Finding delicious and authentic Chinese food near you can be a challenge. This guide highlights some top-rated Chinese restaurants within walking distance of Johns Hopkins University’s campus in Baltimore, Maryland, perfect for students and locals alike. These restaurants offer a variety of regional Chinese cuisines, from spicy Szechuan dishes to familiar American-Chinese favorites.
Orient Express, located on St. Paul Street, is a short walk from campus and specializes in the bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine. Known for its use of the numbing mala spice, Szechuan food offers a unique culinary experience. While many dishes pack a punch, there are plenty of milder options for those with lower spice tolerances. The restaurant’s signature dish, chicken with Szechuan pepper, perfectly balances crispy chicken with the aromatic spice. For the adventurous, the beef lungs in chili sauce offer a unique textural and flavorful experience.
While exploring local Chinese food options, you might also encounter other Asian cuisines. For instance, Kajiken, an 8-minute walk from campus, offers a unique Japanese noodle dish called aburasoba. This brothless ramen allows the umami flavors of the sauce and the texture of the homemade noodles to shine. The homura aburasoba, their top-selling dish, provides a satisfying kick of spice.
Sometimes, the craving for Chinese food can lead to exploring related cuisines. Sakoon Indian Fusion, a 10-minute walk from campus, provides a great introduction to Indian flavors with classic dishes like butter chicken served with garlic naan. They offer a helpful spice scale, differentiating between “Indian hot” and “American hot,” and a daily lunch buffet with unlimited mango lassi.
Venturing slightly further afield, Ekiben, a 20-minute walk or a short shuttle ride from campus, offers a unique Asian fusion experience. Their Neighborhood Bird sandwich features Taiwanese curry fried chicken, spicy sambal mayo, and a soft bun, creating an explosion of flavors. They also offer vegetarian options, such as their popular tofu dish, and refreshing drinks like iced tea.
Even when searching for “Chinese Food Restaurants Near Me,” exploring other Asian cuisines can broaden your culinary horizons. Bodhi Corner, a Thai restaurant located in the Hampden neighborhood, offers classic dishes like Pad Thai and Panang Curry. The restaurant’s Pad Thai features a perfectly balanced sweet and savory sauce, while their Panang Curry introduces diners to the rich and complex flavors of Thai cuisine.
