan and Liuyishou (not sure if that made the news but they announced it I think in October). Looks like legitimate authentic hot pot has started to invade Chicago especially South Loop and Chinatown, a few already opened like Mrs. Gu Skewers Pot.

Although Chinatown has been growing, given the information you are providing, it seems like things are shifting into a higher gear with the addition of these chains.

bw77 wrote:Although Chinatown has been growing, given the information you are providing, it seems like things are shifting into a higher gear with the addition of these chains.

For sure. And one thing about chains. For some in America, a chain is seen as very corporate and many times mediocre by the time it gets big, or not as good as a mom and pop shop. In China, it's seen as good because.."if there's that many locations then it must be good." And to be honest, the quality of some chains there might be greater than some here in my own experience

It's a huge positive that chains from China (and some from Flushing) are now opening in Chicago. Given the fact that a big supermarket from NYC has a large minority stake in the real estate company behind the new retail plaza at 2300 S Archer and warehouse hotel/restaurant complex on Cermak, it shouldn't be a surprise if more Flushing/Brooklyn outposts open in Chicago soon too.

Mr. Dumpling opened in Lincoln Park (2485 N Clark) serving up dumplings, sichuan, some northern food, and a few American Chinese classics. Also added Spicy Grandma Kitchen in Chinatown. I'm sure more to come. Added both to the list on Post #1

Just wanted to say I love this thread. Also I agree about Asian food chains, they are often quite good with excellent quality control. I think it is because they often focus solely on a few specialities.

I am chagrined at the enormous number of hot pot restaurants opening. What distinguishes one hot pot restaurant from another?

botd wrote:Just wanted to say I love this thread. Also I agree about Asian food chains, they are often quite good with excellent quality control. I think it is because they often focus solely on a few specialities.

I am chagrined at the enormous number of hot pot restaurants opening. What distinguishes one hot pot restaurant from another?

It is great news for Chicago - some of the chains opening are ones that just recently came to the US within the last few months (like to Flushing). So the fact that they're coming to Chicago soon after, and sometimes Chicago being their first US location, says that Chicago's Chinese food scene is definitely getting better for sure.

As far as what distinguishes? First of foremost the region it comes from. Some of the Chongqing hot pot might have pots that hold more than just 2 types of liquid. The dipping sauces and ingredients for them might vary too - I think I saw that Mrs. Gu in Chinatown has the sesame oil in cans which is what you'd get exactly in Chengdu. Of course there are different pots used in places like Beijing and also up in Dongbei (sour hot pot) but I'm not sure where you can get those in Chicago.

Some of the ingredients offered might also be different - at Xiang in NYC, which is coming to Chicago, there is stuff on the menu I haven't seen anywhere else that are great. It impressed my in laws when we went there as they were even surprised to see a few of their menu items like sesame tofu.


Not only quality and what ingredients (for example - what is on the menu at Xiang in NYC that's coming to Chicago might not be found in other places) but also the region it's from. The Chongqing style could be different than Sichuan - like some Chongqing has pots that have more than just 2 types of liquid. Also the dipping sauces offered could vary from region to region

marothisu wrote:It is great news for Chicago - some of the chains opening are ones that just recently came to the US within the last few months (like to Flushing). So the fact that they're coming to Chicago soon after, and sometimes Chicago being their first US location, says that Chicago's Chinese food scene is definitely getting better for sure.

Din Tai Fung, come on down! Please? Pretty please?

I added most of these to a map which I'll also include in the original post. Also added a few in there that are set to open up sometime this year - including a few that should open any day or in the next month. I can't include a few opening later because addresses haven't been announced yet.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1SsPGb ... sp=sharing