Empire Chinese Kitchen

The food here is well prepared, very tasty, and made with fresh ingredients. The menu is not deep, but there is a lot of fun items to choose from. Try the dumplings, they are excellent.

Great food, family friendly and excellent staff. I had been craving dim sum, specifically the har gow (shrimp dumplings) and was overjoyed to find this place during our winter trip to Portland. My family loved loved the brioche bbq pork buns and shrimp dumplings. My Mom is a picky Asian lady who criticizes any Asian food she didn’t make herself and it was a rarity that she didn’t complain. She ordered the beef ramen and ate every bit of it. My husband was happy they had Maine Beer (Peeper) available and my older kids enjoyed Maine Root Beer. We will definitely be back next time we are in Portland in the summer.

Two days before Christmas, my wife and I were out shopping in Portland for the last gifts for the holiday. It was late afternoon (4ish) and we Unilocaled what restaurants were open — not many since it was the witching hour between lunch and dinner service. Luckily, Empire Chinese was open so we hiked on over from the waterfront.
Boy, that was a good decision. Though the restaurant is a bit run down looking, the service and food were excellent. We had a delicious meal that included dumplings and veggie options for the wife. By the time we left, around 5:30, the place was packed with a wait so lucky us for getting there early. Definitely would go back for another visit as I’d want to try out more menu options.

Update: we had an amazing meal here. My new upscale Chinese restaurant. We tried new dishes and some old and loved them all. Kun pao chicken, duck buns, walnut shrimp, fried rice and a noodle dish with cabbage. Service is weird but good. Food comes out at different times. We waited for our rice dish and it came 15 minutes after everything else… My only reason for not giving 5 stars.

I know a thing or two about dumplings. My sister used to drag me through the Combat Zone for my first Dim Sum lunches in Boston’s Chinatown. Man that opened my eyes! The only thing better than Dim Sum pork buns, at least to my 5-year-old’s palette, was the Japanese Hibachi performance at Bisuteki over the river in Cambridge. So the bar was very high indeed for me, and I actually was reluctant to go, but that is what my girls wanted for lunch. Why not sushi, I said, let’s go to Honey Paw, too spicy they said. So Empire it was: The place was packed, the vibe was Boxing Day festive, Christmas is over so we can finally relax, and we could just hang out at the bar facing out onto Congress St. and watch the Portland hoi polloi stroll on by.
I have to say that the lobster dumplings were very cool indeed. The soup dumplings were even cooler, what fun!! The others, eh, they were OK, kinda pricy, and in the end I would rather jot down to Beantown and go for real Dim Sum. But my kids were entranced, they have been loving the dumplings ever since Kung Fu Panda came out!

Holy Brioche Buns! I come here at least once a month and it never disappoints. I’m a creature of habit so it takes a lot to persuade me to order something new once I’ve decided on a trusty standby. Not tonight! Enter the brioche buns. These bad boys are soft, toasty, fluffy, sweet buns stuffed with the salty, saucy bbq pork that is a staple in Asian cuisine. They come in pairs and are a little on the small side but leave you wanting more. So much more! They run at $ 6 a pair. My go to order is the salted cod chicken fried rice. Absolutely amazing! The flavoring of the sweet Chinese sausage mixed with the salty crispy fish is to die for. A plate will set you back $ 15. It’s a premium but it’s the only place in Portland where you can find this traditional Cantonese dish. I usually sit at the bar and the service is spot on every time. If you’re looking for regular greasy, salty, bland Chinese takeout, go elsewhere. But, if you’re in the mood for something different, fresh and flavorful, check this place out. You will not leave hungry or disappointed.

