10 Chinese restaurants open on Christmas Day in metro Phoenix

The tradition of eating Chinese food on Christmas dates back to the early 20th century, when Chinese immigrants were one of the largest non-Christian communities in the United States. The practice is still going strong — searches for Chinese food on Google and Yelp peak every year on Christmas Day, according to Axios.

Jewish families in particular have a long history of eating at Chinese restaurants on Christmas.

“Jews and Chinese food! It’s just something that has always been a tradition,” Ross Wolman, a cantor at Temple Chai in Phoenix, told The Arizona Republic in 2024.

Whether you’ve been enjoying Chinese food on the holiday for years or you’re new to the practice, here are 10 Chinese restaurants in metro Phoenix that are open on Christmas.

Chef J Dim Sum & Chinese Bistro

Chef J’s huge menu includes dim sum, classic American Chinese favorites and some pan-Asian options like Korean short ribs. The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Christmas, serving the regular menu sans dim sum and hot pot.

Details: 9030 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale. 480-860-5508. chefjscottsdale.com.

China Chili

Phoenix-favorite China Chili serves up a variety of regional Chinese food, from Sichuan spicy garlic chicken to Peking duck. The restaurant will be open for takeout only on Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Customers can order from a Christmas menu that includes soups, seafood, chicken and more.

Details: 302 E. Flower St., Phoenix. 602-266-4463, chinachilirestaurant.com.

D&Y Chinese Food

This Cantonese restaurant has two menus: an English one with American Chinese classics like chop suey and a Chinese one with Hong Kong-style dishes. The restaurant is open on Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Details: 6666 W. Peoria Ave., Suite 119-120, Glendale. 623-302-9227, dychinesefood.com.

Great Wall Cuisine

Waiters zip around with carts of dumplings, noodles and more in the huge dining room at Great Wall, which has long been a go-to dim sum spot in Phoenix. The restaurant will serve dim sum from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Christmas Day and its dinner menu from 3 to 9 p.m.

Details: 3446 W. Camelback Road, Suite 155, Phoenix. 602-973-1112.

Iron Chef

Iron Chef’s menu is extensive. It includes Chinese food like Sichuan chicken, American Chinese classics like kung pao chicken and a long sushi list. The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Christmas.

Details: 10810 N. Tatum Blvd., Ste 106, Phoenix. 602-765-6888. ironchefphoenix.com.

Jade Palace Chinese Restaurant

Jade Palace is a favorite among the metro Phoenix Jewish community. There’s a lively debate about which Scottsdale location is better. The restaurant, which serves American Chinese and Cantonese dishes, will be open from 2 to 9 p.m. on Christmas, but the restaurant gets very busy, so reservations are recommended for in-person dining and pre-order for takeout.

Details: 8876 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Suite 104, Scottsdale. 480-585-6630. Also, 9160 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale. 480-391-0607, jadepalacescottsdale.com.

Liz Modern Asian

This American-style Chinese restaurant in Scottsdale has a menu made up of steamed buns stuffed with crispy chicken, fried rice and lo mein. Christmas Day hours are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., but the restaurant gets very busy, so it’s recommended to make reservations in advance.

Details: 15323 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite #E-145, Scottsdale. 480-292-7689. lizmodernasianrestaurant.com.

Mekong Palace Restaurant

There’s a casual rivalry between Mekong Palace and Great Wall for the best (and biggest) dim sum service in the Valley. Mekong Palace is offering a classic dim sum menu, complete with steamed buns and egg custard tarts, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and then dinner until 9 p.m. on Christmas.

Details: 66 S. Dobson Road, Suite 120, Mesa. 480-962-0493, mekongpalace.com.

Nee House Chinese Restaurant

It’s no wonder Nee House is another favorite among the Jewish community; the restaurant serves a whole Peking duck and a wide assortment of Cantonese dishes, including specialties like noodle soup and American Chinese classics like chow mein and General Tso’s chicken. The restaurant will be open for dine-in and takeout from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Christmas.

Details: 13843 N. Tatum Blvd., Suite 15, Phoenix. 602-992-3338, neehousephoenix.com.

New Hong Kong Restaurant

Anchored by an iconic neon sign, New Hong Kong serves classic American Chinese food like General Tso’s chicken and chow fun. It will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Christmas Day, serving just the entrees on the menu.

Details: 2328 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. 602-954-9118, newhongkongphx.com.

Reporting by Reia Li, Arizona Republic

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