Dim sum, hot pot, and more: The best eats Chinatown-International District has to offer
Jul 8, 2026, 5:00 AM
Seattle may have just finished hosting the World Cup, but many visitors were exposed to the nearby wonderful gem that is Chinatown-International District (CID). What I love about the Chinatown-International District neighborhood is that there is such a varied amount of cuisines to try, while also being more affordable than other areas.
Here are some of my favorites.
Jade Garden
I have to recommend a dim sum spot after Seattle just earned the record for the most people eating dim sum simultaneously. Jade Garden is an old favorite; I would go with my family as a child and take my students there on field trips. It is the most well-known dim sum spot in Seattle for good reason.
A favorite of customers, including myself, is their BBQ pork buns. Their shrimp dumplings, sticky rice in a lotus leaf, and chicken feet are also divine. Egg white scallop fried rice is my favorite entrée here. Come see why I recommend it as a Cantonese food blogger.
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Fort St. George
Japanese food is always appreciated for its fresh flavors and the variety of dishes on the menu. Fort St. George is my favorite when my friends crave authentic Japanese food. It is a 30-year-old-plus restaurant that is an icon for good reason.
Melon soda is my favorite Japanese drink, and Fort St. George has the best version of it in Seattle. It is the perfect companion to their Spaghetti Bolognese, Katsudon, Cod Roe Udon, and Omurice. All the best Japanese comfort foods can be found here at affordable prices.
Boiling Point
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Boiling Point is one of the most popular Asian restaurant chains in the Seattle area. Their CID location has the most traffic out of any of their branches. It is beloved for its portion sizes, affordable prices, and fun dining experience.
Hot pot is traditionally a communal meal where everyone takes turns adding their food to a boiling pot. At this Taiwanese chain, each person actually gets their own personal pot. You can cook your own meats, seafood, and veggies and pair them with rice or vermicelli. My favorite options are milk curry and Japanese miso. Do not skip their boba, too.
The Boat
Vietnamese cuisine is usually known for its high-quality beef dishes. I was pleasantly surprised to find that some of the best chicken I have ever had is at The Boat. It is a restaurant that specializes in chicken and rice.
The Boat was one of the most hyped restaurants when it opened a few years ago. Visitors could not comprehend how a simple combo of garlic chicken and rice could be this addictive. It is also available for just $18. Come see why it has won so many awards over the years.