Dear Empire,
I’m not sure how, why, or when, but you are AMAZING. I’ll be more specific… How do you have such amazing dumplings? Lobster rangoons? Yes, please. Why did I just discover how wonderful you are? Great cocktail selection with local brews on tap? Yes, please. When are you not busy so I can make another reservation? They do only reserve half of the restaurant, which is nice! Empire is great if you’re looking for a place to share «small» plates. By small plates, I mean generously portioned deliciousness. If you don’t like sharing, this place probably isn’t for you. They do offer take out though!
Highlights from the menu:
–lobster rangoons (so good, had to write them twice)
–bacon fried rice (yes, you read that right)
–pork buns
–kung pao chicken
–pork dumplings
–bok choy
They bring plates out as they’re done and the staff is pretty quick! I recommend ordering all at once.

Look out Bao Bao, as much as we love you… and we do!
I think we have a new favorite Asian restaurant in Portland!!!
My girl and I went to Empire yesterday, and the place was hopping, especially for a Monday. We were able to get seats at the bar, full menu available so it was all good. (We tend to like sitting at the bar anyway).
The food was so damn good I did not get notice or look for that matter at the rest of the restaurant, as I usually make an effort to do. They have a great menu… appetizers, a dim sum section (dumplings) and small plates, and even a large plates section. We like the small plate «thing», and enjoy sharing and sampling many items, while talking and enjoying each others company.
Started with pan fried dumplings… AWESOME! Followed closely by Lamb and Curry Bao… round, soft, dumpling like filled with lamb and curry goodness! Then came the «Empire Egg roll»…the best egg roll I have ever had! Corned beef, cabbage and asparagus! Where has that been my whole life. Then the chicken skewers, don’t remember the actual name… just damn good is what I call them.
So needless to say, we will be back, soon and often. highly recommend you do the same.
(Sorry no pics, too busy savoring)

Some of the better Chinese style food I have had. New take on the egg roll with pastrami was divine and shouldn’t be miss. The hot and sour soup was very flavorful with a great variety of texture and spice. Their brioche filled with pork and shu Mai dumplings were also very good. My favorite was the kind server suggesting a tea pot with bourbon for an under the weather coworker. There were other foods in the table that worked well. If a American-​Chinese food experience is what you are looking for, the Portland restaurant should disappoint.

Heaven is all I can say! I’ve been about 4 times and cannot wait to go back. I’m going to list everything I’ve tried: Honey Walnut Shrimp, a MUST try, simply amazing. Peking Duck Buns, pillowy buns of goodness! Ginger Fried Rice, OMG, the ginger sings in this dish, it’s decadent. Lobster Rangoon, you cannot go and not try these, fresh, delicious, crunchy amazingness! Brioche Buns, just more heaven, I don’t know what else to say. If you have not experienced Empire Kitchen you must go.

Seriously good Cantonese dim sum in an upmarket setting. All of our dishes were outstanding. The hargow and lobster dumplings were perfectly cooked and fresh. The siumai were great, and the Peking Duck bao reminded me that sometimes duck can be a good thing. The xiao long bao were great and the special (clams in broad noodle) rocked. The owners and chefs are from HK and it shows. If you like dim sum this is an excellent choice. I just wish we had something this good where I live!

After waffling back and forth over where to get dinner (someplace fancy, someplace fun, american food, southern food, blah blah blah) the bartender at our hotel suggested Empire Chinese Kitchen and I was able to convince my picky husband (!!! we were on our mini-​moon) that he would actually like something on the menu.
Cut to his scared face when he saw the menu and General Tsao’s wasn’t on there. –_​– I asked him to trust me, and so we ordered:
Chinatown Roast Pork: Any BBQ lover will love this, it’s sticky and dark and sweet and comes with a bowl of rice. It was very hot (temperature) and it was delicious scooped up with the rice.
Empire Egg Roll: Pastrami, asparagus, cabbage… not sure I tasted the asparagus but this is an egg roll to put all egg roll’s to shame. Slice diagonally and outrageously crispy, it comes with a honey mustard sauce that ties it all together.
Soup Dumplings: Picky husband tried his very first dumpling here (tear!). You take a little bite, let it cool, slurp out the insides (some broth and a ground meatball) and put a dash of vinegar on top. I could eat the whole basket (but had to share).
Spicy Pork Belly Buns: Quite spicy! This was my least favorite of the group but really was also 5 star as well. I probably didn’t like the heat, but all the ingredients were delicious and the bun super soft and thick. YUM.
Our amazing bartender (forgot his name, Eric? Tall dark and handsome.) offered us a slice of chocolate frangelico torte as we were celebrating our marriage, and it was a small slice that was PERFECT after stuffing ourselves with chinese food. It was like a piece of fudge, and very decadent and dark.
OH and I had a potent Oolong cocktail that tasted just like an iced tea. Very nice flavor, especially when paired with chinese food!
5 stars for food
5 stars for service
5 stars for being the best restaurant in Portland.
Walkable from our hotel right across from City Hall.

