Nothing beats kvetching about holiday commercialism over a plate of orange chicken and fried rice. To honor this grand Jewish tradition--and give other families that accidentally scorch the holiday ham beyond recognition a place to go--we've compiled a helpful list of local Chinese food restaurants that will welcome Jews and gentiles alike on Christmas Day.
Make sure you call first to ask for reservations, because some of these places will book solid Christmas Day. You can also ask whether they'll have a holiday favorite on hand: Peking duck. If it's your first time with this Chinese classic, check out "Peking Duck a.k.a. That Duck from "A Christmas Story'" for a how-to guide to tucking into a pile of crispy duck bits.
Where to dine on Christmas Day? Get the scoop (of fried rice) after the jump.
Tottie's Asian Fusion at 7901 E Thomas Rd in Scottsdale is known for their Tottie Rolls, crisp pork-filled egg rolls wrapped in romaine lettuce. In addition to the standard sweet and sour pork or garlic chicken, Tottie's also offers Vietnamese and Thai dishes from 11 am to 9:00 pm on Christmas Day.
Flo's Chinese Cuisine at 15027 N Thompson Peak Pkwy in Scottsdale is open for dinner from 4 to 9 pm on Christmas Day. Snag some Schezwan mapo tofu or spicy cinnamon shrimp and feast!
Jade Palace at 23623 N Scottsdale Rd or 9160 E Shea Blvd in Scottsdale are long-standing favorites for Christmas dinner from 11 am to 10 pm. Call for reservations if you want to stuff yourself with egg rolls and cashew chicken, because this place will be booked solid come Christmas Day.
China Chili will be open Christmas Day with full menu, from 11 am to 9 pm. Head to 302 E Flower St in Phoenix. Tuck into some delicious garlic chili eggplant or peppery Yu Shiang pork with a cup of hot tea.
Autumn Court's classic digs at 3752 E Indian School Rd in Phoenix are sure to fill up fast on the holidays. Open from 11 am to 10 pm on Christmas Day with plenty of sushi and Chinese food favorites.
Lychee Inn at 1138 E Baseline Rd in Tempe will be open from noon to 9 pm. Specialties include spicy house chicken, sizzling rice dishes and a fried banana dessert.
China Magic Noodle House in Chandler is like catching dinner and a show. Watch them pull your noodles by hand before turning them into a delightful dish. Open from 11 am to 9:30 pm at 2015 N Dobson Rd.
C-Fu Gourmet across the street from China Magic Noodle House serves a wider array of dishes, and will even be open for dim sum on Christmas Day. From 10:30 am to 9:30 pm, get your C-Fu favorites. Located at 2051 W Warner Rd in Chandler.
China Grill in Peoria will be open to satisfy West Valley residents' need for Szechwan shrimp and egg drop soup. Located at 7518 W Thunderbird Rd and open from 11:30 am to 9 pm.
China Chan at 10227 N Metro Pkwy in Phoenix will be open 9:30 am to 3 pm on Christmas Day, serving dim sum. So West Phoenix and Glendale residents may not get the full dinner, but they can get pork buns and small plates galore.
