The last time Hanukkah and Christmas aligned was 2005, and it won’t happen again until 2035. But one tradition that doesn’t require a rare alignment? Enjoying Chinese food on Christmas—it’s here to stay.
Chinese food has long been a staple for Jewish people on Christmas, born out of practicality and tradition.
“The Jews and Chinese were the two largest non-Christian immigrant communities in America,” said Jennifer 8. Lee, in a 2019 interview with The Forward. Lee, author of “The Fortune Cookie Chronicles: Adventures in the World of Chinese Food,” producer of the documentary “The Search for General Tso” and president of the literary studio Plympton, explained that Chinese restaurants didn’t follow the Christian calendar, making them the only dining spots open on Christmas.
The first documented “Jewish Christmas” appeared in English in a 1935 New York Times article. It mentioned a restaurant owner, Eng Shee Chuck, who delivered lo mein to the Jewish Children’s Home in Newark, New Jersey—an example of what Lee called a “Christmas mitzvah.”
This year, with the first night of Hanukkah falling on Christmas, the opportunity for blending traditions is here. Consider festive fusion dishes like latke spring rolls, General Tso’s brisket, or even a menorah made of sushi. Just maybe keep the gefilte fish away from the crab rangoon.
For those observing the tradition the classic way, St. Louis offers plenty of options. Below is a list of 20 Chinese restaurants open on Dec. 24 and Dec. 25. Whether it’s for tradition or simply excellent dumplings, the answer to “What’s for dinner?” is as clear as wonton soup: Esn gezunt.
Open on Christmas Day
China Bistro
14246 Manchester Rd Pan-Asia Manchester, MO 63011
(636) 220-3144
Try the: Beef Chow Fun
Chinese Buffet – Alton, IL
2610 Homer M Adams Pkwy, Alton, IL 62002
(618) 463-4163
Chinese Express (limited menu)
7022 Clayton Ave. St. Louis, 63117
(314) 781-8898
Try the: Hot Braised Chicken
China King
7848 Olive Blvd., 63130
(314) 725-6888
Try the: General Tso’s Chicken
Hunan Empress (Take-out only)
162 4 Seasons Shopping Ctr., Chesterfield, 63017
314-878-8828
Try the: Beef Pepper Steak Dinner Combo
Lu Lu Seafood & Dim Sum
8224 Olive Blvd. St Louis, 63132
(314) 997-3108
Try the: Shrimp and Chive Steamed Dumplings
Meyou
8162 Big Bend Blvd. Webster Groves, 63119
(314) 961-5999
Try the: Pad Thai
New China
3730 S Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, 63109
(314) 771-8880
Try the: Egg Drop Soup
St. Louis Kitchen
7325 Manchester Ave. Maplewood, 63143
(314) 339-5532
Try the: Black Pepper Chicken
Sesame Chinese Restaurant
10500 Watson Rd. St.Louis, 63127
(314) 821-5038
Try the: Mandarin BBQ beef ribs
Tiger Soup Dumplings (Des Peres)
13311 Manchester Rd, Des Peres, MO 63131
(314) 830-8886
Try the: Beef or Pork xiaolong bao
Vegas Wok
565 Melville Ave. St. Louis, 63130
(314) 296-3606
Try the: Beef Tomato Egg with rice
Wan Fu Chinese Restaurant (Take Out Only)
12033 Manchester Rd, Des Peres Shopping Center,63131-4416
314-821-7999
Try the: Almond Chicken Lunch
Wei Hong Bakery & Restaurant
3175 S. Grand Blvd., Saint Louis, 63118
(314) 773-8318
Try the: Beef Chow Fun
Wonton King St. Louis
8116 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, 63130
(314) 567-9997
Try the: Soy Sauce Beef Chow Fun
Yen Ching (Take Out Only)
1012 S. Brentwood Blvd., St. Louis, 63117
314-721-7507
Try the: Yen Ching Beef
Christmas Eve Only
Bo Fung
6810 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, 63116
(314) 353-8216
Try the: The Wonton Soup
Chilispot
7930 Olive Blvd, University City, 63130
(314) 925-8711
Try the: The wontons
Meyou
8162 Big Bend Blvd. Webster Groves, 63119
(314) 961-5999
Try the: The Drunken Noodles
| RELATED: St. Louisans’ strategies for the maximum Christmas Chinese food experience
