Chinese food means different things to different people. Whether it's knock-your-socks off spicy Schezwan, or comfort-food Cantonese, Milwaukee is no slouch when it comes to Far East cuisine.

Here's a list of some of our favorites, but with so many Chinese restaurants in the Milwaukee area, it's impossible to cover them all. If we've left out your favorite, add it below using the Talkback feature.

China Gourmet
117 E. Wells St., (414) 272-1688
Located in the former Downtown home of Tula's and Wells Street Station on the east bank of the Milwaukee River, China Gourmet is the king of Chinese buffets in metro Milwaukee. There's plenty of choices and almost all of it is very good. It makes a perfect lunch, but get there a little early for the best selection, the freshest food and the least amount of competition from other diners. Also open for dinner.

China Wok
2342 N. Farwell Ave., (414) 223-4550
Quick, fresh and cheap lunch for delivery or pickup on the East Side. Lunch specials for $5.50 include a big serving and and egg roll, too.

East Garden
3600 N. Oakland Ave., (414) 962-7460
A long-standing area favorite, East Garden is often the standard by which Milwaukeeans measure other area Chinese eateries. A maze-like interior makes for comfy booths and intimate corner tables. There's a fine lunch buffet and an extensive dinner menu.

Emperor of China
1010 E. Brady St., (414) 271-8889
A fabulous dining room and attentive service make Emperor a Milwaukee must. Even better, go there at lunch time and take advantage of their lengthy lunch menu at prices that can't be beat (from about $6). Lunches include fried rice, soup and tea.

Fortune Restaurant
2945 S. 108th St., West Allis (414) 328-9890
5512 S. 108th St., Hales Corners (414) 529-9988
Our Asian friends tell us that Fortune has the best Chinese food in the city. They have an English menu and a Chinese-English menu. And, they offer dishes that could be described as advenenturous. You'll love the crab rangoons, but when was the last time you had great jellyfish?

Jing's
207 E. Buffalo St., (414) 271-7788
Jing's Chinese Restaurant, recently joined the burst of new restaurants popping up all over the Third Ward. In the first floor of the Marshall building in a space that formerly housed Moondance Coffee, Jing's is sparsely decorated and has a bright, clean interior. It is open daily at 11:30 a.m. It offers carry out, delivery, catering and dine-in options.

Lotus
9011 S Howell Ave., (414) 768-8888
Always a solid stop for Chinese food, Lotus is now serving sushi, sashimi and other Japanese favorites. But, they haven't lost track of what made the place popular. The service is friendly and food quality is excellent.

No. 1 Chinese Restaurant
2678 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 482-2218
No. 1 Chinese does a better than average job at cranking out some popular appetizers and dishes, and they rightfully boast the fastest, best free delivery service anywhere in town. They offer affordable lunch ($4.25) and dinner ($6.95) specials, and family specials that feed up to six people for less than $10 a person.

Peony
11120 W. Bluemound Rd., (414) 443-6080
Situated near the Milwaukee County Zoo, this West Side restaurant is one of the few in the area that serve dim sum -- tapas-like small portions that combine to make a meal. There are more than 50 options on the restaurant's dim sum menu, which is available from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

San Fong
2901 S. Chicago Ave., South Milwaukee, (414) 571-6481
This unassuming storefront restaurant is run by the sweetest family you'll ever meet. Although the "dining room" leaves much to be desired, the food is wonderful, reasonably priced and perfect for taking away. The only sad part is that you'll then spend less time in the warm glow of the owners.

Yen Ching
7630 W. Good Hope Rd., (414) 353-6677
On the northwest side, Yen Ching has established itself as the Chinese restaurant of choice among Milwaukeeans, who are willing to drive out there from almost every corner of the city for its inexpensive lunch and delicious dinners.