Overview

Located in Collegedale, Tennessee, China Kitchen is a standout Chinese restaurant that has earned its place as a local favorite. This unassuming spot, nestled along Apison Pike, offers a menu rich with classic and inventive Chinese dishes, perfect for both quick pickups and hearty dine-in meals. Their offerings range from traditional staples like Roast Pork Egg Roll and Sweet & Sour Pork or Chicken Combo to an impressive variety of vegetarian and vegan options, making it a welcoming choice for diverse dietary preferences.

The heart of China Kitchen’s appeal lies in its authentic and freshly prepared dishes. Among the highlights, the Egg Foo Young stands out—available in vegetable, mushroom, or house special varieties—paired with steamed rice to satisfy cravings for comfort food with a twist. Fans of noodles and rice dishes will appreciate the generous portions of Shrimp or Beef Lo Mein and the flavorful Beef Fried Rice, which maintain a perfect balance of textures and well-seasoned ingredients. The fried or steamed vegetable dumplings offer a crisp, hot bite that complements the meal beautifully, while the hot and sour soup is a popular starter that warms the palate.

One of the restaurant’s distinctive features is the flexibility it offers to diners seeking meatless alternatives without sacrificing taste. Many dishes can be adapted with vegetarian meat substitutes, a feature that has drawn enthusiastic praise from those who appreciate flavorful, plant-based options. This inclusivity broadens its appeal, catering to families and individuals with varying dietary needs.

China Kitchen’s atmosphere is straightforward and functional, better suited for takeaway or casual meals rather than an elaborate dining experience. The service is notably quick and efficient, even during busy periods, which makes it a reliable choice for those looking for affordable, freshly cooked Chinese food on the go. Portions are generous, often enough for multiple meals, enhancing the value for price-conscious customers.

For those who grew up in or around Collegedale, China Kitchen carries a sense of nostalgia coupled with consistent quality that keeps patrons coming back. Its reputation as a "hidden gem" outside the greater Chattanooga area is well-earned, with many hailing it as the definitive spot for authentic and satisfying Chinese cuisine in the region.

In summary, China Kitchen excels through its authentic flavors, diverse menu including vegetarian options, prompt service, and generous servings—all rooted in a modest but dependable setting. It is best suited for individuals and families seeking fast, affordable Chinese meals without the need for fancy ambiance, making it a valuable dining destination in the Collegedale community.


Amenities & Services

Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegetarian dishes
Atmosphere
Casual

What Customers Say

Jessie Z.
Dec 10,2025
4/5
Tasty food! If you don’t already know, you can get ANY dish with vegetarian meat substitute. I eat meat but my family does not, and this place satisfies all of us. My favorite from here is egg foo young, egg drop soup, and the sesame tofu. They also give large portions with free cream cheese wontons of varying amounts as you order over $30 in food. They are fast, affordable, and good for fast food. Dine in is a bit bland, so definitely don’t go here if you want ambience. It’s definitely a pickup and take home place.
Lisa McCluskey
Dec 10,2025
4/5
This small restaurant is an amazing find in Collegedale. Orders are freshly cooked so the vegetables are hot, slightly crisp and have not been sitting under a steam lamp. My shrimp lo mein was loaded with shrimp and the lunch portion was enough for two meals. The dumplings were just as I like them, crisp on the outside and steaming hot on the inside. Service was very fast, even though they had a steady stream of take out orders. The price for a lunch portion of lo mein, which included a huge portion of fried rice, was $7.70. They have a wonderful menu of meat alternatives, too. This is worth a repeat visit.
Steven Boehm
Dec 10,2025
4/5
You would never guess it by the appearance, but they have an entire vegetarian/vegan menu! Pretty exciting to find. The people who work there are incredibly nice as well. A surprising little find outside of Chattanooga.
Casey McNabb
Dec 10,2025
5/5
I grew up coming here. Nothing ever comes close, no matter where else I go. It’s always the first place I go when I’m visiting my hometown. It’s more than just nostalgia, although that is part of it, but it’s also just the best Chinese food I’ve ever had. I will be genuinely devastated if this place ever closes. It’s a part of my childhood.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
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