Dim Sum & Date Nights: Why Chef Tan is Our Newport Favorite 🥟✨

Dec 13, 2024
2 min read

Hi everyone! If you live in the Newport waterfront area, you know the struggle: there are a million options, but finding that one Chinese spot that hits the mark for both a family dinner and a "I'm too tired to cook" Friday night is a mission.

After a lot of "research" (read: eating my way through Washington Blvd), I’ve finally crowned a winner for our family. If you’re looking for the best Chinese food in Newport, you have to head to Chef Tan.

Located right on Washington Boulevard, Chef Tan isn't your average takeout joint. It’s a beautiful sit-down space that actually feels like a night out.

The Vibe: It’s sleek and modern, but still totally welcoming for kids. They even have a live pianist sometimes! It’s the perfect spot when you want to feel like a "real person" again without needing a babysitter.

The Food: They specialize in authentic Szechuan and Hunan cuisine. If you like heat, this is your paradise. But don't worry—they have plenty of milder, kid-friendly options too.

The Service: The staff is incredibly attentive, which, let’s be honest, is a lifesaver when you’re dining with a hungry toddler. Some of the staff have worked here since my 4-year-old was an infant.

Our "Must-Order" List:

If it’s your first time, here is what usually ends up on our table:

Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao): A total crowd-pleaser. The kids love the "magic" of the soup inside.

Chongqing-Style Fried Chicken: Crispy, spicy, and utterly addictive. It’s a bit of a kick, so keep the water refills coming! Non-spicy option is also available for our kiddo.

Dan Dan Noodles: The perfect balance of savory and numbing spice.

Beef with Broccoli: For the picky eaters—it’s classic, high-quality, and never greasy
Chef Tan Style Fried Rice: This is the "everything" rice. It’s their signature and usually comes loaded with a mix of proteins and that perfect wok-hei (the "breath of the wok") flavor. It’s savory, not too oily, and usually the big hit at the table.

Is it kid-approved?

Yes. One of the reasons I love this spot for a family dinner is that while my husband and I are numbing our mouths with Szechuan peppercorns, the kids are perfectly happy with a big bowl of the Chicken or Shrimp Fried Rice. The portions are generous enough that we usually have leftovers for lunch the next day!

Mom Tips:

If you’re dining at Chef Tan on a weekend, make a reservation. The lobby can get crowded. Also, if you’re doing takeout, I recommend ordering directly through their website rather than the big apps—it usually arrives faster and hotter!