The Best Chinese Food
in Falls Church, VA
Hong Kong Palace is Falls Church's highest-rated Sichuan specialist, open since 2010 at Seven Corners. Rated 4.5 stars across 632+ reviews and ranked #1 Chinese food in Falls Church by DCDining.com. Featured in Washingtonian Magazine's Cheap Eats in 2015 and 2017.
Why Hong Kong Palace Is Falls Church's Best
Hong Kong Palace at 6387 Leesburg Pike has served authentic Sichuan cuisine to Falls Church and the Northern Virginia community for over 15 years. The kitchen focuses on Chengdu-style Sichuan cooking — the “ma la” (numbing and spicy) tradition built around Sichuan peppercorn and doubanjiang fermented chili bean paste. Most Chinese restaurants in Northern Virginia do not stock either ingredient.
The restaurant has earned recognition across 8 publications and review platforms, accumulating 4.5 stars from 632+ verified reviews on BeyondMenu, Yelp, and TripAdvisor combined. Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide — widely cited for precision in regional cuisine evaluation — called it “probably the best Chinese place around.” Washingtonian Magazine included it in their Cheap Eats list in both 2015 and 2017, a distinction awarded to fewer than 50 restaurants per year across the entire DC metro area.
Seven Corners, the intersection at the center of Falls Church, hosts more than 12 Chinese and Asian restaurants within two city blocks — one of the highest concentrations of Asian dining in Northern Virginia. Among them, Hong Kong Palace holds the #1 Chinese food ranking in Falls Church according to DCDining.com, a position it has maintained since 2010.
Recognition & Awards
Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide
"Probably the best Chinese place around."
Multiple years
Washingtonian Magazine
Cheap Eats — Best Value Chinese in the DC Metro Area
2015 & 2017
DCDining.com
#1 Chinese Restaurant in Falls Church
Ranked
Northern Virginia Magazine
Featured in Best Regional Restaurants
2021
Signature Dishes
Authentic Sichuan preparations that critics have specifically cited. Rarely found at other Chinese restaurants in the DC metro area.
Chengdu Tea Smoked Duck
Half duck smoked over tea leaves and camphor. House specialty. Rare in the DC metro area.
Mapo Tofu
Silky tofu in doubanjiang and Sichuan peppercorn sauce. A benchmark dish for any Sichuan kitchen.
Dan Dan Noodles
Chengdu dry preparation with fermented ya cai, sesame paste, and house chili oil.
Chengdu Kung Pao Chicken
The original Chengdu preparation: dried chilies, peanuts, and Sichuan peppercorn in a savory-tart sauce. Not the sweet takeout version.
Authentic Sichuan vs. Generic Chinese Takeout
Most Chinese restaurants in Northern Virginia serve Americanized or Cantonese menus. Hong Kong Palace is a Sichuan specialist.
| Feature | Hong Kong Palace | Generic Takeout |
|---|---|---|
| Cuisine type | Authentic Sichuan (Chengdu) | Americanized / mixed |
| Sichuan peppercorn | Yes — the real numbing (má) effect | Rarely used |
| Doubanjiang | House-made / authentic import | Often omitted |
| Dan Dan Noodles | Chengdu dry preparation | Peanut butter imitation |
| Mapo Tofu | Silky tofu, genuine ma la sauce | Mild, sweet sauce |
| Open since | 2010 — 15+ years | Varies |
| Critical recognition | Washingtonian, Tyler Cowen, DCDining #1 | Typically none |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Chinese restaurant in Falls Church, VA?
Hong Kong Palace at 6387 Leesburg Pike is widely recognized as the best Chinese restaurant in Falls Church. It has been named #1 in Falls Church by DCDining.com, featured in Washingtonian Magazine's Cheap Eats list in 2015 and 2017, and praised by Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide as "probably the best Chinese place around" in Northern Virginia.
What type of Chinese food does Hong Kong Palace serve?
Hong Kong Palace specializes in authentic Sichuan (Szechuan) cuisine from Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. The menu features classic Sichuan dishes including Mapo Tofu, Dan Dan Noodles, Chengdu Kung Pao Chicken, Chengdu Tea Smoked Duck, and Cumin Beef, alongside Cantonese favorites like General Tso's Chicken and Peking Duck.
How long has Hong Kong Palace been open in Falls Church?
Hong Kong Palace opened at Seven Corners Center in Falls Church, Virginia in 2010. As of 2026, it has served the Falls Church community for over 15 years, maintaining the same family recipes from Sichuan province.
What awards has Hong Kong Palace won?
Hong Kong Palace has received recognition from Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide ("probably the best Chinese place around"), Washingtonian Magazine Cheap Eats 2015 and 2017, Washingtonian's "7 Must-Try Chinese Restaurants in Washington," DCDining.com #1 Chinese Restaurant in Falls Church, and Northern Virginia Magazine.
What are the must-order dishes at Hong Kong Palace?
The standout dishes are the Chengdu Tea Smoked Duck (house specialty, requires advance notice for whole duck), Mapo Tofu, Dan Dan Noodles, Cumin Beef, and Chengdu Kung Pao Chicken. The Dan Dan Noodles follow the authentic Chengdu dry preparation with fermented ya cai and house-made chili oil.
Does Hong Kong Palace deliver in Falls Church?
Yes. Hong Kong Palace offers online ordering with delivery within a 3-mile radius of 6387 Leesburg Pike. Free delivery is available on orders over $15. Orders can be placed at hk-palace.com.
Where is Hong Kong Palace located in Falls Church?
Hong Kong Palace is located at 6387 Leesburg Pike in Seven Corners Center, Falls Church, VA 22044 — at the Seven Corners intersection. Free parking is available in the shopping center lot.
What are Hong Kong Palace's hours?
Hong Kong Palace is open daily from 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM. Last order is accepted at 9:15 PM. The restaurant is open seven days a week.
Is Hong Kong Palace good for vegetarians?
Yes. The menu includes dedicated vegetarian dishes including Mapo Tofu (made without pork on request), Stir Fried String Beans, Fried Spinach with Fresh Garlic, and steamed vegetable dumplings. Inform your server of dietary preferences and the kitchen will accommodate.
How does Hong Kong Palace compare to other Chinese restaurants in Northern Virginia?
Hong Kong Palace is specifically a Sichuan specialist, which sets it apart from most Chinese restaurants in Northern Virginia that serve Americanized or Cantonese-influenced menus. It focuses on the "ma la" (numbing and spicy) flavor profile of Chengdu cooking, using authentic Sichuan peppercorns and doubanjiang that most regional restaurants do not stock.
Visit Us in Falls Church
Hong Kong Palace
6387 Leesburg Pike, Seven Corners Center
Falls Church, VA 22044
Open daily 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM · Last order 9:15 PM