+1 202-570-0946
Chang Chang is a standout Chinese restaurant nestled in the heart of Washington, DC, offering an exquisite journey through authentic regional flavors, masterfully crafted by Chef Peter Chang. Located at 1200 19th St NW ste 110, this culinary gem beckons both longtime lovers of Chinese cuisine and adventurous newcomers alike.
The menu is a vibrant showcase of bold spices and delicate balances, with each dish revealing layers of tradition and innovation. Highlights include the Dry Fried Cumin Fish, a tantalizing dish where crispy, fragrant fish is infused with piquant cumin and fresh cilantro, delivering a compelling mix of textures and aromas. The Beef Chow Fun boasts perfectly stir-fried wide rice noodles enveloped in savory sauces, while the Shanghai Pork Soup Dumplings offer an indulgent burst of flavorful broth and tender meat with every bite—these delicacies alone are worth the visit.
For those enticed by bold and spicy flavors, the Mala Crispy Pork Belly delivers an irresistible crunch coated in a dry, umami-rich spice mix known as "Furu." Equally captivating is the Chopped Chili Fish with Tofu and the fiery Three Pepper Beef, ideal for spice enthusiasts looking to savor authentic heat. Vegetarians will find delightful options too, such as the refreshing Dry Fried Cauliflower and the Wuhan Sesame Noodles, a signature favorite from Chef Peter’s hometown, tossed lovingly with Chinese pickles to awaken the palate.
Diners are also treated to a refined array of hot appetizers, from the robust and hearty Hot & Sour Soup to the delicately spiced Chili Wontons filled with shrimp and pork, beckoning those who crave an appetizer that’s both zesty and comforting. The sweet finishes are equally memorable, with desserts like the subtly smoky Hojicha Cake Slice and the tangy, tropical Passionfruit Pie providing a perfect conclusion to the meal.
The atmosphere at Chang Chang perfectly balances energetic sophistication with welcoming warmth, making it an ideal spot for both intimate dining and lively group gatherings. Reviewers consistently praise the attentive and knowledgeable service that enhances the culinary experience, with a special nod to staff who guide guests expertly through the extensive menu offerings.
From pescatarians like S. Jones, who raved about the steamed shrimp dumplings and the thoughtfully curated menu options, to groups that have delighted in the all-you-can-eat dim sum brunch celebrated by Sterls Bacot-Bennett, customer experiences unanimously reflect a restaurant committed to authenticity and quality. Ethan W, who holds a discerning palate for Chinese cuisine, affirms that Chang Chang delivers genuinely authentic dishes with exceptional service. Meanwhile, diners like David Nagel-Nunez appreciate not only the rich flavors but also the welcoming atmosphere and unique offerings such as the vibrant bubble pancake and jade tofu duck soup.
Whether you are drawn by the intricate layers of regional Chinese cuisine or the warm, vibrant energy of the dining room, Chang Chang is a must-visit destination in DC. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially to ensure you don’t miss out on their standout dishes and immersive dining experience. Prepare for a memorable meal where each bite tells a story, and every dish delights the senses.
Honestly deserves 4.5 but since we can't give half stars here it is. Food was absolutely delicious especially for someone who is a pescatarian. Plenty of options although would be careful with the traditional choices as the tofu wrapped items are stuffed with meat! My favorite was the steamed shrimp dumplings! Highly recommend reservations!
What an incredible All-You-Can-Eat dim sum brunch experience! We were a party of 10, which allowed us to sample a large amount of the menu—and it was all fantastic. A special shout-out to Scott, our "Dim Sum Master," whose service was truly on point. He guided us through the two sided menu and ordered for our large group, ensuring we hit all the highlights. Scott anticipated our every need, constantly refilling our ridiculously small water glasses and adding hot water to our teapots. We managed to try the following classics and unique dishes: Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings, Wontons, Soup Dumplings, Flounder Roll, Spring Rolls, Duck Rolls, Tofu Skin Pockets, Black Bean Pork Riblets, Lazi Chicken, Red Braised Pork Belly, Pork with Garlic Sauce, Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs, Beef Chow Fun, Beef with Green Peppers, Bamboo Fish, Truffle Pastry, Duck Buns, Bubble Pancake, Green Beans, Shrimp Fried Rice, Sesame Noodles, Dan Dan Noodles, Red Bean & Pumpkin Fritters and Charcoal Lava Buns. There were so many more items on the menu, but we simply didn't have room! We also enjoyed sampling several of the Asian-inspired cocktails, which complemented the meal. We highly recommend trying the Ashes of Time, Modern Live, Grandmaster, Pink Negroni, Hundred Secret Senses, Beijing Old Fashioned, and the Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. The dining room itself is nice featuring individual booths and several larger tables for groups. There is also an expansive bar with plenty of seating. The music was upbeat and just the right volume. The only negative was that the floor in the men’s room was dangerously slippery.
As someone who is Chinese and holds high standards for authentic cuisine, I can confidently say this place delivers deliciously authentic Chinese food. I’ve visited several Peter Chang restaurants, but I assessed this one on its own merits. For our table of three, we ordered quite a bit because the dishes were genuinely delicious. Most impressive was the outstanding service. Although the restaurant wasn’t packed, the staff were incredibly attentive, and each dish we ordered arrived within five minutes or less. My favorites were the cold lotus root dish and the egg and tomato dish, which was truly authentic, delicious, vegetarian, and not spicy. The crispy beef, seafood fried rice, and Dan Dan noodles were particularly fantastic. The crispy cumin fish, three-spice chicken, and cumin beef were very good too, making for an overall excellent dining experience.
We enjoyed this place overall! I would give it a 4.5 star rating. Food was mostly good, service was a little slow (but food came out quickly), and atmosphere was nice. I got a few of the small plates, and here were my thoughts: - Pork dumplings - delicious, and probably the best dish - Bubble pancake - very good and unique! Picturesque! - Jade tofu and duck soup - great portion and value, although I think I was lacking some flavor. - Wagyu lo mein - it was good overall and a great portion; not 5 stars, but maybe 4 or so. Overall, we enjoyed this place but it wasn't perfect. We'd come back, and I like trying a lot of the small dishes!
The brunch is a great value. Very good dishes with a lot of options. The service wasn't great, but we got all of our food in reasonable time. I particularly recommend the soup dumplings.