All I can say is yum! We have brought several friends here and we are all fans. Lobster lo mein is delicious and so well presented. Dumplings are also amazing. Our favorite are the coconut walnut shrimp. Can eat the whole plate by myself.

We stopped in here one evening because that place we had chosen for dinner was closed. It was AWESOME!!!
First came the Beef with Broad Noodle. The noodles were so fresh and the beef was so tender. The sauce was complex with the perfect amount of heat.
Then came out the Honey Walnut shrimp for my hubby and The Shanghai Soup Dumplings for me. My dumplings were by far the best I had ever had. The dough was perfect and the filling was sooo light and flavorful. I was super impressed at how perfect each one was. The hubby says the honey walnut shrimp were light and airy and very good.
We also shared the Char Siu Bao. The bun dough was gluteny and delicious like it should be. I think maybe they could increase the amount of filling though it was a little lite but good flavor.
The service was prompt and friendly. Nothing super special but it’s nice just to have a good solid server sometimes.

Empire is my comfort food establishment of choice. I’ve had nearly everything on the menu and have had very few items I have not enjoyed thoroughly.
My go-​to dishes?
–Hot and Sour soup (I’m not usually a fan, but here I will make an exception)
–Spring rolls (I know– so predictable but this is my comfort haven!)
–Peking duck buns
–Brioche buns w/​BBQ pork (my absolute favorite)
–Char Siu Bao (a lot like the Brioche bun but steamed)
To save time, I like any of their dumplings with piggy in them.
I also enjoy…
–Garlic Green Beans (I eat veggies sometimes– if they’re covered in garlic and spice)
— Bacon Fried RIce (back to the meats)
–Beef and Broad Noodles (last time they were a little greasy and flavorless, but I’ll just chalk it up to an off night… they’re usually scrumptious)
I’m not a huge fan of the cocktail situation, but I can usually find a pleasant glass of wine to accompany my meal and of course they have a few standard local beer options.
I am, however, a fan of the space. Maybe it’s the wood furnishings or all of the jade plants, but there’s something cozily appealing about Empire. On a cool, rainy day it’s a nice place to sit and have dim sum and a little pot of tea.
Ultimately, I am an Empire enthusiast. If it weren’t for the handful of times I’ve had less than stellar service, I would give it five stars.

Seriously, this is the best Chinese food in Portland, hands down.
Today I got the wonton soup. Perfectly balanced flavor and ratios of broth to wonton to baby bok choy. The BBQ pork was outstanding as usual… And we were there for their staff lunch, which was so awesome to see. It felt great knowing the staff were all coming out to eat together (3:00ish?) right in the dining room with patrons. I don’t know why, but I found it really endearing. Five millions stars!

We were craving Chinese, cause who doesn’t on the morning of 4^th of July?! We ordered the soupy dumplings (ok), lamb bao (which was actually quite good), steamed hoisin duck bun (eh) and some drinks. Overall, not bad. Traditional HK dim sum plated with an American twist. Great service.

