There’s something undeniably comforting about Chinese food during the holidays. Maybe it’s the steam rising from a fresh bowl of noodles on a cold night, or the ease of skipping cooking for takeout, but for many families in America, it has become a real tradition.
This tradition goes back more than a century, especially in New York City’s Lower East Side, where Jewish and Chinese immigrant communities lived close to each other.
Chinese restaurants were open on Christmas when most others were closed, and their menus didn’t mix meat and dairy, which made them easier for many Jewish diners to enjoy while navigating kosher practices. Over the years, what began as a practical option gradually became a cherished holiday ritual, even showing up in pop culture moments like the Christmas dinner scene in A Christmas Story.
Today, the appeal is universal. After a season of rich meals and busy schedules, Chinese cuisine offers something warm, comforting, and wonderfully low-stress. Whether you are picking up takeout after a movie, grabbing dinner post-shopping, or avoiding dishes altogether, Chinese food just fits the holiday mood.
Here in Utah Valley, some spots stay open through the season and others take a winter break, but all of them are worth visiting this time of year. Here are five places serving Chinese cuisine that bring comfort, flavor, and a little extra joy to the holidays.
5. Yu Kitchen
Location: 463 E Main St, Santaquin, UT 84655
Yu Kitchen is one of those unexpected gems that makes you wonder how long locals have been keeping it to themselves. All the way down in Santaquin, it serves comforting Chinese classics with a homemade touch that feels perfect for the holiday season.
I ordered Kung Pao Chicken and Sesame Chicken, both with ham fried rice, an eggroll, and a cream cheese wonton. The Kung Pao had crunchy water chestnuts and a savory sauce that hit all the right notes. But the real standout came as a surprise when a kind staff member brought out an extra entrée for us to try.
It was their Orange Chicken, and now I see why they insisted. Orange chicken is usually my go-to, but this one was on a whole different level. Crispy, bright, tangy, and perfectly balanced. Panda Express could never.
Finding a spot this good in the southernmost stretch of Utah County felt like stumbling upon a little holiday gift. Santaquin is definitely not missing out.
4. Teri Gao Asian Café
Location: 62 West Cougar Blvd #104, Provo, UT 84604
Teri Gao Asian Café is one of those places you don’t realize you’ve been missing until you finally walk through the door. It’s a newer spot in Provo, but it already feels like a neighborhood favorite thanks to its generous portions, cozy atmosphere, and incredibly friendly staff.
I ordered the Teriyaki Chicken, Mongolian Beef, and General Tso’s Chicken, all served with fried rice. The teriyaki quickly became my favorite, and the Mongolian Beef was a close second. Honestly, it might be the best one I’ve had in Utah County. Everything tasted fresh and thoughtfully prepared.
I also tried the cheese wontons and ended with a mochi cinnamon sugar donut that was warm, light, and just sweet enough to feel like a holiday treat.
And with its location right by BYU campus, I couldn’t help but think that if I were still a college student, this would be my go-to spot for late-night study fuel. Between the flavors, the portions, and the kindness of the staff, Teri Gao is absolutely worth adding to your winter dining list.
3. Tai Lai Shun 泰来顺
Location: Midtown 360, 360 S State St STE 151, Orem, UT 84058
I had no idea Tai Lai Shun existed until recently, and now I’m kicking myself for not finding it sooner. Located inside Midtown 360, this spot leans more authentic than most Chinese restaurants in the valley, and you can just tell these recipes have been passed down for generations.
We started with pot stickers, and they were amazing. They were perfectly crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor.
Then we ordered the Braised Beef Noodle Soup, made with house-made noodles and served in a rich, savory broth with fresh vegetables like baby bok choy, Napa cabbage, or broccoli depending on availability. It was outstanding. Warm, soothing, and layered with flavors that felt familiar even though they were new to me, like a home I have never been to but instantly recognized.
We also tried the Dan Dan Pork Noodles, topped with seasoned minced pork, vegetables, crushed peanuts, and a sesame chili sauce. Once you mix it all together, it becomes this perfect balance of heat, richness, and texture. We rounded out the meal with pork fried rice, which paired beautifully with everything on the table.
The authenticity here is truly impressive, and I am still thinking about that braised beef noodle soup. It was that memorable.
2. Wok The Line
Location: 1865 S Pleasant Grove Blvd Suite E, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062
If you’re looking for something customizable, fresh, and a little lighter after weeks of holiday feasting, Wok the Line is the perfect stop. It’s fast-casual, but with real flavor and care behind every bowl. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure version of Chinese-American cooking, built right in front of you.
While they offer some great house originals, I let the wok master make me something of his own creation, and it did not disappoint. My bowl started with imported yakisoba-style noodles, then chicken breast, large shrimp, and a generous mix of broccoli, onion, baby corn, zucchini, and bell peppers. Everything was tossed in their Garlic Chili Sauce, made with fresh garlic chili paste, mushroom soy, wok-roasted peanuts, and thinly sliced scallions. Every bite was flavorful, balanced, and just spicy enough to warm you up on a cold December night.
They have a whole lineup of original sauces, too. I sampled their Japanese-style curry, sweetened with apples and paired with pickled daikon, and it was delicious. They even have a sweeter Utah Sauce, which feels fitting considering our state’s well-known sweet tooth.
And yes, their cream cheese wontons are fantastic.
I walked out completely obsessed. Wok the Line is the kind of place you visit once and immediately start planning your next bowl.
1. Saigon Café
When I think of classic Chinese food during the holidays, the kind you pick up after a long day of celebrations or enjoy on a chilly winter night, I think of places like Saigon Café. No frills, no fuss, just consistently delicious food that hits the spot every single time.
Even though the name leans Vietnamese, their Chinese dishes are what keep people coming back. I ordered Ham Fried Rice, which was exactly the kind of warm, savory meal I crave this time of year. We also tried Broccoli with Beef, Orange Chicken, and the Beef Flat Noodle, which ended up being my favorite. It was rich, flavorful, and one of those dishes you hope stays on the menu forever.
While we dined in, groups of people stopped by throughout the evening to grab takeout bags on their way home. Even on a regular weeknight, the space had that cozy, communal energy that feels especially fitting during the holiday season.
You will want to check their hours before planning a holiday visit, but whether you're craving something comforting after a long week or continuing your own winter traditions, Saigon Café is a spot that never disappoints. Familiar, satisfying, and absolutely worth the visit.
Chinese food has woven itself into American holiday traditions for more than a century, and Utah Valley carries that tradition with its own lineup of warm, flavorful, and welcoming spots. The hospitality at each of these restaurants also stands out, making every visit feel inviting, especially during the busy holiday season. Just be sure to check each restaurant’s holiday hours, since not all of them stay open on Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve.
Regardless of their individual schedules, every place on this list deserves a visit this season. Whether you are grabbing takeout after a long day of gift shopping, sharing dishes with loved ones, or keeping your own Christmas tradition alive, these restaurants prove that Chinese cuisine and the holidays make a perfect pairing.
