Chicago, a city renowned for its deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, also boasts a vibrant and surprisingly diverse wonton scene. From classic pork wontons to innovative vegetarian options, Chicago's restaurants offer a delicious exploration of this popular dumpling. This guide dives into the best 19 wonton spots across the city, highlighting their unique offerings and what makes each location special. Finding the perfect wonton is subjective, but this list provides a fantastic starting point for your culinary adventure.
Where to Find the Best Wontons in Chicago: A Neighborhood Guide
This section breaks down the top wonton spots by neighborhood, making it easy to plan your wonton crawl based on your location or preferred atmosphere. Remember, the best wonton is the one you enjoy the most!
Chinatown's Wonton Wonders
Chinatown is, unsurprisingly, a haven for exceptional wontons. The density of authentic Chinese restaurants here guarantees a vast selection.
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Lao Sze Chuan: Known for its spicy Sichuan cuisine, Lao Sze Chuan also serves excellent pork wontons, often included in larger combination dishes. Their wontons are characterized by a thin, delicate wrapper and a flavorful, savory filling. Many consider their wonton soup a must-try.
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Won Kow: A Chinatown staple, Won Kow offers a classic wonton experience. Their wontons are consistently good, providing a reliable and satisfying option for those seeking traditional flavors. They're particularly known for their shrimp and pork wonton combination plates.
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Phoenix Restaurant: While not exclusively focused on wontons, Phoenix Restaurant serves up a mean bowl of wonton soup as part of their larger menu of Cantonese dishes. Their soup is frequently praised for its rich broth and generous portion of wontons.
Beyond Chinatown: Hidden Wonton Gems
While Chinatown offers a concentration of excellent wonton options, delicious wontons can be found throughout the city.
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Pequod's Pizza: Known for its deep-dish pizza, Pequod's also offers surprisingly delicious wontons as a side dish. These are a fun departure from their main offerings.
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Triple Crown Restaurant: In the suburbs, but worth the trip for many, Triple Crown offers high quality, well-executed wontons. Their menu highlights regional Chinese dishes, featuring wontons in multiple dishes.
Exploring Different Styles of Wontons in Chicago
Chicago's wonton scene is not just about quantity but also variety. Different restaurants emphasize different styles and preparations:
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Steamed Wontons: These offer a soft, delicate texture, showcasing the flavor of the filling. Many places serve them with a dipping sauce.
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Fried Wontons: A crispy, golden-brown exterior contrasts with the juicy interior. These are often served as appetizers.
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Wontons in Soup: This classic preparation emphasizes a flavorful broth, allowing the wontons to absorb the soup's taste. Look for variations like wonton noodle soup.
Tips for Your Wonton Adventure
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Explore Different Neighborhoods: Don't limit yourself to Chinatown. Explore diverse neighborhoods to discover hidden wonton gems.
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Check Reviews: Online reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality and taste of different restaurants' wontons.
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Consider the Entire Menu: Many restaurants featuring wontons are known for their broader menus. Explore and enjoy the full culinary experience!
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Go with a Friend (or Group): Share dishes and try a wider variety of wontons!
Conclusion: Your Chicago Wonton Journey Awaits
This guide provides a starting point for your Chicago wonton exploration. With so many fantastic options available, discovering your personal favorite wonton is part of the fun! Remember to venture beyond the popular spots and explore the city’s hidden culinary gems, and happy eating!