First and foremost tip: disregard all other thoughts regarding reservations and just make them for Empire. This place is a bustling hipster honeypot, or so to proverbially speak, and there is so much going on at this fast paced eatery that it’s no fun to try to wait around for a table. You will be in the way. If you wait outside, the view is bleak. Nothing much happening out there on the concrete.
There is outdoor seating for 2 tables, literally… so, don’t come here hoping to enjoy a meal outside. However, you can enjoy a meal inside at the bar or at the high ledge area abutting the entry on the other side of the glass. The menus for food and drink are long and thin, so they lean well against the glass since your space is limited.
Second tip: as you await your food, have a drink. Really. The drink menu is innovative and fun, including cocktails and a couple mocktails, beer, sake and wine. The Shanghai Cowboy, Chinese Margharita and Dragon’s Milk are just a few tempting libations.
Really though, the drinks just help pass the time until your order comes to your table. As you wait for your food, you’ll see the staff bustling around with those traditional bamboo steamers and think: where’s mine? Well, it’s coming, and hopefully you ordered some beautiful rice-​wrapped steamed choices like soup dumplings, spinach dumplings (vegan and gluten-​free), chive mushroom dumplings (vegan and gluten-​free; lightly pan fried on the bottom — cool touch!), or har gow (shrimp). If not, maybe you delved into a unique selection of small plates like vegan choices of freshly sautéed baby bok choy, garlic green beans or spring rolls. Ah, but if you like lobster, you’re in luck for this Asian fusion bringing in lobster dumplings and lo mein. More veggies? Eggplant, rice noodles with kale and ginger fried rice — all can be made vegan and gluten-​free.
I was impressed with the options here, as they were all fresh, steaming/​piping hot and flavorful. There was a bit too much salt for me, but I’m picky. Just like traditional Chinese restaurants, no rice comes when you order small plates and/​or dim sum. So, recognize and be ready for that if you have a palate sensitive to salt.
Overall: this eatery delivers Asian fusion with friendly flair that glimmers with authenticity. There is something for everyone in your party. Everyone will be pleased… unless someone is a raw enthusiast… Delicious food and beverages that justify why people wait so long for this Portland gem of an eatery! If only the hours of operation were longer… Loved this food. Will be back for those chive mushroom dumplings and of course, I can never have enough baby boy choy.

Really enjoyed this spot! We were driving through Portland and wanted to stop by somewhere dog friendly. Empire has two small tables outside that allows dogs.
We ordered the wonton soup (with a delicious duck broth), green beans (really tender but a tad salty), beef & broad noodles (like chow fun but so much better because they use quality beef), lamb baos (the biggest letdown — it’s a curried lamb that doesn’t have a ton of flavor).
All in all it was a nice experience. The Yellow Fever cocktail was really sweet and lacking in alcohol though. Disappointed at that price point.

Actually not bad. Bf and I were in Portland for the evening and wanted to grab a quick dinner before we started a three-​hour drive back home. None of the usual Portland favorites really spoke to us that night so we decided to give the finest hipster Chinese that Portland has to offer a try and we weren’t disappointed.
We showed up around 6pm or so on a Sunday night and the place wasn’t very crowded. The place is pretty hipster ahah. You can tell in the menu typography, in the layout of the place… yet they somehow still manage to cook up some really authentic Cantonese dishes (prob because the kitchen staff is led by a Canto chef. That’s how you know it’s legit.)
Bf got the Shiso Crazy drink which was pretty good. We weren’t super hungry so we just got a few dishes – wonton soup, duck buns, green beans, shrimp dumplings, and beef chow fun. Good stuff.
Wonton soup was made out of duck soup which I loved. The wontons were also pretty good. Green beans were SO tender and delicious sauteed in garlic sauce. Duck buns were fine, but nothing amazing – ditto for shrimp dumplings. We figured those two options would be pretty safe choices that no place could mess up. The chow fun was not bad, but nothing amazing either. But it was pretty decent by Asian standards.
All in all, service was a little slow at times, but I was pretty pleased with the quality of food. You really wouldn’t expect it to be that legit given that it seems to Americanized and hipster, but it’s definitely really authentic. I’m from California and this is my stamp of Chinese food approval.
tldr; yummy authentic Chinese food in a hipster restaurant! drinks are pretty bomb too