No. 1 China Restaurant in Columbia — Cantonese Dim Sum and Roasted Meats

What No. 1 China Restaurant serves and where to find it

No. 1 China Restaurant is a Cantonese spot in Columbia that specializes in dim sum, roasted meats, and traditional Hong Kong–style dishes. The restaurant sits on Devine Street in the Five Points neighborhood, a walkable area with other restaurants, shops, and galleries nearby. You can eat in the dining room or order to take out.

The kitchen focuses on the roasted items you'd find in a Hong Kong restaurant — whole roasted duck, roasted pork belly, and roasted chicken — served with rice or noodles. The dim sum menu changes daily and includes steamed dumplings, baked buns, and fried items rolled out on carts during service hours. If you're new to dim sum, the staff can point you toward the most popular choices or explain what's in each basket.

The space is casual and straightforward, designed for quick meals and family groups. Parking is available on the street or in nearby lots. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours vary by season, so calling ahead is worth doing if you're making a special trip.

Key Takeaways

• No. 1 China Restaurant serves Cantonese dim sum and roasted meats in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood on Devine Street.
• The roasted duck, pork belly, and chicken are signature items, typically served with rice or noodles and soy-based sauces.
• Dim sum is available during lunch and early dinner hours, with selections changing daily based on what the kitchen prepares.
• The restaurant welcomes walk-ins and takes phone orders for takeout, making it convenient for a quick meal or family dinner.

Roasted meats and how to order them

The roasted meats are the draw here. Whole roasted duck comes split and ready to eat, with crispy skin and meat that pulls easily from the bone. You can order a half duck or a whole one, and it arrives with a small container of sauce — usually a soy-based dipping sauce or a slightly sweet plum sauce. Roasted pork belly is fattier and richer, with layers of skin, fat, and meat that caramelize in the oven. Roasted chicken is leaner and milder, good if you want something less heavy.

All three come with your choice of steamed white rice, fried rice, or noodles. Ask for extra sauce on the side if you like it — the kitchen will send it without being asked twice. These dishes are meant for sharing, so they work well for groups or for taking home as leftovers.

If you're ordering by phone for takeout, tell them which meat you want, how many people you're feeding, and what starch you prefer. They'll pack it in containers that travel well, and the meat stays warm for the drive home if you're nearby.

Dim sum service and what to expect

Dim sum at No. 1 China is served during lunch hours and into early evening. The kitchen prepares a rotating menu of items — steamed pork and shrimp dumplings, steamed chicken feet, baked char siu buns, fried spring rolls, and others — and they come out on carts or are brought to your table when you order. If you see something you want, point or nod, and the server will leave a basket on your table and mark your check.

Prices are per basket, and baskets are small — usually three to four pieces — so you order several different kinds to build a meal. A typical dim sum lunch for two people might include four to six baskets plus tea, and the bill stays modest. Tea comes automatically at most tables; you can ask for jasmine, oolong, or another variety if you have a preference.

If you've never done dim sum before, it's okay to ask the server what's in each basket or to request recommendations. The staff is used to explaining the dishes, and there's no pressure to order everything at once. You can start with a few baskets, see what you like, and order more as you go.

Parking and neighborhood context

No. 1 China sits on Devine Street in Five Points, a neighborhood known for independent shops, galleries, and restaurants within walking distance of each other. Street parking is usually available along Devine, and there are small lots nearby if street spots are full. The area is pedestrian-friendly, so if you arrive early or have time to kill, you can browse the shops or grab coffee at another spot while you wait for your table.

The neighborhood has a mix of cuisines and price points, so Five Points is worth exploring if you're in the area. No. 1 China fits into that casual, neighborhood-restaurant vibe — not fancy, not a chain, just a place that does one thing well and has been doing it for years.

Hours, phone orders, and what to bring

The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, but hours shift with the season and sometimes close for holidays. Calling ahead to confirm they're open is a good idea, especially if you're planning a special meal or coming from across town. They take phone orders for takeout, and you can usually pick up within 20 to 30 minutes if you call ahead.

No reservation system is in place, so it's first-come, first-served during peak times. Lunch hours — roughly 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays — tend to be busier than dinner. If you want to avoid a wait, going early or calling to ask about current traffic is worth doing.

The restaurant accepts cash and card. Bring cash if you prefer it, but cards are fine too. Takeout containers are sturdy, and the staff packs everything carefully so it travels well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation to eat at No. 1 China?

No. The restaurant is first-come, first-served. During lunch hours on weekdays, there can be a wait, so calling ahead to ask how busy they are is helpful. For takeout, calling ahead to place your order means you can pick it up quickly without waiting.

What's the difference between the roasted duck and roasted chicken?

Roasted duck has richer, darker meat and crispy skin with more fat, making it more flavorful and heavier. Roasted chicken is leaner, milder, and lighter. Both come with sauce for dipping. If you're unsure which to try, ask the staff — they can tell you which is more popular or suggest splitting an order.

Can I order dim sum for takeout?

Yes, though dim sum travels better than roasted meats because it's smaller and easier to pack. Call ahead to see what's available that day, place your order, and pick it up within 20 to 30 minutes. The containers keep everything warm for a short drive.

Is there vegetarian dim sum?

The menu changes daily, so vegetarian options vary. Some days there are steamed vegetable dumplings or baked buns with vegetarian fillings. Call ahead to ask what's available on the day you plan to visit, or ask the server when you arrive — they can tell you which baskets are meat-free.

What should I order if I've never had Cantonese food before?

Start with roasted duck or pork belly with rice — both are approachable and show what the kitchen does well. For dim sum, try steamed pork and shrimp dumplings and a baked char siu bun. Ask the staff for their top picks, and don't hesitate to ask what's in anything before you order it.